MLB Player News

Cespedes (hamstring) is in the lineup Wednesday against the Nationals, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

The veteran outfielder had been dealing with a hamstring cramp, although he'll be able to resume his normal role in the lineup as expected. However, the game has been delayed due to inclement weather, so if the rain refuses to let up, he may get an extra day to rest the ailment despite his name being on Wednesday's lineup card. If the game is played, he'll bat third and play left field.

Torrens was a late addition to the lineup Wednesday against the Indians, Dennis Lin of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Austin Hedges was scratched due to neck stiffness, so Torrens will be thrown into emergency catching duty to replace him. Torrens will bat ninth as the Padres take on Cleveland right-hander Trevor Bauer.

Cabrera (hip) is in Wednesday's lineup against the Giants, Chris McCosky of Detroit News reports.

Cabrera left Tuesday's game due to hip tightness, but will not miss any time as he's slotted into his normal position at first base while batting third. Although Cabrera landed on the disabled list earlier this year due to the same injury, he appears ready to go for Wednesday's contest as the Tigers match up against right-hander Ty Blach.

Harper is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Mets, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

The young superstar hasn't gotten a day off for over a month, so he'll head to the bench for Wednesday's series finale. Brian Goodwin will slide over to right field to replace him, while Adam Lind fills the void in left field.

Miller (groin) will likely be activated sometime this weekend, depending on how he feels after Wednesday's rehab game, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Miller has been steadily moving closer to a return and all signs indicate he'll be back in the lineup just before the All-Star break. The slick middle infielder has had his rehab assignment moved to Triple-A Durham, where the Rays hope he can see more action at second base as he works his way back from a right groin strain that's sidelined him since early June. Miller has played in just 42 games this season due multiple DL stints.

Carpenter went 2-for-4 with a walk in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Marlins.

The slugging leadoff man has started July off in fine fashion at the plate by hitting in three straight. Carpenter is in the midst of a modest long-ball drought, however, as his last home run came June 24. The 31-year-old's current .235 average is also notably lower than any he's ever posted in the last five seasons, but a .255 BABIP and career-best 46 percent hard contact rate hint at an eventual breakout.

McCutchen went 3-for-4 with a pair of solo homers Tuesday against Philadelphia.

After being named the National League Player of the Month for June, McCutchen is off to a great start in July, going 5-for-12 with four extra-base hits. He's slashing .395/.497/.689 with eight homers and 23 RBI since May 26. While the outfielder has swiped only one of his six bags in the last 41 games, owners have no doubt enjoyed his monster turnaround. It's still a toss-up as to whether McCutchen will get dealt at the deadline, but he's definitely upped his trade value.

Choi is starting at first base and batting seventh for Wednesday's matinee game against the Blue Jays.

Choi will make his first major-league start since 2016 after having his contract selected by the Yankees on Tuesday. The 26-year-old is the latest option at first base in place of the ailing Tyler Austin (hamstring) and Matt Holliday (illness), though his audition may be a temporary one. Choi hit just .170/.271/.339 over 54 games with the Angels last season, but has shown flashes of improvement in Triple-A this year, batting .289 with 43 RBI.

Buxton went 3-for-4 with his fifth home run and 15th stolen base as well as two runs scored in Tuesday's win over the Angels.

Buxton hit just .184 with a .524 OPS in June, and he's generally struggled to keep his batting average above .200. He's hitting .357 (5-for-14) so far in July, raising his average to .204. Buxton has been a disappointment at the plate this season thanks to his two terrible months (he also had a .433 OPS in April), but he's at least contributing stolen bases. He's also offering outstanding glove work in center field, as he's the top fielder in the game by defensive WAR.

Miller (groin), who went 1-for-3 with a walk in a Tuesday rehab start for High-A Charlotte, will move to Triple-A Durham and could be back with the Rays by Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Miller went 3-for-8 in three games with the Stone Crabs and now could conceivably play in just one contest with the Bulls before being activated. The 27-year-old last saw game action with the Rays on June 6 before going on the disabled list for the second time this season.