MLB Player News

Gusto has made his last three appearances for the Astros as a reliever, covering 6.1 innings in total while allowing two earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five.

Gusto has made 12 starts for Houston this season and had been a fixture in the rotation since late May, but the Astros transitioned him to the bullpen shortly before the All-Star break. In Houston's final series of the first half, Gusto came on in long relief July 11 following a short start by Lance McCullers, and he made a pair of one-inning appearances in last weekend's series in Seattle. McCullers has since been placed on the injured list due to a blister on his right hand, so Gusto could be needed once again to plug one of the holes in the rotation. Houston is listing Hunter Brown and Colton Gordon as its starters for the final two games of its upcoming four-game series with the Athletics, but Gusto could be called upon to start or work in bulk relief Thursday or Friday.

Soler was removed in the bottom of the third inning of Wednesday's game against the Mets due to back tightness.

A bout with back soreness forced Soler to the injured list June 20, and the Angels had been giving him more frequent days off since he was activated July 1. The extra maintenance apparently hasn't fully resolved the issue, as Soler's back acted up again Wednesday and resulted him being removed from the contest after just one plate appearance. Chris Taylor started at third base but took over in right field once Soler exited the game.

Bader is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Dodgers.

Though he'll be on the bench for the series finale, Bader seems to have at least temporarily reclaimed a near-everyday role in the outfield while utility man Willi Castro has been spelling the struggling Brooks Lee in the infield more frequently of late. Bader had started each of the last six games -- five in left field, one in center field -- while going 5-for-21 with a home run, a double, two walks, three RBI and three runs. Set to become a free agent this winter, Bader could be a trade chip ahead of the July 31 deadline while the 49-52 Twins find themselves on the periphery of the American League wild-card race.

Lee will start at shortstop and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Dodgers.

Though he'll be included in the lineup Wednesday while Carlos Correa rests for a day game after a night game, Lee was on the bench for each of the previous three contests and appears to have moved into more of a utility infield role for Minnesota while he's slashed just .111/.163/.133 since the beginning of July. A more consistent role could reopen for Lee if the Twins look to trade pending free agents such as Willi Castro, Harrison Bader and Ty France ahead of the July 31 deadline.

Rosario (elbow) had not had surgery yet as of April, per Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News.

There are plenty of rumors circulating online that Rosario still hasn't had the procedure, which was recommended in February. Even if Rosario had the procedure in July, he could potentially miss the entire 2026 season. Rosario was trending toward being a top-five pitching prospect at the time of his injury, so he's still worth stashing in most dynasty leagues, but it's a mystery as to when we'll see him healthy and pitching in games again.

Correa is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Dodgers.

The Twins are closing out their series in Los Angeles with a day game after a night game, so Correa will get a veteran off day after he started each of Minnesota's first five contests coming out of the All-Star break. Brooks Lee will cover shortstop in Correa's stead.

Hummel will start in left field and bat seventh in Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Though he'll be included in the lineup Wednesday while Jose Altuve gets a breather for a day game after a night game, Hummel has faded into more of a part-time role in recent weeks. He's picking up his fourth start in nine games while the likes of Chas McCormick and Taylor Trammell have been prioritized ahead of him in the outfield.

Soler was removed from Wednesday's game against the Mets in the third inning with an undisclosed injury, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Soler has been dealing with a back issue recently, so it's possible that injury is still lingering and flared up on him. He struck out in his lone plate appearance before exiting. The Angels should have more on Soler's condition shortly.

Smith is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game in Arizona.

Smith had started each of the previous 37 contests for the Astros but will get a day of rest in Wednesday's series finale. Chas McCormick will play right field and bat eighth in Smith's stead.

Altuve is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Arizona.

Altuve had started every game since June 10 but will get a breather in the final game of the Astros' road trip. Houston will roll out Cooper Hummel in left field as it tries to complete a series sweep.