MLB Player News

Gordon, who took grounders at second base for a second consecutive day before Wednesday's game, is expected to make the positional transition from center field sometime during the upcoming weekend series against the Tigers, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The move is necessitated by Robinson Cano's 80-game suspension, with Gordon the natural candidate to fill in considering his multiple seasons of experience and Gold Glove at the position. The 30-year-old is expected to continue putting in infield work for the next couple of days in order to reacclimate to the speed of the ball off the bat at much closer proximity. With Gordon heading to second base, Guillermo Heredia is expected to see the majority of playing time in center field.

Swanson (wrist) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Low-A Rome on Thursday, David O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

As expected, Swanson will join Rome for what is expected to be a brief rehab assignment after getting through a second day of batting practice with no issues Wednesday. The 24-year-old, who has been on the shelf since May 4 with a wrist injury, could be back with the Braves after appearing in just one or two minor-league games, though that will likely depend on how his wrist responds to the game action. Johan Camargo will presumably return to a utility role upon Swanson's activation, which could come as early as Friday.

Swanson (wrist) took batting practice on the field Tuesday and will do so again ahead of the Braves' game Wednesday against the Cubs, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. He could be activated from the 10-day disabled list as soon as Friday.

After taking a week off to let his inflamed left wrist heal, Swanson was cleared to resume swinging a bat Sunday and has steadily increased his activity from there. If Swanson endures no recurring pain in his wrist during batting practice Wednesday, Braves manager Brian Snitker suggested the shortstop would likely head out on a one-day rehab assignment Thursday with Low-A Rome before returning from the DL over the weekend. Once Swanson is back in the fold, he should reclaim an everyday role in the middle infield, resulting in Johan Camargo sliding into a utility role.

Crawford is out of the lineup against Cincinnati on Wednesday, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Crawford will sit for the first time this month after going 4-for-4 with one double and two runs scored during Tuesday's victory. In his absence, Kelby Tomlinson will start at shortstop and bat eighth.

Arcia is out of the lineup versus the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

Tyler Saladino will draw a start at shortstop for the series finale as Arcia retreats to the bench following an 0-for-3 showing during Tuesday's game. Through 38 games this year, Arcia is hitting just .213/.256/.295 with two home runs and 13 RBI.

Owings manned center field and went 0-for-3 with a walk in the Diamondbacks' 2-1 win over the Brewers on Tuesday.

Though Owings was making his 20th start of the season in the outfield, it was the first time he received a nod in center due to A.J. Pollock (thumb) being unavailable. With Pollock expected to miss 4-to-8 weeks with the fractured digit, it's likely that Owings will have to get accustomed to frequent duty in center field as part of a timeshare with Jarrod Dyson (back). As the left-handed hitter of the duo, Dyson likely stands to see the larger portion of playing time at the position, but Owings' ability to play everywhere but first base and catcher should often afford both him and Dyson spots in the lineups against right-handed pitching. While Owings' versatility is a nice asset, he'll need to improve upon his weak .204/.268/.319 season line before fantasy owners can keep him active with much confidence.

Anderson will not be in the lineup for Wednesday's game against Pittsburgh, Andy Masur of WGN Radio reports.

Anderson will sit for the first time this season as the White Sox are in the early stages of a 16-day stretch without a scheduled off day. In his place, Yolmer Sanchez will start at shortstop and Matt Davidson will man third base. Over 38 games this season, Anderson is hitting .239 with a .729 OPS, seven home runs, 11 RBI and 10 stolen bases.

Crawford went 4-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in Tuesday's win over the visiting Reds.

This was Crawford's eighth multi-hit game since the beginning of May, and he's raised his average from .191 on May 1 to .290 now. The shortstop has nine doubles to go along with three home runs and 15 RBI.

Gordon is taking grounders at second base in anticipation of a possible position change, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Gordon, who made the transition to center field this season when he was traded to the Mariners, could be switching back to second base after Robinson Cano (finger) was popped with an 80-game suspension for failing a drug test. This shouldn't really have an effect on his fantasy value for this season, as he's already eligible at the keystone in most leagues thanks to his work there in 2017.

Diaz (ankle) began a hitting progression Tuesday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Diaz continues to ramp up his activity as he slowly works his way back from a sprained ankle. He also began running lightly. While Diaz is making solid progress in his recovery, the 27-year-old remains without a timetable for his return. For now, Richard Urena and Giovanny Urshela will continue to man shortstop in his stead.