MLB Player News

Soler is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Reds.

Manager Joe Maddon has made it clear that Soler will receive most of the starts in left field following the season-ending injury to Kyle Schwarber, so this move is likely just to give him some rest and get left-handed hitting Tommy La Stella in the lineup against Raisel Iglasias, a right-handed starter. Soler has stepped up in Schwarber's absence, hitting .250/300/.438 with one home run and three RBI since the injury.

Blackmon (toe) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday.

Blackmon is suffering from turf toe and will need at least a couple weeks to recover. Catcher Dustin Garneau was recalled in a corresponding move. It is expected that Gerardo Parra will start in center field while Ben Paulsen plays left field in Blackmon's absence.

X-rays on Buxton's hand came back negative Thursday and he is considered day-to-day, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports. He was officially diagnosed with a left hand contusion.

This news comes as a major relief as Buxton was removed from Thursday's game in the fourth inning after being hit by a pitch on the hand. He was able to stay in initially and steal a base, but Max Kepler came in to replace him in center field the following inning. He's considered day-to-day, and his status going into Friday's game will likely hinge on the pain levels in his hand and his ability to grip a bat.

Buxton left Thursday's game after being hit by a pitch on the hand, Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago reports.

Max Kepler came on to replace Buxton in the top of the fourth inning Thursday after the Twins were retired in the bottom of the third. Buxton was hit in the hand by a Mat Latos offering and was able to stay in and steal a base, but manager Paul Molitor opted to take him out of the game thereafter. There's no word yet on the severity of Buxton's injury, but Kepler would be a likely replacement for him in center if Buxton is to miss time.

Belt smacked his second homer of the season in Wednesday's loss to the Rockies.

Belt has started 2016 off on the right foot, slashing .313/.421/.594 through nine games. He has shown flashes in the past, but hasn't been able to deliver due to inconsistency or injury. This may be the year he finally puts it all together, as he is in the prime of his career and surrounded by one of the best lineups he has ever been a part of.

Blackmon hurt his toe in Wednesday's game, which is why he is out of Thursday's lineup against the Giants, MLB.com's Thomas Harding reports.

He injured the toe diving back to second base and then exited late in Wednesday's game. Considering Blackmon has a history of turf toe, this is definitely worth keeping an eye on. Gerardo Parra, who is starting in center field Thursday, would likely take over in center going forward if Blackmon misses more time, and Brandon Barnes, Ben Paulsen and Ryan Raburn would be tasked with handling left field. Consider Blackmon day-to-day for now.

Blackmon is out of Thursday's lineup against the Giants.

He left Wednesday's game early, but is listed as a bench option for Thursday's game, so it looks like he's just getting the day off. Gerardo Parra will start in center field with Ben Paulsen moving to left field against righty Matt Cain.

Buxton could be on the hot seat, following Thursday's signing of David Murphy to a minor league deal.

He is striking out at a 52 percent clip in the early going, and it's possible the Twins will option him to Triple-A Rochester for a spell to help him get his confidence back and work on his approach. Those who own Buxton in season-long leagues are right to be a little worried, but the best thing for his development may be five-to-six week run with Rochester.

Ruf (shoulder) is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Padres, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

Ruf, if healthy, would have started at first base Thursday with the Padres starting southpaw Drew Pomeranz, but Ryan Howard will get the nod with Ruf still banged up. While Ruf's shoulder is still too sore for him to play a full nine innings, he may be able to pinch hit if needed.

Soler went 2-for-2 with an RBI, run, and walk against the Reds on Wednesday.

Soler pushed his batting average up to .200 with the effort. He is playing nearly every day in the wake of Kyle Schwarber's season-ending knee injury, but so far he has just five hits in 25 at-bats. On the plus side, he's struck out just six times, which is a much better strikeout rate than he's shown up to this point in his career.