MLB Player News

Smith (face) was scheduled to get some cardio in and take pre-game swings Wednesday, Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Smith was hit by a pitch in the face Monday and needed six stitches to close a laceration. He hasn't played since but will be re-evaluated following Wednesday's activity. All signs point to him avoiding the injured list. Smith, who had been picking up starts in left field against right-handers, was replaced by Ezequiel Duran the last two games. McFarland also reports Leody Taveras (oblique) is taking swings from both sides of the plate and may be nearing a rehab assignment. Taveras' return should reduce the outfield opportunities both Smith and Duran have seen early in the season.

Bogaerts went 2-for-4 with a home run, two total runs and two total RBI in Monday's loss to Arizona.

Bogaerts belted a two-run shot in the fifth inning, marking the third time in his past four games that he has gone deep. The shortstop has enjoyed a blazing beginning to his Padres career, notching at least one hit in each of his first six games and slashing .409/.440/.955 with three homers, seven RBI and five runs over that span. Bogaerts hit a modest 15 homers in 150 games with Boston last season, but he has hit as many as 33 long balls in an MLB campaign (in 2019 with the Red Sox).

Pena went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run, a double and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 8-2 victory over Detroit.

Pena extended the Astros' lead to 8-2 in the bottom of the eighth inning with a two-run homer, his first of the season. The 2018 third-round pick hit 22 home runs across 555 plate appearances as a rookie last year, and he'll look to match, if not exceed, that mark in 2023.

Cruz is being evaluated for a facial injury, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Cruz took a blow to the face as he collided with Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers in the seventh inning of Wednesday's game at Fenway Park. His left eye specifically seemed to be giving him trouble, but the Pirates are classifying Cruz's injury as a facial issue. Pittsburgh is off Thursday, so more clarity on Cruz's status should arrive shortly before Friday's game against the White Sox.

Cruz was removed from Wednesday's game in Boston due to an apparent left eye injury, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Cruz had an awkward collision with Rafael Devers near the third base bag in the top of the seventh inning and was replaced before the bottom of the seventh. A trainer appeared to be looking at his left eye. He finished the day 1-for-4 with a run scored and a strikeout.

Anderson was ejected from Wednesday's game against the Giants for arguing with the home plate umpire.

Anderson felt like he got quick-pitched by Logan Webb as he attempted to call time on what was ultimately a strikeout in the bottom of the third inning. He finished the day 0-for-2. Elvis Andrus slid over to shortstop in the top of the fourth, with Hanser Alberto entering the game at second base.

Diaz will take a seat Wednesday versus the Guardians.

Diaz will get a breather after starting the first five games of season, going 3-for-19 with an RBI and a run scored over those contests. Nick Allen will draw the start at shortstop and bat eighth in Wednesday's series finale with Cleveland.

Smith (face) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles.

The Rangers have an off day Thursday, so Smith will effectively get at least two more days to heal up from a swollen jaw as well as the six stitches he required on his face after being hit by a pitch in Monday's 2-0 loss to the Orioles. Ezequiel Duran will spell Smith in left field for the second game in a row.

Baez is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Astros.

Baez will take a seat after starting the Tigers' first five games of the year, going 2-for-20 with one RBI and one run scored while striking out five times. The 30-year-old saw his strikeout percentage drop from 33.7 percent in 2021 to 24.9 percent in 2022 and it appears that his discipline at the plate is closer to his 2022 form early this season. Ryan Kreidler will take over at shortstop and bat ninth Wednesday versus Houston.

Berti is expected to see the majority of the playing time at shortstop while Joey Wendle (ribs) is on the injured list, David Wilson of the Miami Herald reports.

Berti is a poor fit defensively at shortstop, but the veteran utility player is still viewed as the superior option to Garrett Hampson. The Marlins also have Jose Iglesias at Triple-A, but he's not on the 40-man roster and the organization may not have an easy way to create a spot for him at the moment. Berti has had a quiet start to the year, going 3-for-15 (.200) through five games without a stolen base, but his wheels should start making an impact with consistent playing time.