MLB Player News

Diaz went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in Friday's 10-3 win over the Royals.

Diaz was just 1-for-13 in his previous five games, but he broke that skid in a big way Friday. The utility man hit a two-run home run in the second inning to open the scoring and added an RBI single in the fourth. This was his seventh multi-hit game in 33 contests this season. With a .233/.282/.330 slash line in 110 plate appearances, Diaz shouldn't be expected to see much more than a reserve role when the Astros' lineup is healthy.

Smith left Friday's game against the Mariners with left shoulder soreness, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

He will be further evaluated in the next day, so for now he should be considered day-to-day. Smith went 1-for-3 as the leadoff hitter before exiting. Charlie Culberson replaced him at third base.

Lindor (finger) is starting at shortstop and batting third Friday against the Dodgers.

Per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Lindor has a small fracture in his finger but it's something he can play through once the swelling went down. Even so, it's a little surprising he isn't in as the designated hitter, but perhaps that's a testament to how minor the fracture is.

Reyes was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

Reyes failed to land a spot on the Brewers' 40-man roster this year, but he slashed .264/.345/.450 with five homers, 29 runs, 17 RBI and seven stolen bases over 33 games in Nashville to begin the year. The 28-year-old will provide depth for the major-league club after Mike Brosseau (ankle) was placed on the 10-day injured list.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that Ahmed will be shut down after dealing with some right shoulder soreness during his rehab, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.

Ahmed has been on the COVID-19 injured list since May 17, but he was cleared to play in extended spring training games this week. However, he's apparently dealing with a shoulder issue and will meet with Dr. Neal ElAttrache to determine the next steps in his rehab process. It's not yet clear when the 32-year-old will be able to rejoin the Diamondbacks, but Geraldo Perdomo should continue to serve as the team's primary shortstop in Ahmed's absence.

Leonard has a .264/.366/.460 line with seven homers, one steal and a 20:36 BB:K over 47 games for High-A Great Lakes this season.

He slugged 22 homers and stole nine bags in the minors last year, but Leonard's power and speed production have both fallen off noticeably so far this season. Even so, the 21-year-old has been solid at the plate while seeing time at three infield positions (second, third and short) as well as center field. He seems to have a classic utility profile, though there's still room for skill growth here.

Velazquez is not in Friday's lineup against the Phillies, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

He is hitting .200 with one home run and two steals over his last 60 at-bats. Manager Joe Maddon recently called Velazquez "the best shortstop in the American League," according to Greg Joyce of the New York Post. It's that strong defense that has earned Velazquez this much playing time this season. Tyler Wade will start at shortstop and hit ninth.

Owings was placed on the bereavement list Friday.

Since players are required to spend between three and seven days on the bereavement list, the 30-year-old will be unavailable for the Orioles' weekend series against the Guardians. Tyler Nevin should see a slight uptick in playing time while Owings is away from the team.

Crawford (illness) is in the lineup Friday against the Marlins, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Crawford was removed from Thursday's lineup due to a non-COVID illness, but he'll start at shortstop and bat fifth Friday. Over his last six games, the 35-year-old has gone 3-for-19 with a run, two walks and a strikeout.

Camargo isn't starting Friday against the Angels.

Camargo started in the last five games and went 2-for-17 with a run, three walks and four strikeouts. Nick Maton will take over at second base while Bryson Stott starts at shortstop Friday.