MLB Player News

France, who was hit in the wrist by a pitch against the Dodgers on Friday, had X-rays return negative, but he's out of Saturday's lineup, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

France was nailed in the wrist by a Roki Sasaki fastball in the fourth inning Friday. The veteran infielder initially stayed in the game but was then replaced by Miguel Andujar at first base in the ninth inning. The good news for France is that X-rays returned negative, but he's nonetheless beginning on the bench for Saturday's matchup. Manager Craig Stammen said Saturday that France isn't looking at an IL stint, and the infielder will be available off the bench for the evening contest, so it doesn't sound like he is dealing with a serious injury.

Bauers is not in the lineup for Saturday's matchup against the Cubs.

Bauers will sit for the second game of a three-game set against the Cubs as left-hander David Peterson takes the mound. Andrew Vaughn will take over at first base and bat fourth for Milwaukee.

Polanco (Achilles) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Polanco originally began a rehab assignment in late May, but the Mets shut him down in early June after he reported renewed soreness in his ankle. Now ready to return to a competitive setting, the 32-year-old will work exclusively as a designated hitter while he ramps up and could eventually take over as the Mets' primary DH once activated.

Steer isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Pirates.

Steer will step out of the lineup after going 1-for-4 with an RBI, a run and three strikeouts Friday. His absence will allow Noelvi Marte to start in right field while batting sixth.

Devers went 1-for-4 with an RBI double in Friday's 3-1 loss to Atlanta.

Devers hit an RBI double in the first inning, driving in San Francisco's lone run. He's recorded at least one hit in eight of his last 11 games, batting .275 with six RBI, four doubles and three home runs in 45 plate appearances over that stretch. On the campaign, the veteran infielder is slashing .236/.297/.433 with 39 RBI, 36 runs scored and 12 long balls across 344 plate appearances.

France went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run, a walk and a hit-by-pitch in Friday's 7-1 win over the Dodgers.

France's second-inning blast answered a solo shot from Mookie Betts in the top of that same frame. This was France's second straight game with a homer, and four of his 10 long balls this year have come over his last seven games. For the season, the first baseman is batting .255 with an .810 OPS, 29 RBI, 20 runs scored, one stolen base, seven doubles and two triples over 179 plate appearances. As long as his bat is hot, France should be in the lineup most of the time.

The Marlins optioned Norby to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Norby is slashing only .194/.306/.290 in June and had started back-to-back games on only one occasion. He will aim to get his swing in order at Jacksonville.

Harper went 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBI, two walks and two runs scored in Thursday's 10-5 win over the Nationals.

Harper continues to put together an excellent month of June at the dish, batting .289 with five homers, four doubles, one triple and 13 RBI over his last 76 at-bats. Through 338 plate appearances for the year, the 33-year-old fantasy stalwart is slashing a robust .269/.373/.523 with 18 long balls, 47 RBI, five stolen bases and 54 runs scored.

Chaparro went 0-for-3 with a run scored in Thursday's loss to the Phillies.

Getting the start at first base and batting third, Chaparro crossed the plate in the first inning after getting hit by a pitch, but it was his only contribution in a 10-5 loss. Since returning to the majors in mid-May, Chaparro is slashing just .172/.368/.241 with zero homers in 38 plate appearances, but for now he'll continue to operate as a short-side platoon partner for Luis Garcia.

Mead went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Thursday's loss to the Phillies.

The 25-year-old went deep for the second straight game and the third time in the last four, ripping a Cristopher Sanchez first-pitch sinker over the left-field fence in the first inning. Mead is still having trouble stringing together base hits -- his last multi-hit performance came June 10, and he's batting just .146 (6-for-41) over 12 contests since then -- but he's already popped for career-best power numbers with 14 home runs and 39 RBI in 237 plate appearances this season.