MLB Player News

Jimenez went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in Tuesday's 10-3 win over the Reds.

After missing Toronto's previous two games with a knee injury, Jimenez returned Tuesday with a two-hit performance, including a two-run homer off Carson Spiers in the fifth inning. All three of Jimenez's homers this season have come in his last six games -- he's gone 5-for-18 with six RBI in that span. Overall, the 23-year-old shortstop is slashing .232/.310/.404 with 12 runs scored and nine RBI across 113 plate appearances this year while filling in for Bo Bichette (calf).

Dezenzo is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Red Sox, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

It's the third straight game on the bench for Dezenzo, who has started just three of the last nine games and just one of the last seven against right-handed pitching. Yainer Diaz will play first base in Wednesday's series finale, while Victor Caratini will do the catching.

Bregman (elbow) will serve as the Astros' designated hitter and leadoff batter in Wednesday's game against the Red Sox, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bregman will return to the lineup for the first time in a week, as he had been on the bench for each of the past five games while dealing with swelling on the back of his right elbow. General manager Dana Brown said earlier Wednesday that Bregman could play third base if needed, but the Astros will ease him back in a non-defensive role in his first game since Aug. 14. Bregman had typically served as the Astros' No. 2 hitter prior to suffering the injury, but he'll move into the leadoff spot Wednesday while normal table setter Jose Altuve gets a day off.

Altuve is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Altuve is getting a rare day off after starting in every game since July 7. Alex Bregman (elbow) will return from a five-game absence and will be elevated to the leadoff spot normally reserved for Altuve, while Mauricio Dubon will handle second base.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said in a radio appearance with SportsTalk 790 Houston that Bregman (elbow) is expected to be back in the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Red Sox as the team's designated hitter.

Brown added that Brown could play "third base if we needed him," but the club will ease him back in at DH as he returns from swelling in his right elbow. Bregman has been out of the lineup for the past five contests while dealing with an elbow issue that popped up when he slept on it awkwardly.

O'Hearn is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mets.

The Mets are bringing a left-hander (Sean Manaea) to the hill for the third straight game, and the lefty-hitting O'Hearn has been on the bench for each of those contests. O'Hearn could be a candidate to replace starting left fielder Austin Slater or designated hitter Eloy Jimenez at some point during the contest once Manaea exits.

Mullins is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mets.

With left-hander Sean Manaea on the hill for the Mets, the left-handed-hitting Mullins will take a seat. Colton Cowser will occupy center field and Austin Slater will play left field for the Orioles.

The Orioles designated Avila for assignment Wednesday.

Baltimore claimed Avila off waivers from San Francisco on June 17, but he spent much of the past two months on Triple-A Norfolk's injured list before returning to action for the Orioles' International League affiliate last week. He was lit up over his three relief appearances for Norfolk, giving up 10 earned runs over just 1.1 innings before the Orioles moved him off their 40-man roster. Avila is expected to clear waivers and will most likely stick around in the organization as a bullpen arm at Norfolk.

The Orioles optioned Tate to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Tate was recalled Tuesday and did not make an appearance in the Orioles' win over the Mets. The transaction clears a spot on the active roster for Cole Irvin, who was called up from Triple-A to start Wednesday's series finale at Citi Field.

The Orioles selected Irvin's contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Irvin will draw a spot start Wednesday against the Mets, filling in for the injured Zach Eflin (shoulder). The lefty seems poised to be sent back down to Triple-A after the outing, although it's possible he could change minds if he pitches well. Irvin has posted a 4.06 ERA and 1.34 WHIP through 75.1 frames with the Orioles this season.