MLB Player News

Bichette went 4-for-6 with a two-run home run and a double in Tuesday's 8-7 extra-inning loss to the Dodgers.

The Blue Jays tallied 12 hits as a team, but Bichette was the only Toronto batter with multiple hits. It was a big game for the shortstop, who entered Tuesday stuck in an 0-for-18 slump. He's back up to a .312/.344/.490 slash line with 17 homers, 56 RBI, 48 runs scored, three stolen bases, 23 doubles and a triple through 101 contests.

Neto (back) was scratched from the Angels' lineup Tuesday, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

He had been slated to return to action following a two-game absence with a back issue, but manager Phil Nevin decided to give the rookie one more day. Neto is expected back Wednesday, but Andrew Velazquez will enter the lineup at shortstop Tuesday and Luis Rengifo will move up to the leadoff spot.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora on Tuesday wouldn't rule out a return this weekend for Story (elbow) if the shortstop says he's ready, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Story is currently slated to play shortstop Tuesday, serve as the designated hitter Wednesday and then return to shortstop Thursday in his first three rehab games at Triple-A Worcester. He has already played three rehab contests at Double-A Portland, going 2-for-8 with a home run. Cora did indicate that Story's timing is off at the plate and they didn't want to rush the infielder back, so a return this weekend might be a bit of a push. It shouldn't be long, though.

Neto (back) is playing shortstop and batting leadoff in his return to the lineup Tuesday in Detroit, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

Neto missed Saturday's and Sunday's games versus the Pirates due to lower-back tightness but is ready to go following Monday's off day. The rookie shortstop has slugged two home runs in seven games since the All-Star break.

Smith started in left field and went 1-for-4 with a walk, a home run and an additional run scored in Monday's 10-9 loss to Houston.

Smith's fourth-inning solo shot was his first in 23 games and fourth of the season. The seldom-used utility player made a second consecutive start, as the Rangers deal with injuries to Corey Seager (thumb) and Adolis Garcia (hand).

Bichette is not in the starting lineup Monday versus the Dodgers.

Bichette will get a breather after he went 0-for-14 with six strikeouts over the team's series in Seattle. Santiago Espinal will take over at shortstop and bat eighth in the series opener against Los Angeles.

Velazquez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run Sunday in a 7-5 victory versus the Pirates.

Velazquez hadn't started a game since before the All-Star break coming into the weekend, but he found his name in the starting lineup for the second straight day Sunday as a result of Zach Neto's back injury. Velazquez made the most of the opportunity, slugging his first homer of the season in the fifth inning. The speedy infielder is still slashing just .200/.308/.289 on the campaign, and with Neto possibly returning to action Tuesday, Velazquez will likely return to a bench role soon.

Reyes (abdomen) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Monday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Reyes will make his return to Boston's roster after missing just over a month with an abdominal injury. The 29-year-old appeared in 11 games during his minor-league rehab assignment, going 11-for-41 with three homers, seven RBI, eight runs scored and three stolen bases during those contests. It's unclear what role Reyes will have with the Red Sox, but relievers Justin Garza and Brandon Walter were both optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Monday.

Witt went 2-for-4 with a stolen base in Sunday's 8-5 loss to the Yankees.

Witt was also caught stealing once. The shortstop hadn't attempted a theft in his previous eight games, though he also hit .176 with no walks in that span, limiting his chances to run. He has three multi-hit efforts since the All-Star break and is now slashing .253/.292/.443 with 28 steals, 16 home runs, 51 RBI and 50 runs scored through 99 contests.

Baez is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Giants.

Baez will take a seat for the second time in the second half while the Tigers and Giants get together for a make-up game that begins at 1:10 p.m. ET. With Baez on the bench, Zach McKinstry will slide over from third base to pick up a start at shortstop.