MLB Player News

Brantley (quadriceps) is not expected to play Thursday against the Diamondbacks, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley is dealing with a quadriceps injury, and it sounds like manager Dusty Baker wants to play it safe and give the veteran outfielder three full days off before returning him to the lineup Friday against Oakland. Kyle Tucker is starting in place of Brantley -- who is 14-for-32 (.438) with a home run, stolen base and 5:5 BB:K in nine games this season -- on Wednesday.

Harper was removed from the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader for an undisclosed reason, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Harper was looked at by a trainer after reaching base during the fifth inning but was able to remain in the game. However, the 27-year-old was pulled in the sixth inning, which could simply be a precautionary measure with the Phillies leading 11-3 at the time. His status for Game 2 is unclear. Prior to his early exit, Harper went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run, two runs and one walk.

Brantley (quadriceps) is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Diamondbacks, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Brantley will sit for a second straight game as he continues to nurse a minor quadriceps injury. In his place, Kyle Tucker is starting in left field and hitting seventh. Brantley is 14-for-32 (.438) with a home run, stolen base and 5:5 BB:K in nine games this season.

Miller, who was activated from the injured list Tuesday, is a candidate to fill in all over the infield and as the designated hitter while multiple players are sidelined due to COVID-19 infection, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Miller's return from an ankle injury couldn't have come at a better time, as the Cardinals will be fielding a makeshift roster for the time being. The veteran brings a level of versatility ideally suited for such an unprecedented situation, as he's played every non-pitching position except catcher during his seven big-league seasons and even has 34 games of DH experience from his time in the AL with the Mariners, Rays and Indians. The current personnel shortfall for the Cardinals could equate to Miller enjoying frequent playing time in the short term.

Carpenter, who's filled the designated hitter role for the first five games of the season, is projected to shift to third base as part of the domino effect of Paul DeJong's (illness) absence, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Carpenter has started 635 career games at the hot corner, so the move, which is necessitated by Tommy Edman shifting over to shortstop in DeJong's stead, should be a good fit and should continue to keep the veteran's bat in the lineup on an everyday basis. Carpenter is slashing .200/.294/.267 over his first 17 plate appearances, but he should have plenty of opportunities to improve on those numbers for the time being without having to be overly concerned about a benching.

Choi is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Red Sox.

While Choi surprised the world by batting right-handed and homering in the first series of the year, his brand new ability to switch hit evidently isn't trusted by the Rays, who have yet to start him against a lefty this season. With southpaw Martin Perez on the mound for Boston, Jose Martinez will get the nod at first base.

Buxton is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Buxton has struggled at the plate so far this season, grabbing just two hits in 18 at-bats. Jake Cave will serve as the center fielder in his absence.

Stanton will be on the bench for the afternoon portion of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Phillies.

The Yankees won't ask the oft-injured slugger to play two games in one day, even as a designated hitter. Aaron Judge will rest his legs in that spot for the afternoon game, with Mike Tauchman starting in right field.

Brantley did not play Tuesday due to a quadriceps injury, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Brantley has been hobbled since he stepped on the toe of Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly last week, but Tuesday's game was the first he's missed because of it. Houston manager Dusty Baker said the quad bothered Brantley the last couple of days and described him as day-to-day. Baker may avoid using the outfielder Wednesday as well. Kyle Tucker replaced him in left field Tuesday.

Jimenez went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Brewers.

His blast to near straightaway center field in the sixth inning off Brandon Woodruff got the White Sox on the board. Jimenez is off to a flying start to 2020, hitting .333 (11-for-33) through nine games with three homers and eight RBI.