MLB Player News

Villar was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Villar opened the 2023 campaign as a fixture in the Giants' lineup, but he's now been demoted to the minors for the second time this season. Alex Cobb (oblique) was activated from the injured list in a corresponding move and will start Friday against the Mets.

Donovan was scratched from Friday's lineup due to right arm soreness, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Donovan has reportedly been dealing with arm soreness for a while, and it seems to have gotten to a point where he needs to take at least one game off. He's scheduled to undergo imaging to determine the severity of his injury. For now, fantasy managers should consider Donovan day-to-day.

Donovan was scratched from the Cardinals' lineup ahead of Friday's game against the Yankees.

It's unknown why Donovan was taken out of the Cards' lineup, but the 26-year-old hadn't missed a start since early June. Dylan Carlson will now enter St. Louis' lineup and bat eighth.

Massey (hand) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Massey has been on the IL since June 18 due to a left hand laceration and now enters the final stretch of his recovery process. It's unclear how long the Royals plan on keeping Massey in the minors, but he is still on track to return before the All-Star break.

Lopez (hand) is starting at second base and batting ninth Friday against the Dodgers, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

Lopez suffered a bruised hand after getting hit by a pitch Wednesday and sat out Thursday's game. Now, he'll return for Friday's series opener with Los Angeles and look to keep things going after posting a .600 OBP across his last four games.

Diaz was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Diaz slashed .321/.364/.527 with five home runs in 26 games after his most recent demotion to Vegas to earn another trip to the big leagues. The 22-year-old should should see consistent playing time at second base for the rebuilding A's.

Vargas is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Royals, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The Dodgers are giving Mookie Betts a start at second base, which means Vargas will begin this one on the bench. The rookie infielder has just a .570 OPS in June and has seen his playing time dip as a result.

Kim is dealing with a tight left hamstring, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The issue explains why he's not in the Padres' lineup Friday in Cincinnati, although the team indicated his day off was precautionary, so Kim will likely avoid the injured list. Rougned Odor is playing second base Friday.

Bae isn't in the Pirates' lineup Friday against the Brewers

The utility player is 0-for-25 across his last 10 games, forcing him to the bench against right-hander Freddy Peralta. In Bae's absence, Nick Gonzales will slide over to second base, and Tucupita Marcano will get the nod at shortstop.

Westburg is not in the starting lineup Friday against the Twins, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Westburg will head to the bench for the first time since being called up Monday after he went 5-for-12 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored over his first three career big-league contests. Adam Frazier will start at second base and bat eighth in the series opener with Minnesota.