Gavin Sheets remains out of lineup versus righty

It’s no surprise since Basallo hasn’t really looked like himself for a couple weeks. The 22-year-old former top prospect is out of the lineup for Monday’s game against the Mets with Carlos Narváez taking over behind the dish. It sounds like he’s going to play through the lingering issue for the final two weeks, but the Orioles don’t want to take any chances with one of their key young players.

Culpepper is out of the lineup for a second straight game after suffering a right shoulder contusion when he was hit by a pitch over the weekend. The positive news is that he was able to go through a full pregame workout without any issues and is available off the bench, if needed. The 23-year-old top prospect has hit a robust .283 (30-for-106) with three homers, 11 RBI and one steal in 30 games since ascending to the majors last month. It’ll be Ryan Kreidler getting the nod at shortstop on Monday night.

Larnach is slated to undergo an MRI, according to Aaron Gleeman of AaronGleeman.com. The 29-year-old corner outfielder seems like a strong bet to wind up on the injured list at this late juncture of the season. There should be additional clarity on his status later this week.

Ohtani figures to return to Los Angeles for the final week of the regular season after hitting the shelf with ongoing knee and biceps issues last week. However, there isn’t anything close to an official timeline coming from the organization at this juncture. It’ll be top prospect Josue De Paula continuing to handle DH in his absence. There should be a definitive return timetable for Ohtani at some point later this week after he ramps up a hitting progression.

Gervase fortifies Los Angeles’ bullpen heading into Monday’s series opener against the Reds. The 26-year-old righty has allowed two runs over 7 2/3 innings at the highest level this season.

It’s a tough break for fantasy managers hoping to see Sheehan take the ball against the Giants later this week. The 26-year-old righty posted five strikeouts over six scoreless frames in a no-decision against the Marlins on Sunday. He allowed just one run over 11 2/3 frames in a pair of starts after returning to the majors back on September 7. It appears that his rotation spot will be going to Roki Sasaki (blister) in a couple days. The Dodgers also have former Royals starter Kris Bubic joining their pitching equation later this week.

Weathers is working his way back from a flexor strain in his left forearm and will take a big step in his throwing progression this week. It seems unlikely he’ll make it back before the regular season concludes, but he should be an option at some point during the postseason, especially as a reliever.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters they’ll be watching Díaz’s performance closely to determine whether he can return as part of their postseason bullpen. The results simply haven’t been there for Los Angeles to pencil his name onto their playoff roster, but they’re going to give him a chance to earn a spot over the next two weeks.

It sounds like there’s a strong possibility Swanson will return for Friday’s series opener against the Reds. The 32-year-old veteran shortstop has been out with an oblique strain since mid-August. His impending return likely pushes rookie Pedro Ramírez back into a part-time role with Nico Hoerner shifting back to second base.

Judge finds himself in right field for the fifth time in seven games since returning from the injured list last week. The 34-year-old generational talent has predictably gotten off to a slow start at the dish after skipping a rehab assignment altogether following a three-month absence, hitting .176 (3-for-17) with zero extra-base hits and nine strikeouts through five games. It’s only a matter of time before Judge gets back on track. He’ll attempt to do so against Twins righty Dean Kremer at Target Field on Monday night.