News
Michael Porter Jr. (shoulder) is officially questionable for Game 4 against the Clippers on Saturday.
Porter Jr. is dealing with a left shoulder sprain. He suffered the injured late in Game 2 and despite playing 35 minutes in Game 3, he was largely ineffective. Now Porter Jr. is questionable for Saturday. With injuries mounting for the Nuggets, he could opt to play through the injury. It is the playoffs after all.
Pirates activated SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa from the 10-day injured list.
Kiner-Falefa is back at shortstop and batting sixth on Monday against the Mets following a minimum stint on the injured list with a right hamstring strain. The versatile 30-year-old is hitting .280/.333/.330 with 11 runs scored, zero homers, seven RBI and six steals through 30 games.
Pirates optioned INF Liover Peguero to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Peguero returns to the minors with Isaiah Kiner-Falefa back from the injured list ahead of Monday’s game against the Mets. The 24-year-old infielder went 2-for-9 in four games with the Pirates after returning to the big leagues on May 2.
Yordan Alvarez (hand) hit in the batting cage prior to Monday’s game at Daikin Park.
Alvarez is eligible to come off the injured list on Tuesday, but that might be a stretch since he just resumed hitting. Astros general manager Dana Brown said over the weekend on a pregame radio interview that he could see Alvarez potentially returning for Thursday’s series opener against the Rangers. The 27-year-old slugger is working his way back from a muscle strain in his right hand. It sounds like there’s a strong possibility he’s back at some point this week.
Leody Taveras is in right field and batting seventh on Monday against the Yankees.
Taveras has made four consecutive starts for Seattle in right field since being claimed off waivers last week from the division-rival Rangers. The 26-year-old appears poised to continue playing everyday, but hasn’t made much of an impact at the dish so far, hitting .214 (3-for-14) with three RBI and one steal.
Adael Amador is at second base and batting eighth on Monday against the Rangers.
Amador is hitting just .173 (9-for-52) with one homer, three RBI and one steal in 20 games this season at the highest level. Unfortunately, the Rockies don’t have a viable alternative at the position until Ezequiel Tovar (hip) returns from the injured list, which would likely push Kyle Farmer back to second base.
Tommy Pham will serve a one-game suspension during Monday’s game against the Cardinals.
Pham was handed a one-game suspension by the league back in late April when he made “inappropriate actions towards fans.” Use your imagination. The 37-year-old should return to Pittsburgh’s lineup on Tuesday night.