MLB Player News

Story (elbow) is scheduled to take live batting practice Tuesday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

The veteran shortstop previously indicated a return in August could be possible, though manager Alex Cora decline to offer any sort of return timeline Sunday. Story's advancement to facing live pitching is encouraging news, but the progression of his throwing program is likely of greater importance given he's returning from internal bracing surgery in his right elbow.

Fletcher will start at shortstop and bat ninth in Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Following Zach Neto's (oblique) placement on the injured list June 15, Andrew Velazquez received the first look as the Angels' new everyday shortstop, but that role appears to have since fallen to Fletcher. After producing a .742 OPS with six RBI and a run scored since his June 24 call-up from Triple-A Salt Lake, Fletcher will pick up his eighth start at shortstop Sunday in a nine-game stretch.

The Angels recalled Velazquez from Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday.

He'll be joining the Halos as a replacement in the infield for Brandon Drury (shoulder), who was placed on the 10-day injured list. Velazquez started seven games with the Angels earlier this season and was a regular in the middle infield in 2022, but he may be ticketed for a utility role during his upcoming stint in the big leagues. Eduardo Escobar, Luis Rengifo and David Fletcher all look to be ahead of Velazquez in the pecking order for playing time at second base and shortstop while Drury and Zach Neto (shoulder) are on the IL.

Diaz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox.

Diaz went 2-for-4 with two doubles, an RBI and a run Friday to break out of an 0-for-15 slump, and he's on the bench Sunday for the second straight game. Tyler Wade is starting at shortstop and batting eighth in the series finale versus Chicago.

Volpe went 4-for-8 with a triple, three runs and an RBI across both games of Saturday's doubleheader against St. Louis.

Volpe collected a pair of hits in each contest, and he's now logged five straight multi-hit performances. The rookie shortstop has increased his season batting average from .195 to .220 over that span while striking out just twice over 21 plate appearances. The Yankees have remained committed to giving Volpe near-everyday playing time even during his periods of struggle, and that commitment appears to be paying off given his recent surge.

Pena (neck) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game versus the Rangers, Chandler Rome of The Athleticreports.

Pena will sit for the third consecutive game as he continues to deal with neck stiffness. Mauricio Dubon will receive another start at shortstop for Houston.

Mateo stole a base as a pinch runner in Saturday's 1-0 loss to the Twins.

Mateo started the game on the bench but ran for Adley Rutschman in the ninth inning with the Orioles down a run. Since Jordan Westburg came up from Triple-A Norfolk, Mateo's seen his playing time dwindle, to the point where Mateo may be stuck in a short-side platoon role. The shortstop didn't help his case to play more, hitting just .196 with six steals in June. He has a .220/.267/.350 slash line with 22 thefts, six home runs, 27 RBI and 37 runs scored over 235 plate appearances this season, though he's cooled off dramatically following a strong April.

Crawford went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk, two total RBI and two runs scored in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Rays.

Four of Crawford's seven homers on the year have come over his last 10 games, despite him hitting a modest .257 (9-for-35) in that span. The shortstop drove in multiple runs for the second game in a row. He's slashing .246/.360/.383 with 30 RBI, 44 runs scored and one stolen base through 75 contests. Despite showing little in the way of speed, his decent contact and solid plate discipline have helped him stay atop the lineup regularly.

Neto (oblique) took grounders on the field prior to Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks, Sarah Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Neto has been sidelined since June 15, and his activity Saturday is his most strenuous since he was sidelined. There is still no timetable for his return, making it very likely that his activation from the injured list will come after the All-Star break.

Pena (neck) isn't in the Astros' lineup Saturday against the Rangers.

Neck stiffness kept Pena out of Friday's game, and it will cost him another start Saturday. While Pena continues to heal, Mauricio Dubon will fill in at shortstop and bat sixth.