MLB Player News

Rice is not in the Yankees' starting lineup against the Royals on Wednesday.

Rice has received three starts against left-handed pitchers this season, but he'll take a seat Wednesday with the Royals sending southpaw Kris Bubic to the mound. With Rice beginning the contest in the dugout, Aaron Judge will serve as the designated hitter while Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham and Jasson Dominguez man the outfield. Rice has started the season slashing .273/.385/.618 with 10 walks, two stolen bases, 12 runs scored, five home runs and seven RBI in 65 plate appearances.

Massey is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees.

After going 1-for-20 at the dish while starting in each of the last five games, Massey will get a day off to clear his head. Tyler Tolbert will pick up his first career MLB start in place of Massey, covering second base while batting eighth.

Renfroe is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees.

Renfroe is out of the lineup against a right-hander for the third time in four games after an 0-for-3 performance in Tuesday's 4-2 loss brought his season-long batting line down to .119/.213/.143 over 47 plate appearances. Since Renfroe has yet to turn the corner offensively, the Royals will likely continue to give opportunities to Cavan Biggio and Drew Waters in right field as they look to see whether either player can offer more of a boost to the offense.

The Rangers recalled Latz from Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

Latz has posted a 3.12 ERA and 14:8 K:BB over 8.2 frames at Round Rock this season. He will give manager Bruce Bochy another left-handed option in the bullpen.

The Rangers optioned Church to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

Church drew some buzz during spring training and manager Bruce Bochy even floated his name as a potential closer candidate. However, Church struggled to throw strikes in the early going with a 5:6 K:BB over 4.2 frames, resulting in a move to the minors. Jacob Latz was called up from Triple-A to replace Church in the bullpen.

O'Neill has been scratched from Wednesday's lineup against the Guardians due to neck discomfort, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Ramon Laureano will enter the lineup in left field and bat ninth, while Heston Kjerstad will shift over to right field. Consider O'Neill day-to-day.

Polanco (side) said Wednesday that he's been taking right-handed swings off a tee and is "getting closer" to being able to bat righty in a game, Adam Jude of The Seattle Times reports.

The switch hitter has been able to hit only left-handed over the last week-plus due to lingering side soreness, which has also limited him to DH duties. While Polanco didn't offer a specific timetable for his return to the lineup versus lefties, it sounds like it's coming soon. The next southpaw the Mariners are scheduled to face is the Blue Jays' Easton Lucas on Sunday.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said that Castro left Wednesday's 4-3 extra-inning win over the Mets in the eighth inning due to tightness in his right oblique, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Castro started at shortstop and went 2-for-3 with a double before departing with the injury, which Baldelli described as minor. With Carlos Correa dealing with a hand injury, the Twins may need to call up another infielder if Castro isn't available for the team's next game Friday in Atlanta.

Wallner will be placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain, Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Wallner exited Tuesday's game against the Mets after tweaking the hamstring, and an MRI showed a strain, necessitating a trip to the IL. The severity of the strain isn't clear, so it's uncertain how long he might be shelved. DaShawn Keirsey started in right field in Wallner's place Wednesday and is likely due for an uptick in playing time in the immediate future.

Jones is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians.

The Guardians are facing a right-hander (Dean Kremer) on Wednesday, but the lefty-hitting Jones will be on the bench while Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt opens up room in the outfield for the hot-hitting Angel Martinez, who has gone 8-for-14 at the dish since his call-up from Triple-A Columbus a week ago. Once Martinez's bat cools, Jones could re-emerge as the Guardians' preferred option in right field against right-handed pitching.