MLB Player News

Higashioka went 1-for-3 in Saturday's 6-0 loss to the Guardians.

Higashioka made a fourth consecutive start behind the plate and figures to continue seeing an uptick in playing time after the Rangers placed Danny Jansen (forearm) on the 10-day injury list. Jansen leads the Rangers with 36 starts behind the plate, but Higashioka (.245) has hit for a better batting average than Jansen (.171).

Altuve is not in the Astros' starting lineup against the Athletics on Sunday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Altuve will get a rest after going 2-for-6 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in two games since being activated from the 10-day IL on Friday. Nick Allen will start at second base and bat ninth for Sunday's series finale.

Simpson (thumb) is not in the Rays' starting lineup against the Marlins on Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Simpson will be out of the lineup for a second consecutive game while tending to a left thumb injury that cropped up in Friday's contest. Ryan Vilade, Cedric Mullins and Victor Mesa will start in the outfield from left to right for Sunday's series finale.

Schneemann started in center field and went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a stolen base in Saturday's 6-0 win over Texas.

Schneemann made what has become a rare contribution to a Cleveland win. The multi-hit effort was his first since April 29, when he was slashing .321/.391/.564 through 26 games. His fortunes have turned since. Schneemann entered Saturday with a .146/.231/.171 slash line with five RBI over the previous 24 games. Despite the lack of production, Schneemann's versatility keeps him relevant.

Rocchio went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 6-0 win over the Rangers.

Rocchio ignited the Guardians' four-run fifth inning with his fifth home run of the season. He's not required to do much more than keep the line moving from the ninth spot in the order and has done that well. Rocchio is slashing .283/.361/.410 with 29 RBI, 11 steals and 28 runs over 63 games.

Lukes is not in Toronto's starting lineup against Baltimore on Sunday.

Lukes will take a seat after going 1-for-8 across the first two games of the series. Jesus Sanchez, Myles Straw and Yohendrick Pinango will man the outfield from left to right for the Blue Jays.

Varsho (wrist) is not in the Blue Jays' starting lineup against the Orioles on Sunday.

Varsho will be out of the lineup for a second consecutive game while tending to a left wrist injury that popped up in Friday's series opener. The Blue Jays will start Jesus Sanchez, Myles Straw and Yohendrick Pinango in the outfield from left to right.

Jensen went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Twins.

Jensen accounted for most of the Royals' offensive production, blasting a leadoff homer in the first inning before adding a sacrifice fly in the ninth frame. Despite Saturday's productive moments, he's hitting .087 (2-for-23) with 10 strikeouts across six games in June. It has been a lackluster campaign thus far for the 22-year-old, as he's slashing .211/.286/.381 with eight homers, nine doubles, 30 RBI and 25 runs across 60 games while splitting time between catcher and designated hitter.

Crawford (hand) is not in the Mariners' starting lineup against the Tigers on Sunday.

Crawford will be out of the lineup for a second consecutive game while tending to a hand injury that he sustained in Friday's series opener. Colt Emerson will once again start at shortstop while Patrick Wisdom operates at third base.

Muncy (hand) went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer, an additional run scored and a walk Saturday with Triple-A Las Vegas.

Muncy continued to mash on his rehab assignment as he completes his recovery from a fractured fifth metacarpal in his left hand. The 23-year-old is slashing .375/.385/.708 with two homers, two doubles, eight RBI and five runs across six rehab appearances with the Aviators. It shouldn't be long before he's activated and returns to the big-league roster, though it remains to be seen whether Muncy will reclaim his role as the primary third baseman. Zack Gelof has performed well at the hot corner in his absence, though the defensive versatility of both players should provide the A's with multiple avenues to get both of them in the lineup.