MLB Player News

India is out of the lineup for Friday's contest against the Blue Jays.

After starting six of the first seven games upon his return from the injured list, India has now been on the bench for three games in a row. Michael Massey is getting a second straight start at second base for the Royals.

The Royals placed Erceg on the 15-day injured list Friday due to a right shoulder impingement.

The move essentially ends Erceg's season, as the Royals haven't officially been eliminated from playoff contention but remain seven games out from the final wild-card spot with nine games to play. The 30-year-old has a 2.64 ERA and 48:18 K:BB in 61.1 innings this season. He's tallied an 8-4 record with 23 holds as well. Steven Cruz (shoulder) was activated from the IL in a corresponding move.

Benintendi is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Padres.

Benintendi isn't dealing with any known injury, but this is his second straight absence versus a right-handed pitcher. Will Robertson is in left field and batting eighth in Friday's series opener.

Sosa is not in the lineup for Friday's contest against the Padres.

Sosa has just a .559 OPS and 35.6 percent strikeout rate so far in September. After being moved down to the No. 6 spot in the lineup for the previous two games, he'll get a day to regroup Friday. Miguel Vargas is at first base and Curtis Mead is at third base for the White Sox.

The Royals activated Cruz (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Friday.

Cruz has been on the shelf since Aug. 3 due to tendinitis in his throwing shoulder, but he's been cleared to rejoin the active roster. The 26-year-old made four appearances during a minor-league rehab stint, allowing three hits and no walks with four strikeouts across 4.1 innings. Lucas Erceg (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Harris is not in the lineup for Friday's game in Pittsburgh.

After starting three straight games at third base earlier this week, Harris has now been held out of the lineup in back-to-back contests. Darell Hernaiz will play the hot corner and Zack Gelof will handle second base in Friday's series opener. Harris and Gelof could continue to form a quasi-platoon down the stretch, though it will be difficult to know ahead of time which of the two of them is going to start since they both bat from the right side of the plate.

Finnegan (groin) is expected to be reinstated from the 15-day injured list Friday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Finnegan said he is "ready to go" for Friday's contest. The 34-year-old right-hander has been on the shelf since the start of September due to a right adductor strain. He'll likely compete with Will Vest for saves during the closing days of the regular season.

Larnach is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Guardians.

Larnach will take a seat Friday against left-hander Parker Messick. In his place, Carson McCusker will DH while Austin Martin, Byron Buxton and James Outman fill the outfield from left to right.

Dingler is not in the lineup for Friday's game versus Atlanta.

It's a routine day off after Dingler started at catcher each of the previous five contests. Jake Rogers will be behind the dish and bat ninth for the Tigers on Friday.

Wallner (back) isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Guardians.

Wallner was removed from Wednesday's contest due to back spasms, and despite a team day off Thursday, he'll be out of the lineup Friday. James Outman will fill right field in place of Wallner.