MLB Player News

Mateo is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Yankees, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Mateo has now started just two of the last seven games, and one of those starts came when Jordan Westburg was banged up. Clearly, Mateo's lengthy slump has led to a role reduction, and it looks to be a significant one.

Pena (neck) is starting at shortstop and batting eighth Wednesday versus the Rockies, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Pena will return to the lineup after a five-game absence with neck stiffness. He currently holds a five-game hit streak, batting .261 with a home run, three RBI and four runs scored over that stretch.

Witt went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 9-3 loss to the Twins.

He took Kenta Maeda deep in the fourth inning to get the Royals on the board, but they were already staring at 4-0 hole at that point. Witt has four multi-hit efforts in the last five games, and since the beginning of June the 23-year-old is slashing .307/.354/.430 with three of his 13 homers and eight of his 25 steals on the year.

Franco went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and one steal in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to Philadelphia.

Franco clubbed his 10th home run of the season Tuesday, ending Aaron Nola's night with a solo shot in the eighth inning. The young shortstop also reached on a single in the sixth off Nola and swiped second base for his 27th steal in 2023. Franco has been on a tear in his last five games, batting 7-for-21 (.333) with seven RBI, four runs scored, two stolen bases and two triples. He'll look to continue the hot streak Wednesday in a tentative matchup against right-hander Taijuan Walker.

Kessinger went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Rockies.

Though Kessinger had appeared in just six games since being called up in early June, he drew the starting nod Tuesday after Jose Altuve (oblique) was scratched from the lineup. Kessinger got to work early, hitting a solo homer off Kyle Freeland in the third for his first MLB round-tripper, then followed it up with a single in the eighth for his first career multi-hit game. With Altuve and Jeremy Pena (neck) each battling lingering injuries, Kessinger could receive more action in the near future if either of the pair misses more time.

Allen was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Allen has collected a lowly .476 OPS during his time in the majors this season but got back on track at Vegas with a .922 OPS in 19 contests. He could see some action at shortstop.

Pena (neck) is expected back in the Astros' lineup Wednesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Pena is out of the lineup Tuesday for a fifth straight game due to neck stiffness, but he worked out pregame and appears nearly fully healthy. Mauricio Dubon is getting another start at shortstop Tuesday.

Reyes (abdomen) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Reyes will serve as the designated hitter Tuesday before playing second base Wednesday. He's expected to be ready to return later this week after missing the last week-and-a-half with an abdominal strain.

Pena (neck) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's tilt versus the Rockies, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Pena did take part of Jose Urquidy's (shoulder) live batting practice session pregame but will miss a fifth straight contest with neck tightness. It still seems likely that he'll be able to avoid a stint on the injured list. Mauricio Dubon will handle shortstop Tuesday.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted Tuesday that he's considered moving Volpe back to the leadoff spot, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Boone added that he's been impressed with how Volpe has controlled the strike zone over the last three weeks. The rookie shortstop entered play Tuesday sporting a .379/.446/.603 slash line with two home runs and two stolen bases across his previous 18 contests. Much of that production has come from the lower third of the order, although he's batting sixth Tuesday and it sounds like he could be elevated to the top of the lineup soon.