MLB Player News

Harper (elbow) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

The 29-year-old was initially expected to miss only one game after receiving a PRP injection last weekend to address the UCL sprain in his right elbow, but he'll now be sidelined for the fifth straight contest. Harper has been limited to serving as the designated hitter for most of the season due to the injury, though it hasn't affected his ability to hit given his .305/.361/.634 slash line with nine home runs, 27 RBI, 29 runs and six stolen bases. It's unclear when he may be able to rejoin the lineup, and for now he should be considered day-to-day.

Soler (back) will bat third as the designated hitter Friday against Atlanta, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Soler sat out the past two games while battling lower-back stiffness, but he'll return to the lineup for Friday's series opener. The 30-year-old is in the midst of a seven-game hit streak during which he has three home runs and a .940 OPS.

Vogelbach is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Cardinals.

Vogelbach started the past nine games and will receive a day off while mired in a 2-for-13 slump, during which he's struck out six times. Yoshi Tsutsugo will serve as the designated hitter while Michael Chavis starts at first base.

Martinez went 4-for-5 with a double and three runs scored Thursday against the Mariners.

Martinez benefitted from a big offensive performance by the Red Sox -- and Trevor Story in particular -- to score multiple runs for the third time this season. It also marked his third multi-hit effort in his last four starts, during which he's hit one home run while driving in four and scoring five runs. Overall, Martinez has a .344/.383/.582 line across 133 plate appearances on the campaign.

Stanton went 2-for-3 with a home run, two walks and two additional RBI during Thursday's 9-6 loss to the Orioles.

Stanton looked recharged after taking the day off Wednesday, notching his first home run in four games and his 11th multi-hit contest of the season. The slugger has 11 home runs and 35 RBI through 35 games and is on pace to top his 35-homer, 97-RBI campaign from last year.

Miller is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Astros.

The Rangers are facing off against lefty Framber Valdez in the series opener, so the lefty-hitting Miller will head to the bench so Texas can get an extra right-handed bat in the lineup. Miller has made two of his last three starts as a designated hitter, but he may see his pathway to playing time at that spot become more blocked against right-handed pitching following the Rangers' activation of Mitch Garver (elbow) from the 10-day injured list Thursday. Though Garver opened the season as the Rangers' top catcher, he has yet to resume throwing since initially suffering the elbow injury earlier this month, so he'll be limited to a DH-only role in the short term. If Garver ends up clogging up the DH spot against right-handed pitching, the Rangers may have to send third baseman Andy Ibanez or outfielder Eli White to the bench more frequently if they want to keep a spot in the lineup open for Miller.

Brantley is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rangers.

Brantley started the past 16 games and will receive a day off after posting an .805 OPS during that stretch. Chas McCormick will shift to left field while Jose Siri starts in center.

Carpenter was released by the Rangers on Thursday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Carpenter joined Texas on a minor-league deal in mid-March, and he'll return to free agency after not receiving a chance in the big leagues. The 37-year-old appeared in 21 games for Triple-A Round Rock and hit .275/.379/.613 with six home runs, so another team could opt to sign him on a flier.

Solak was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

Solak started only one of the past five games and has now been demoted to the minors. The 27-year-old hit .209/.293/.313 with two home runs, three RBI and three stolen bases in 75 plate appearances. Mitch Garver (elbow) was activated from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Ford is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Red Sox.

The lefty-hitting Ford has served as Seattle's primary designated hitter since he was reacquired from the Giants last week, but he'll take a seat with southpaw Rich Hill on the mound for Boston. Ford is expected to lose out on steady at-bats against right-handers as soon as next week, when outfielder/DH Kyle Lewis (knee) could be reinstated from the 10-day injured list.