MLB Player News

Ahmed (undisclosed) is expected to play in two games at extended spring training this week, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

The report indicates the first game was Wednesday, and he was expected to play again Thursday. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said if all goes well, Ahmed will be re-evaluated to determine next steps in his rehab program.

Crawford went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Wednesday against the Orioles.

Crawford took Kyle Bradish yard in the fourth inning to record his fifth homer of the season. It was his first long ball since May 1, and he recorded only three total extra-base hits across 86 at-bats in that span. However, Crawford has maintained a 15.3 percent strikeout rate across 196 plate appearances on the season, which has helped him maintain a .298/.388/.452 line.

Smith's absence from the lineup Wednesday against the Rays could be related to him being hit on the right wrist by a pitch in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Rays, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Smith was able to play the full nine-inning game Tuesday, but he could be dealing with some residual pain in the wrist after he was hit by a pitch for the second time in the contest. Andy Ibanez will draw the start at third base Wednesday, but assuming his wrist issue isn't anything more than a day-to-day concern, Smith looks like he'll get a chance to play regularly against both right- and left-handed pitching.

Smith is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays.

Smith had a productive first two starts in the big leagues, rapping out three hits and reaching base five times in total while scoring twice and contributing a stolen base. He still appears to have the edge on the everyday job at third base, but Smith will cede duties at the hot corner to Andy Ibanez on Wednesday.

Baez isn't starting Wednesday against the Twins.

Baez will get a breather after he hit just .129 with a double, an RBI, a walk and eight strikeouts over the last eight games. Harold Castro will take over at shortstop and bat second.

Velazquez went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in a loss to the Yankees on Tuesday.

One of the Angels' few threats in the game came in the eighth inning, when Juan Lagares led off with a double and Velazquez followed with a single. Velazquez subsequently stole second to put a pair of runners in scoring position with nobody out, but Los Angeles was unable to score. Velazquez is just over the Mendoza Line with a .203 average on the season, but he's tied for seventh in the American League with eight stolen bases.

Berti will start at shortstop and bat sixth in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Rockies, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Though he'll be filling in for a resting Miguel Rojas in the front end of the twin bill, Berti could end up settling in as the Marlins' primary third baseman in the short term after the top two options on the depth chart -- Joey Wendle (hamstring) and Brian Anderson (back) -- were placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday. WIllians Astudillo and Luke Williams are also candidates to pick up work at the hot corner, but Berti's ability to play all over the infield and outfield could be enough for him to hold down a near-everyday role until the Marlins reclaim some health. Berti had already started in three of the Marlins' previous four games and is getting on base at an excellent .391 clip this season while chipping in two home runs and four stolen bases across 64 plate appearances.

Rojas isn't starting the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Rockies, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Rojas started in the last five games and went 5-for-16 with a homer, two RBI, two walks and a strikeout. Jon Berti will start at shortstop and bat sixth in Wednesday's matinee.

The Marlins recalled Williams from Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

After being acquired from the Giants last week, Williams didn't have to wait long to join the big club with the Marlins desiring to add another right-handed bat to the roster to replace Brian Anderson (back), who was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday. Miami also moved Joey Wendle (hamstring) to the IL, but Jon Berti and Willians Astudillo are likely first in line to pick up reps at third base in Wendle's stead. Williams, meanwhile, profiles as more of a utility option due to his ability to play every position except catcher and pitcher.

Wendle was placed on the injured list with a right hamstring strain Wednesday, retroactive to May 31, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Wendle exited Monday's game against the Rockies due to right hamstring discomfort, and he'll land on the IL after being diagnosed with a strain. Brian Anderson (back) was also placed on the 10-day IL on Wednesday, so Jon Berti and Willians Astudillo are in line for increased playing time at third base.