MLB Player News

Bellozo is slated to start Friday's game against the Phillies, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Bellozo opened the season as a starter for Miami, but despite turning in a 3.27 ERA in 22 innings over his first five outings, he was dispatched to the bullpen in mid-May. With injuries having piled up in the Miami rotation of late, Bellozo will now get the chance to pick up his sixth start of the season, but he could be headed back to a relief role after Friday's contest. In his most recent appearance this part Friday against the Mets, Bellozo tossed 4.1 innings and 65 pitches out of the bullpen, so he should be able to provide the Marlins with a decent amount of length in his first start since May 13.

Acuna is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Mariners.

Acuna is out of the lineup for the first time since being activated from the 10-day injured list Aug. 15. His absence comes in the middle of an 0-for-20 stretch at the plate, during which Acuna is also striking out at a 38.1 percent clip. In Acuna's place, Jake Fraley will patrol right field.

Ortiz is slashing .340/.443/.515 with three home runs, seven steals, a 13.9 percent walk rate and a 23 percent strikeout rate in 28 games for High-A Peoria.

Ortiz, who has split time between third base and first base for Peoria, was promoted to the Midwest League on July 29 after slashing .285/.406/.446 with 10 home runs, 31 steals and a 27.5 percent strikeout rate in 77 games for Single-A Palm Beach. A 16th-round pick in 2024 out of community college, Ortiz is benefitting from a .444 BABIP at High-A, but he also has a 27 percent line drive rate and a 44.6 percent flyball rate, so his batted-ball profile is ideal. Despite his stolen base totals, the righty-hitting Ortiz is listed at 6-foot-1, 230 pounds and grades as a below-average runner, so it will need to be his bat that carries him.

Reds manager Terry Francona said Friday that Lodolo (illness) will start Monday's game in San Diego, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Lodolo had to be scratched from his last scheduled outing due to an illness but will be ready to rejoin the Reds' rotation for Monday's series opener versus the Padres. The left-hander is tentatively set up for a two-start week, with the second matchup coming on the road versus the Athletics.

The Pirates optioned Sanders to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Sanders will return to the Triple-A level as Kyle Nicolas returns from the bereavement list. Sanders has allowed five runs in five innings over five appearances with the Pirates this season, though all five of his earned runs came in one outing.

The Pirates activated Nicolas from the bereavement list Friday.

Nicolas has rejoined the team after taking a temporary leave. Pittsburgh optioned Cam Sanders to Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move. Nicolas has a 5.14 ERA in 28 innings out of the bullpen with the Pirates this season.

Davis is not in the lineup for Friday's contest against the Brewers.

It will be Joey Bart doing the catching for Friday's series opener. Davis is 1-for-17 with 10 strikeouts over his last five games.

Devanney is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Brewers.

Devanney had drawn four straight starts at third base, but he'll take a seat for Friday's series opener. Jared Triolo is at the hot corner for the Pirates, while Nick Gonzales will play shortstop and Nick Yorke will handle second base.

Mendez has a 7.88 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 22:14 K:BB in 16 innings across four starts for Double-A San Antonio.

In a system that has been ravaged by trades, Mendez is one of the most talented prospects remaining, despite his poor results since getting promoted to Double-A on Aug. 1. The skinny 6-foot-2 righty's fastball regularly touches triple digits and he has one of the best sliders in the minors, but poor control may push him to relief eventually. Mendez, who turned 23 in July, logged a 1.32 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 70:24 K:BB in 61.1 innings at High-A Fort Wayne earlier this season.

Stewart is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Mets.

Stewart started two straight games upon his promotion Monday but has now been out of the lineup for two straight tilts, though he did appear as a pinch hitter Wednesday. Spencer Steer is handling first base in Friday's series opener.