MLB Player News

Jones went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and a walk in Wednesday's 4-2 extra-inning win over the Athletics.

This was Jones' second homer over eight games for the Red Sox. He's filled a part-time role with his new team and will likely continue to do so, providing cover in the corner outfield versus left-handed pitching. Jones is batting .167 with a .565 OPS, four homers, 12 RBI, 11 runs scored, one stolen base and four doubles over 120 plate appearances between Boston and Detroit this season.

Diaz went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Rangers.

Diaz hit an opposite-field home run off MacKenzie Gore on the first pitch of the game to give the Rays a lead they never looked back on. Diaz has struggled in July, with only a .200 average and three homers in 100 at-bats. However, the 34-year-old is having a great year at the plate overall, slashing .301/.377/.464 with 15 long balls, 62 RBI, 59 runs scored and two steals across 399 at-bats.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman reiterated Wednesday that the Dodgers expect Ohtani to pitch again this season, with Friedman noting that the two-way player's right biceps soreness is a lesser concern than his inflamed left knee, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. "If it weren't for the knee, [Ohtani] would be pitching right now," Friedman said.

Per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports, Ohtani is throwing plyometric balls to limit the force on his left knee, after the Dodgers decided to postpone his scheduled bullpen session over the weekend. The Dodgers are confident that the four-time MVP will start playing catch again soon, which would put him on track to be ready to pitch by season's end. Ohtani hasn't made a start as a pitcher since July 3 but has continued to handle an everyday role at designated hitter while he recovers from the knee issue.

Soler isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Soler will take a seat to begin Wednesday's contest after going 2-for-6 with three walks and an RBI across the first two games of the series. Mike Trout will fill in as the Halos' designated hitter while Wade Meckler, Josh Lowe and Jo Adell start across the outfield.

Lowe is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians.

After going 5-for-12 with a double, two RBI and a run scored while starting in the Reds' last three games, the left-handed-hitting Lowe will head to the bench while the Guardians send southpaw Joey Cantillo to the bump. Sal Stewart will move across the diamond to replace Lowe at first base while Ke'Bryan Hayes picks up a start at third base.

Pederson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays.

Right-hander Casey Legumina is opening the contest for the Rays, but the Rangers will keep the left-handed-hitting Pederson on the bench since southpaw Ian Seymour is on track to pitch behind Legumina in bulk relief. Wyatt Langford will replace Pederson at designated hitter and atop the batting order Wednesday.

Tena is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.

After starting in each of the Nationals' previous five consecutive matchups with right-handed starters, Tena has now been left on the bench against righties Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage for the final two tilts with Toronto. Rather than leaning Tena as their regular designated hitter, the Nationals may prefer to rotate a number of different players at that lineup spot.

Del Castillo is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's contest in Pittsburgh.

After making four straight starts against traditional righty starters or righty bulk relievers, the lefty-swinging Del Castillo has now been on the bench for two straight games versus right-handers. Ketel Marte is getting a turn at designated hitter Wednesday, and Ildemaro Vargas will enter the lineup at second base.

Gonzalez started at second base and went 0-for-3 with a walk in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Athletics.

Gonzalez got the start at second base in the first game since Boston lost Curtis Mead to a fractured left wrist. Mead was expected to be the primary starter at the keystone, but that role will now be filled by a combination of Gonzalez (against lefties) and Anthony Seigler (against righties).

Schwarber (illness) remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's game in Miami.

Schwarber is battling a gastrointestinal issue and will miss a second straight contest. The Phillies are idle Thursday, so Schwarber will aim to return to action Friday in Baltimore. Trea Turner is in the designated hitter spot Wednesday, and Edmundo Sosa is getting a start at shortstop.