MLB Player News

Newman is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Brewers.

Wilfer Difo will step in at shortstop for Newman, who had started each of the last six games while going 6-for-23 at the dish. Following the Pirates' trade earlier this week that sent All-Star Adam Frazier to the Padres, Newman could take over as Pittsburgh's primary leadoff man versus left-handed pitching.

Moustakas (heel) could begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville early next week, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Moustakas has been on the injured list for over two months due to a right heel contusion. The 32-year-old began a rehab assignment in mid-June, but he was shut down after he experienced some soreness during a game. He's been able to take grounders recently, and he should return to game action in the coming days. While manager David Bell didn't reveal what day Moustakas' rehab assignment would begin, he could rejoin the Reds at some point late next week or next weekend.

Devers (quadriceps) is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Blue Jays, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Heading into the series with Toronto, manager Alex Cora was already planning on resting Devers for Thursday's finale, and that decision was made even easier after the third baseman departed the second half of Wednesday's doubleheader with a tight left quad. Cora downplayed the injury afterward and indicated Devers would return to action Friday in Tampa Bay, but fantasy managers will want to verify as much when Boston releases its lineup for that game. Bobby Dalbec will shift over from first base to cover the hot corner in Devers' stead Thursday.

Senzel (knee) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Friday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Senzel has been out since mid-May due to a knee issue which eventually required a clean-up procedure. The Reds have been targeting a return in early August, which still appears possible even though he'll likely need more than just a game or two in the minors before he's considered ready to go.

Chapman went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run and two additional runs scored in Wednesday's win over the Padres.

Chapman made his presence felt in the first inning with a three-run blast that set the tone for Oakland's offense. The third baseman isn't having a strong year since he's hitting only .221, but he seems to be turning things around of late. He has hit safely in all but one of his last six contests while homering twice in that span.

Toro went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer, a walk and a steal in Wednesday's loss to Houston.

He's now gone yard in four straight games -- the first two as an Astro, and the last two now against the Astros. Toro drew the start at second base in this one, and it seems the Mariners will use him there pretty often to get his bat in the lineup. Toro's still hitting a modest .219/.297/.439 on the year, but a .198 BABIP has depressed his batting average. He has an excellent track record in the high minors (.392/.497/.600 in 33 career Triple-A games and .306/.393/.513 in his last Double-A season) and could rebound with more regular playing time with Seattle.

Muncy went 3-for-6 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 8-0 win over the Giants.

Muncy had his fifth multi-hit game of the month and his first since July 17. He singled his first two times up and scored in the third, and he later drive in a run with a double in the seventh. The 30-year-old had been quiet over the last week, going 4-for-21 with just one extra-base hit, but he's been strong overall, slashing .276/.413/.563 with 22 homers, 61 RBI, 59 runs scored and 62:61 BB:K over 361 plate appearances.

Ramirez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 7-2 win over St. Louis.

With three homers and a triple in his last four games, the third baseman has gotten on a bit of a surge lately. Ramirez is up to 22 long balls, 60 RBI, 66 runs scored and 10 stolen bases through 373 plate appearances overall. He'll typically hit in the heart of Cleveland's order when he's in the lineup. Manager Terry Francona utilized Ramirez as the designated hitter Wednesday, but he should be back at third base when Cleveland opens its series in Chicago on Friday.

Castro went 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs and three RBI in Wednesday's 7-3 loss to Milwaukee.

It's been boom or bust for Castro -- he has just five hits in 23 plate appearances, but all five have left the yard. The 22-year-old second baseman has added seven RBI and six runs scored across nine games this season. He appears set to fill the void at the keystone left by Pittsburgh's trade of Adam Frazier to San Diego.

Riley went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Mets.

His sixth-inning blast off Tylor Megill gave Riley five homers in the last six games and 20 on the season, but it was the only offense Atlanta could produce on the night. The 24-year-old also has a seven-game hitting streak going, and the surge has boosted his slash line on the season to .287/.368/.513.