Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell said that second baseman Matt McLain (shoulder, rib), who suffered a stress reaction in his rib cage, is feeling better. "He's not back hitting yet, but good signs over the last couple of days," Bell said. "He's not playing (in rehab games) today like he was initially expected to, but it could be coming up." McLain was recovering from surgery in March to repair the labrum and cartilage damage in his shoulder before his latest setback, but there's still a chance he'll be able to return to the Reds potentially in September. At this point for fantasy managers, however, it makes some sense to cut bait on McLain for other more worthwhile stashes without very much time remaining for the 25-year-old infielder to make an impact in 2024. Until he's back in the fold for Cincinnati, Jonathan India will continue to serve as the club's everyday second baseman.

Miami Marlins second base prospect Connor Norby went 1-for-4 with a solo home run on Sunday for Triple-A Jacksonville, his first since being traded to Miami from the Baltimore Orioles. Overall, Norby has struggled with his new organization, slashing just .237/.293/.368 with three extra-base hits and 3:15 BB/SO through 41 plate appearances. Despite recent woes, he's still having an impressive season overall. In 97 total games this year, he's slashing .282/.366/.495 with 24 doubles, 19 homers, 63 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and 50:131 BB/SO. Norby has had two brief stints in the majors with Baltimore, but he's yet to make his Marlins debut.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (back) threw off the mound on Sunday in Arizona ahead of the series finale against the Diamondbacks. It follows his two-inning simulated game on Thursday, when he threw 36 pitches, and he's expected to toss an extended live batting practice session on Tuesday. Suarez's return date has not yet been determined, but manager Rob Thomson said that it will likely come after Philadelphia's six-game homestand that runs from Tuesday through Sunday. The 28-year-old first-time All-Star is working his way back from lower-back soreness, and it sounds like a minor-league rehab start might be necessary here as well. Over 119 1/3 innings for the Phillies this year, Suarez holds an excellent 2.87 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 116 strikeouts and 27 walks.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton was removed from Monday's game against the division-rival Kansas City Royals at Target Field after striking out in the fifth inning. Manuel Margot replaced him in center field. There's no word yet from the Twins regarding the status of Buxton, as there wasn't an apparent reason why he was pulled on Monday night against the Royals. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more details sometime during or after the contest. The oft-injured 30-year-old star outfielder is slashing a strong .275/.334/.528 with 16 home runs, 23 doubles, 49 RBI, and six stolen bases in 305 at-bats for Minnesota this year. Along with Margot, Austin Martin would be in line for more action if Buxton needs to miss additional time beyond Monday's matchup. UPDATE: Buxton left the game with right-hip discomfort and is considered day-to-day.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (elbow) faced hitters for the second time on Monday at Fenway Park ahead of the team's game against the hosting Boston Red Sox. Manager Bruce Bochy said deGrom threw approximately 40 pitches while facing Ezequiel Duran and Travis Jankowski over two innings. The Rangers plan for him to face hitters in a live batting practice session one more time before they decide when and where he will head out on a minor-league rehab assignment. Barring any setbacks, deGrom should be able to make his 2024 regular-season debut at some point in late August or early September if he begins his assignment in the next week or so. It remains to be seen how the 36-year-old former National League Cy Young Award winner's velocity will look following his second career Tommy John surgery, but he did turn in a superb 2.67 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, and 45:4 K:BB across 30 1/3 innings last season.