MLB Player News

Espinal was removed from the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Brewers due to an apparent foot injury, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Espinal fouled a ball off his foot and then seemed to have trouble running to first base after lining a single to left field in the fifth inning. He was able to remain in the game after multiple visits from the Reds' training staff, but the team ultimately decided to pull him once Cincinnati went on defense to start the seventh. The 29-year-old's willingness to remain in the game is a good sign that he avoided a serious injury, though the Reds may sit him down for a game or two just to be safe.

Ortiz is absent from the starting lineup for the second game of a doubleheader against the Reds on Friday.

Ortiz started at third base and went 0-for-3 at the plate during the matinee. He'll retreat to the bench for the nightcap as Andruw Monasterio handles the hot corner.

Manager Joe Espada said that Bregman was not included in Friday's lineup against Kansas City due to elbow soreness, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Bregman missed five games in August due to swelling in his right elbow, though he had started each of the Astros' prior nine games before Friday. It's unclear if the third baseman will be available off the bench for the contest. Over the nine games since his return, Bregman has gone 9-for-36 with two solo home runs.

Smith is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Oakland.

Smith will dodge a same-handed matchup with JP Sears on Friday, giving way to Robbie Grossman at DH.

Sosa is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Mets.

After making 12 consecutive starts (eight at second base, four at third base), Sosa will take a seat Friday. Nicky Lopez will handle the keystone while Miguel Vargas plays third base.

Bregman is absent from the lineup for Friday's game against the Royals, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bregman had started each of the last nine contests following a five-game absence with an elbow injury, but he'll be given a day of rest Friday. Mauricio Dubon will occupy the hot corner for Houston.

Devers (shoulder) is batting cleanup as the designated hitter Friday against the Tigers, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Soreness in both shoulders kept Devers out of the lineup for the past three games, but he's back in action for Friday's series opener, although without defensive responsibilities. The 27-year-old was given a rest in the midst of a 3-for-17 slump, and he has a .778 OPS across 22 games in August.

Urshela (groin) is batting ninth and playing third base Friday against the Phillies.

Urshela had been absent from the starting lineup in back-to-back games due to minor groin soreness. However, he's been given the green light to play Friday. In eight games since being picked up by Atlanta to fill in for Austin Riley (hand) at third base, Urshela has gone 9-for-31 (.290) with two RBI and a run scored.

Bohm (hand) isn't part of the Phillies' starting lineup Friday against Atlanta, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Bohm was removed from Thursday's game against Atlanta with left hand discomfort that stemmed from a swing he took in the first inning. While X-rays on Bohm's hand came back negative, he'll get the evening off to recover. Edmundo Sosa will fill in for Bohm at the hot corner.

Norby went 2-for-4 with two walks, three runs scored, an RBI and a stolen base in Thursday's win over the Rockies.

The 24-year-old fueled a 12-run outburst from the Miami offense with another impressive performance from the leadoff spot. Norby extended his hitting streak in the majors to 11 games, with 10 of them coming since he joined the Marlins' roster in mid-August. Over those 10 contests, he's slashing .350/.422/.650 with six doubles, two homers, two steals, four RBI and 13 runs.