MLB Player News

Smith (hamstring) remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Royals.

Smith will miss a second straight start due to left hamstring tightness and isn't expected to play Thursday, either. However, the Rangers appear optimistic that the super-utility player can avoid the 10-day injured list and return to action this weekend in Pittsburgh. Smith has arguably been the Rangers' most valuable hitter this season, producing a 127 wRC+ while slashing .288/.357/.443 with seven home runs and eight stolen bases across 245 plate appearances.

Keith is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Keith will hit the bench for the third consecutive game, with the Tigers having faced left-handed starting pitchers in each of those contests. The 23-year-old has been getting steady playing time versus right-handed pitching of late at either designated hitter or in the corner infield, though Keith could be at risk of sitting more frequently in those matchups once Matt Vierling (shoulder) returns from the injured list.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Bregman (quad) will undergo testing Wednesday to see where he's at strength-wise and to determine what's next in his progression, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Recovering from a right quad strain, Bregman resumed running in early June but noted last week he is running at only about 50 percent intensity. It's possible he'll receive the go-ahead Wednesday to accelerate his rehab, but the Red Sox should have more on the third baseman's status later this week. Bregman could skip a rehab assignment, but even if that happens he does not appear close to returning.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wednesday that Hicks (toe) will throw a live batting practice session Thursday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Cora wasn't sure what the next step for Hicks would be after facing hitters Thursday, though he did indicate the hurler would need a rehab assignment before being activated from the 15-day injured list. Acquired from the Giants in the Rafael Devers trade, Hicks has been shelved since early June with right toe inflammation. He was moved to the bullpen by the Giants in mid-May and presumably will be in line for a relief role in Boston.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Crawford (knee/wrist) threw a bullpen session Tuesday and will throw another one Friday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Crawford reverted back to playing catch after a recent bullpen session didn't go well, but he has now resumed mound work. The right-hander will continue to ramp things back up as he eyes a rehab assignment.

Straw (ankle) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Straw and Jonatan Clase (knee) had been operating in a platoon in center field of late while Daulton Varsho (hamstring) is on the shelf, but neither will start Wednesday after both exited in the fifth inning of Tuesday's 5-4 win with injuries. Straw was diagnosed with a right ankle sprain after colliding with the outfield wall while making a defensive play Tuesday, but manager John Schneider expressed optimism Wednesday that the 30-year-old will avoid a trip to the injured list and will be good to go after a day off or two, per Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca. George Springer will step in as the Blue Jays' center fielder Wednesday while both Straw and Clase are on the bench.

Clase (knee) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Clase was one of two Blue Jays center fielders who exited in the fifth inning of Tuesday's 5-4 win, with Myles Straw also checking out of the game due to an ankle sprain. Neither Clase nor Straw is ready to start Wednesday, but manager John Schneider said that Clase has already shown some improvement in his recovery from the right knee contusion and might be available off the bench, per Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca. The Blue Jays will turn to George Springer in center field in the penultimate game of the series.

LeMahieu is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels.

LeMahieu went hitless in the first two games of the series and has gone just 1-for-14 over his last six contests. Oswald Peraza will fill in at second base and bat ninth for the Yankees on Wednesday while LeMahieu rests.

Stanton is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest versus the Angels.

Stanton started at designated hitter and picked up two hits in both of his first two games back from the 60-day injured list, but he will get a breather Wednesday. Jasson Dominguez will serve as the Yankees' designated hitter and will bat eighth.

Wells is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Angels.

Wells will get a breather Wednesday after he started at catcher in both of the first two games of the series. Ben Rice will pick up his first career start at catcher for the Yankees after having previously served as a designated hitter or first baseman since making his MLB debut last summer.