MLB Player News

Nootbaar is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

The Cubs are sending a lefty (Shota Imanaga) to the hill for the series finale, so the left-handed-hitting Nootbaar will receive the night off. With Nootbaar on the bench, the Cardinals will roll out a starting outfield of Alec Burleson, Victor Scott and Jordan Walker from left to right.

Donovan (groin) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Though the Cardinals described Donovan's removal from the lineup ahead of Saturday's 9-1 loss as precautionary, the 28-year-old will end up missing a second straight start while he tends to a tight left groin. Thomas Saggese will replace Donovan at second base Sunday, and shortstop Masyn Winn will get a look in the leadoff spot.

Beck is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Beck will get his first day off of the second half, breaking a streak of 20 consecutive starts. Mickey Moniak will shift over from his usual spot in right field to cover left field in Beck's stead.

Freeman is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Hunter Goodman will serve as Colorado's designated hitter and Yanquiel Fernandez will pick up a start in right field while Freeman rests for the series finale in Arizona. Freeman had started and batted out of the leadoff spot in each of the Rockies' last six games, going 5-for-23 with three walks, one double, two stolen bases and four runs.

Iglesias is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

Iglesias has predictably seen his playing time fall by the wayside since the July 31 trade deadline, when the Padres added three everyday players to the mix in catcher Freddy Fermin, first baseman/designated hitter Ryan O'Hearn and outfielder Ramon Laureano. Since the three new arrivals were all available to play for the Padres beginning Aug. 2, Iglesias has started in just two of eight games.

Freeland is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

Freeland had started at either second base or third base in each of the Dodgers' previous four games and went 2-for-14 with two walks, two runs and one RBI, but he'll hit the bench for the series finale. Max Muncy should serve as Los Angeles' primary option at third base now that he's healthy again, but Freeland could rank as the team's preferred second baseman over Miguel Rojas until the Dodgers get one of Hyeseong Kim (shoulder) or Tommy Edman (ankle) back from the injured list.

Conforto (knee) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

Conforto exited Saturday's 9-1 win in the sixth inning after he was struck on the right knee by a pitch during his at-bat earlier in the frame, but manager Dave Roberts said after the game that Conforto felt fine while running the bases and was pulled early because of the score, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. He might have been available to start Sunday if the Dodgers were facing a right-handed pitcher, but the left-handed-hitting Conforto will unsurprisingly be on the bench for the series finale while southpaw Eric Lauer takes the hill for the Blue Jays.

McCray is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals.

McCray enjoyed a brief run as a strong-side platoon player after being recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Aug. 1, but he appears to have moved into a bench role. Drew Gilbert will get a third straight start Sunday and has seemingly taken over as the Giants' primary right fielder.

Smith is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals.

Smith had started at first base or designated hitter in seven of the previous nine games, but he'll see a downturn in playing time with Wilmer Flores (hamstring) making his return to the starting nine Sunday. The Giants are likely to lean on a combination of Rafael Devers and Flores at first base and designated hitter more often than not, though Smith could replace Flores against some right-handed pitchers.

Flores (hamstring) will start at designated hitter and bat cleanup in Sunday's game against the Nationals.

Before providing a pinch-hit sacrifice fly and playing an inning at first base Saturday, Flores had gone more than a week without making an appearance while he managed a left hamstring injury. The veteran infielder apparently checked out fine after his brief cameo, so he'll rejoin the starting nine while Dominic Smith heads to the bench.