MLB Player News

Diaz went 1-for-5 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in Wednesday's 8-5 loss to the Red Sox.

Diaz knocked in a run with a groundout in the second inning and added a solo shot in the ninth. He's up to four homers this season, three of which have come in his last 12 games, a span in which he's hitting .313 (15-for-48). The infielder is slashing .255/.321/.360 with 25 RBI, 22 runs scored, no stolen bases and nine doubles over 50 contests this season. Diaz had a career-high 22 homers in 2023, but that was an anomaly for him from a power standpoint -- he's much more of a contact-first hitter.

Montero is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

Kris Bryant will make a second straight start at first base since his return from the injured list Tuesday, with Montero hitting the bench for both contests. The 25-year-old could still see regular playing time against left-handed pitching, but Montero looks like he'll be the odd man out of the lineup versus righties for now. Despite seeing everyday playing time for most of the season, Montero has disappointed with an underwhelming .582 OPS through 153 plate appearances.

Busch is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against Atlanta.

With a tough southpaw in Max Fried on the mound for Atlanta, the lefty-hitting Busch will retreat to the bench. Patrick Wisdom will replace Busch at first base.

Soderstrom is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game versus Colorado.

Soderstrom started the previous three games but will sit Wednesday as lefty Austin Gomber pitches for the Rockies. J.D. Davis will handle first base and bat fifth.

Meneses went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Minnesota.

Meneses made things interesting in the ninth inning Wednesday, launching a solo shot off Jhoan Duran to lead off the frame. The 32-year-old Meneses had gotten off to a slow start this year, though he's now 6-for-17 with a pair of extra-base hits in his last three contests. Overall, he's slashing .234/.299/.299 with two homers, 24 RBI and nine runs scored through 43 games on the campaign.

Smith will start at first base and bat sixth Wednesday versus Tampa Bay, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Smith was originally scheduled to have Wednesday off, but he will now step in with Garrett Cooper battling a shoulder injury. Smith is slashing just .182/.224/.234 through 58 plate appearances this season, though he has recorded a base hit in six of his last eight games.

Cooper was scratched from Boston's lineup prior to Wednesday's game against the Rays due to right shoulder discomfort, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The severity of Cooper's injury isn't immediately apparent, but it's bothering him enough to keep him from playing Wednesday. Dominic Smith will enter the lineup to cover first base, meanwhile Cooper will have an extra day to rest Thursday before potentially returning Friday against the Brewers.

Vaughn is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.

Vaughn appears to be getting some routine maintenance in the series finale in Toronto after he had started in each of the White Sox's last 16 games. Gavin Sheets will step in for Vaughn at first base.

Smith is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays.

Even with the Rays bringing a right-hander (Ryan Pepiot) to the hill, the lefty-hitting Smith will find himself on the bench in the series finale. Smith has mustered a lowly .460 OPS since signing with Boston earlier this month, and he looks like he could soon be in danger of losing out on a regular spot in the lineup if he doesn't show improvement.

Bauers is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins.

The Brewers are facing a southpaw (Jesus Luzardo) for the third straight game, so the lefty-hitting Bauers will remain on the bench. Owen Miller will draw the start at first base, and he should continue to work in a platoon with Bauers until Rhys Hoskins (hamstring) returns from the injured list.