MLB Player News

Sheehan will start Wednesday's game in Pittsburgh, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Shohei Ohtani had initially been listed as the Dodgers' starter, but Ohtani will instead serve only as the team's designated hitter Wednesday. Manager Dave Roberts had said previously that Sheehan's turn in the rotation would be skipped, but the plan evidently changed. Roberts should offer more clarity behind the decision later Wednesday.

Ohtani is no longer listed as the Dodgers' starting pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Pirates, but he'll serve as the team's designated hitter and will bat leadoff, Kirsten Watson of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

The Dodgers haven't provided an explanation for why Ohtani is no longer in line to pitch, but if he's dealing with an undisclosed injury, it's evidently not anything the team believes will affect him while swinging the bat or running the bases. Emmet Sheehan will end up starting on the mound in Ohtani's stead. Expect manager Dave Roberts to shed more light on the situation and provide word on when Ohtani's next start as a pitcher will come when the skipper addresses the media later Wednesday.

Steer (leg) will start at first base and bat sixth in Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.

Steer will return to the lineup after a two-game absence due to a minor leg injury. Top prospect Sal Stewart had started at first base in both of the previous two contests while Steer managed the leg issue, but the rookie could end up shifting into more of a utility role moving forward, assuming Steer is able to maintain health.

Stewart is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.

Following his promotion from Triple-A Louisville on Monday, Stewart started at first base in the first two games of the series with Toronto and went 2-for-8 with a run scored. Though he'll be on the bench Wednesday while Spencer Steer (leg) checks back in at first base following a two-game absence, Stewart could still have a path to at least semi-regular playing time in September while moving between second base and designated hitter.

The Nationals claimed Lao off waivers from the Mariners on Wednesday and optioned him to Triple-A Rochester.

Lao has been knocked around during his brief time in the majors, but he's collected a 3.13 ERA and 73:19 K:BB over 69 innings this season at Triple-A Tacoma. He'll report to Rochester for now but could get a look with the major-league club before the end of the season.

Sheets is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles.

Sheets slashed .354/.415/.667 with three home runs, nine runs and eight RBI while starting in each of the Padres' last 14 games, but he nonetheless appears set to lose out on playing time during the final month of the season. Jackson Merrill's return from the injured list Monday is expected to close off Sheets' primary avenues to making starts, as the San Diego outfield is now back to full strength, and Luis Arraez and Ryan O'Hearn will likely continue to occupy the first base and designated hitter spots more often than not.

Fermin is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Orioles.

Fermin had started each of the previous three contests at catcher, so he'll get a well-earned break during Wednesday's matinee. Elias Diaz will be behind the plate and bat ninth as the Padres try to avoid the sweep.

Hill is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a right hamstring strain, MLB.com reports.

Hill suffered the injury during Monday's game versus the Nationals and an MRI on Tuesday revealed a significant strain. The Marlins have not yet made an official roster move with Hill, but that figures to come prior to the beginning of a homestand Friday. Hill's season will conclude with a .213/.275/.331 batting line, three home runs and seven stolen bases over 53 contests.

Lawlar is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Rangers.

Lawlar snapped a 0-for-36 hitless streak at the major-league level with a couple base knocks in Tuesday's win over the Rangers, but he finds himself absent from the lineup a day later. Blaze Alexander will occupy third base and bat sixth for the Diamondbacks.

Bailey went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 7-4 win over the Rockies.

Bailey singled in the second inning and cracked a two-run shot to right field in the eighth. With that, the defensive stalwart recorded his first homer since July 8, and he also tallied his fifth multi-hit effort over 26 games since Aug. 1. Over 113 appearances this season, he's slashing .210/.270/.297 with 41 RBI, 35 runs scored, three home runs and a stolen base across 382 plate appearances.