MLB Player News

Downs is considered day-to-day due to a left ankle injury, Joe McDonald of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reports.

Downs exited Thursday's game at Triple-A Worcester after falling while running to second base, and he had to be helped off the field by trainers. However, the team hopes the 24-year-old will be able to avoid a trip to the injured list.

Story (wrist) has taken batting practice and hit off a machine this week, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.

It's been nearly a month since Story was placed on the injured list with what was eventually diagnosed as a hairline fracture in his right wrist. His recent work at PNC Park indicates he should soon be ready to begin a rehab assignment, if he responds well to the increased activity.

Downs exited Thursday's game with Triple-A Worcester due to a left leg injury, Joe McDonald of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reports.

Downs fell on his way to second base after lining a ball into left field, and he remained down momentarily before being helped off the field by trainers. There's no official diagnosis, but a trip to the minor-league injured list seems possible.

Velazquez went 2-for-4 with a run and a stolen base Wednesday in a loss to Seattle.

Velazquez singled and stole second base in the third inning, and he subsequently scored the Angels' first run on a David Fletcher base hit. Velazquez has gone through a few base-stealing spurts this season, though this was his first theft since July 14. He's been caught on the basepaths only once in 14 tries, but his opportunities to run have been limited by a .182 batting average and .226 on-base percentage.

Franco (wrist) is not in the lineup Thursday for Triple-A Durham, according to play-by-play announcer Patrick Kinas.

Franco will sit for a second straight day while undergoing treatment on his sore wrist. According to Durham manager Brady Williams, Franco's absence is "more about pain tolerance and being pain-free" while swinging than anything else. It's unclear when Franco will take the field next, but it's a good sign that he has not been recalled from his rehab assignment.

Crawford went 1-for-2 with a bases-loaded walk, another two base-on-balls and a run in a win over the Angels on Wednesday.

The veteran shortstop pushed his season on-base percentage to .341 with his busy night, which currently qualifies as his highest figure since his rookie 2017 season in Philadelphia. Crawford's offensive production has ignited over the past five games, a stretch during which he's hitting .389 (7-for-18) with a double, three RBI, four total walks and three runs.

Franco (wrist) received treatment after experiencing soreness in his right hand Tuesday and isn't playing Wednesday for Triple-A Durham, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 21-year-old exited his first rehab game Tuesday due to the soreness, and he'll have to wait at least one day before rejoining Durham's lineup. Tampa Bay previously hoped Franco would be able to rejoin the big-league club this weekend, but that timeline may be pushed back. He'll be re-evaluated Thursday and should be considered day-to-day in the meantime.

Diaz (groin) was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Diaz was removed from Tuesday's matchup due to left groin discomfort and will be unavailable for at least a week and a half. Yordan Alvarez is starting in left field while Trey Mancini serves as the designated hitter Wednesday against the White Sox, and J.J. Matijevic was called up by the Astros to provide additional outfield depth in Diaz's absence.

Duran isn't starting Wednesday against Oakland.

Duran snapped an eight-game hitting streak Tuesday against the Athletics by going 0-for-3 with a walk, and he'll head to the bench for the second time in the last three matchups a day later. Josh Smith is starting at the hot corner and batting eighth.

Bogaerts (lower leg) is starting Wednesday against Pittsburgh, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Bogaerts sat out Tuesday's series opener against the Pirates due to a shin injury but will start at shortstop and bat third following his one-game absence. Over his five games prior to his absence, he went 3-for-18 with two doubles, two runs, two RBI, a walk and two strikeouts.