MLB Player News

Palacios is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Rangers.

Palacios is in the midst of a lengthy slump, going 4-for-33 (.121) with 10 strikeouts over his last 14 games, and he'll get the night off Friday to clear his head. Michael Taylor, Luis Robert and Mike Tauchman will fill the outfield from left to right.

Elko is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Rangers.

Elko started in each of the White Sox's eight games after being called up from Triple-A Charlotte on June 4. He'll get a well-earned day off Friday as Miguel Vargas handles first-base duties.

Walls is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Mets.

Walls had started five consecutive games at shortstop but will yield to Jose Caballero at the position Friday for the second time in three games. Walls is 8-for-24 (.333) with six RBI and three runs scored in June.

Cowser isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels due to general soreness but could be available off the bench, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Cowser crashed into the center field wall during Thursday's game but stayed in the contest. However, he'll get a night to rest up and recover from some lingering soreness due to the collision. Considering the vague injury tag and possible availability off the bench, Cowser can safely be considered day-to-day.

Gray (wrist) threw off a mound Thursday and will do so again Sunday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Gray threw 20 fastballs Thursday. It was his first mound work since suffering a broken wrist in March. Gray is aiming for a return in late July after the All-Star break.

Keith is starting at first base and batting fifth in Friday's game against the Reds.

Keith was not in the starting lineup Thursday with Baltimore deploying lefty Keegan Akin as the opener, though he did pinch hit and ultimately receive three at-bats in the contest. The young infielder, who has a .706 OPS for the season, will slot back in as a regular starter Friday against Cincinnati righty Nick Martinez.

Grisham isn't part of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Red Sox.

The lefty-hitting Grisham will retreat to the bench Friday despite being included in the starting lineup in each of the Yankees' last two games against left-handed starters. Jasson Dominguez, Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge will fill the outfield from left to right.

Chisholm (groin) is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Red Sox.

Chisholm exited Wednesday's game with tightness in his left groin and will miss a second consecutive game due to the issue, though Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that he hopes the 27-year-old will be available as a pinch hitter, per Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. In Chisholm's place, Oswald Peraza will play third base and bat eighth.

Houck (elbow) is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Wednesday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Houck threw a couple bullpen sessions this week and has been sidelined since throwing 69 pitches across 2.1 innings in a May 12 start against the Tigers. Prior to the injury, Houck (0-3) had been roughed up across nine starts, notching an 8.04 ERA and 32:17 K:BB while surrendering 10 home runs across 43.2 innings of work.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Abreu (oblique) swung the bat well Friday, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Abreu appears to be progressing well in his rehab from an oblique injury he suffered June 8. Cora said Abreu is on track to return during Boston's series with the Giants one week from Friday. Abreu slashed .245/.321/.471 with 13 home runs, 32 RBI, 28 runs scored, four stolen bases and a 24:54 BB:K across 234 plate appearances before getting hurt. Top prospect Roman Anthony has been manning right field for Boston during Abreu's absence.