MLB Player News

Winker exited Friday's win over the Cubs due to back tightness, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Winker was replaced by Mark Payton in left field to begin the seventh inning, and manager David Bell revealed after the game that the 27-year-old was dealing with a back issue. However, Bell was hopeful that Winker would be back in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cubs.

Choi (knee) will participate in a simulated game Sunday and subsequently join Triple-A Durham for a rehab assignment, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

The 29-year-old underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee at the end of March and is nearing the end of his recovery timeline, but he'll head to Durham for a rehab stint before joining the Rays. Assuming he avoids any setbacks. Choi could make his 2021 debut within the next couple weeks.

Martinez (illness) is batting third as the designated hitter Friday against the Rangers, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

The veteran slugger was expected to be out of Friday's starting nine after exiting Thursday's contest with migraine-related symptoms, but he won't end up being sidelined. Martinez is 0-for-9 with two walks and four strikeouts over the past three games.

Vogelbach is starting at first base and batting second Friday against the Dodgers, Craig Coshun of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

This marks the first baseman's third consecutive start. Hitting just .196, Vogelbach hasn't excelled at the plate, but he has done enough to continue earning playing time over Keston Hiura.

Alvarez (undisclosed) was activated from the COVID-19 injured list and will start Friday at Tampa Bay, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old missed the past two games while on the COVID-19 IL, but he'll return to the lineup for Friday's contest. Alvarez has a .309/.355/.529 slash line with two home runs, seven doubles, 14 RBI and 10 runs through 18 games this season, and he'll attempt to pick up where he left off following the brief absence.

Harper (face) is out of the lineup Friday against the Mets primarily due to a sore wrist, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The fastball that hit Harper's face Wednesday deflected into his left wrist, which is still sore two days later. While his wrist is bothering him more than his face, neither issue appears to be serious enough to send him to the injured list, with the Phillies calling his absence precautionary. Matt Joyce will fill in for him in right field Friday.

Harper (face) remains on the bench Friday against the Mets.

Harper left Wednesday's game against the Cardinals after getting hit in the face by a pitch and did not take part in Thursday's series finale. He hasn't been placed on the injured list, but it's not yet clear when the Phillies expect him back in the lineup. Matt Joyce will start in right field in his absence.

Rooker was optioned to the alternate training site Friday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

The 26-year-old returned from a neck injury April 20 and had gone 2-for-18 with a solo homer since being activated from the injured list. Rooker should head to Triple-A St. Paul for the upcoming start of the minor-league campaign. Max Kepler and Kyle Garlick were activated from the COVID-19 injured list after clearing league protocols.

Stanton went 3-for-5 in Thursday's loss to the Orioles.

Stanton didn't register any counting stats or extra-base hits, but he did manage his third consecutive multi-hit effort. He is also riding a seven-game hitting streak, during which he's recorded three home runs, three RBI and six runs scored. For the season, Stanton has maintained a .250/.305/.477 line across 95 plate appearances.

Mercedes went 1-for-4 with a solo shot in Thursday's win over Tigers in the second leg of the doubleheader.

The 28-year-old rookie sensation hit a 449-foot home run off Alex Lange in the fifth inning. Mercedes' amazing rookie campaign continues, as he's hit safely in five straight games and is slashing .423/.464/.729 for the season.