Soroka returns to IL with inflamed shoulder

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Ohtani is trending towards starting against the Tigers on Sunday. There should be a definitive update on his status leading into the weekend but all signs point to the generational talent making his first start for Los Angeles since early July.

It’s a bit surprising that O’Neill hasn’t hit the injured list already, but there doesn’t seem to be a ton of urgency from the Orioles to make a decision here. The 31-year-old has been diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain in his right shoulder and appears likely to miss at least a couple weeks.

Rodríguez underwent a procedure to address a labrum tear and won’t be cleared to resume baseball activities until at least March, which means he’s going to miss time at the outset of next season. The 26-year-old was showing some really encouraging signs at the plate before hitting the injured list earlier this month. His absence opens the door for Rafael Flores to continue playing regularly between catcher and first base into next season.

Green added that Soto, who has expressed confidence that he’ll play again this season, remains without a definitive return timetable. He’s been on the injured list with a Grade 2 left calf strain since late July. All signs point to Soto being ready to return to New York’s lineup at some point in September, but he’s going to need a rehab assignment before that happens.

Baez is hitting .083 (3-for-36) with one homer, four RBI and two steals in 10 games since launching three homers in his sublime major-league debut earlier this month. He’s also struck out a whopping 16 times during that span. The 23-year-old projects as a streaky power hitter for fantasy purposes and he’s been mostly cold of late, which makes it challenging to keep him rostered in shallow mixed leagues.

Antonacci and Montgomery take a seat with lefty MacKenzie Gore toeing the rubber for Texas in this one. Luisangel Acuña is at shortstop with Tristan Peters in left field. The 23-year-old rookie will continue to cede the occasional start against a southpaw for the final months of the year. It’ll be Miguel Vargas moving up to the leadoff spot in a strange-looking lineup from Chicago manager Will Venable.

Roycroft joins the Athletics’ beleaguered relief mix after being claimed off waivers from the Rays earlier this week. The 29-year-old has given up 23 runs on 37 hits, including eight homers, over 24 2/3 innings in the majors this season. He’s probably not going to be a great fit in Sutter Health Park’s extremely hitter-friendly environment.

Juenger returns to the minors to make room for Chris Roycroft on the active roster. The 26-year-old has allowed 16 runs on 24 hits with a 6/8 K/BB ratio across 16 innings of work in the majors this season. Amazingly, he hasn’t allowed a home run. Go figure.

Rodríguez draws the starting assignment for Wednesday’s game against the Astros. It’ll likely be a one-and-done spot start for the 23-year-old prospect with veteran Max Fried expected back from the injured list later this week. He’s not a recommended option for fantasy purposes given his pedestrian strikeout rate and struggles in a handful of big-league outings earlier this year.

Hanner draws the short straw in a roster crunch with New York needing to bring up starter Elmer Rodríguez for Wednesday’s game against the Astros. The 27-year-old rookie has allowed four runs over three innings of work since being called up back on August 11.