MLB Player News

McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Thursday's 3-2, extra-inning loss to the White Sox. He also stole a base.

McKinstry continues to produce for the Tigers with hits in four of his last five games and a .271 average for the season. The utility man is also up to four stolen bases, and after recording 16 steals each of the last two years, he could start running more moving forward. McKinstry isn't the most exciting player, but his versatility and steady production is getting him into the lineup most days.

Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino said that Westburg (hamstring) will play another rehab game with Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Westburg was set to be re-evaluated after Wednesday's game with Norfolk, and the decision has been made to give him another contest as the club's designated hitter Thursday. He will continue to be evaluated on a day-to-day basis, with a return to the Orioles' active roster considered imminent. Westburg has been shelved since late April with a strained left hamstring.

Urias is absent from the lineup for Thursday's tilt in Seattle.

It's a routine day of rest for Urias, who had started each of the previous 12 contests. Emmanuel Rivera is at third base and batting seventh for the Orioles.

The Athletics designated Alexander for assignment Thursday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

After the Athletics optioned him to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday, Alexander will now be pushed off the 40-man roster a day later with the organization needing to free up a spot for right-hander Michael Kelly (suspension), who was reinstated from the ineligible list. Alexander offers some defensive versatility and has slashed .252/.350/.516 over 180 plate appearances with Las Vegas this season, but since he's an older prospect (28 years old) with a limited track record at the big-league level, it wouldn't be surprising if he ends up clearing waivers.

Lewis is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Athletics.

Lewis has logged consecutive games with a hit for the first time since May 18 and 19, but he will get a breather in Thursday's series finale. Willi Castro will start at third base and bat fifth as the Twins try to complete a four-game sweep.

Williamson is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Orioles.

Williamson started at third base in each of the previous 15 contests for the Mariners, but he'll get a breather in Thursday's afternoon tilt. Miles Mastrobuoni will fill in at the hot corner and hit eighth as Seattle tries to avoid the sweep.

Barger is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Phillies.

The left-handed-hitting Barger was in the lineup each of the last three times the Blue Jays faced a lefty, but he'll grab a seat Thursday as they go up against southpaw Jesus Luzardo. Ernie Clement will start at third base and George Springer will play right field while Barger exits the lineup.

Vargas is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Tigers.

Vargas will get a breather after starting every game since May 13 for the White Sox. Chicago will go with Tim Elko at first base and Josh Rojas at third base in Thursday's series finale.

Mayer went 0-for-2 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 11-9 win over the Angels.

Mayer earned his first career RBI in the majors in an underwhelming fashion: he walked with the bases loaded in the first inning. He was eventually removed from the game against a lefty reliever. Mayer is typically out of the starting lineup against southpaws, but he held his own against them in the minors this season with a .712 OPS. The infield prospect is batting .188 (6-for-32) with three walks, two doubles and three runs scored over his first nine games in the majors.

The Athletics optioned Alexander to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Since arriving in the big leagues May 23, Alexander went 3-for-17 with eight strikeouts across six games. His poor performance will now result in him heading back to Triple-A in favor of Max Muncy, who was recalled from Las Vegas in a corresponding move.