MLB Player News

Estrada (thumb) was spotted taking batting practice prior to the Rockies' game Wednesday against the Cardinals, Kevin Henry of The Denver Gazette reports.

Estrada was placed on the 10-day injured list last Friday due to a right thumb sprain, but because his IL stint was retroactive to a week before that date, he'll be eligible for activation at any time. His ability to take BP on Wednesday suggests a return isn't far away, but Estrada may not be cleared to play during this weekend's series in Baltimore if the Rockies decide he needs to head out on a brief rehab assignment beforehand.

Vaughn is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Seattle.

Vaughn had started each of the previous five games for the Brewers but will get some rest in Wednesday's series finale. Tyler Black will handle first base in Vaughn's stead.

Durbin is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game in Seattle.

For the second time during the three-game set in Seattle, the Brewers are going with Anthony Seigler over Durbin at third base. Durbin is slashing .317/.440/.463 so far this month but has now been out of the lineup on six occasions.

Toglia is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Toglia will take a seat for the second time in the series while he's batting just .155/.231/.239 with a 39.7 percent strikeout rate over his last 20 games. Kyle Farmer will get the nod at first base Wednesday, and Toglia could soon be headed back to Triple-A Albuquerque if he's unable to cut down on the strikeouts in his future starts.

Doyle is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Though Doyle has opened up the second half on a high note by going 7-for-13 with a stolen base, two runs and one RBI through four games, the Rockies have still elected to manage his workload. He'll take a seat for the third time in seven contests since the All-Star break, paving the way for Mickey Moniak to pick up a start in center field.

Conforto is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest versus the Twins.

The Twins are starting right-hander Chris Paddack, but the left-handed-hitting Conforto nonetheless finds himself on the bench to begin the game. Conforto is absent from the lineup against a right-handed pitcher for the first time since June 19. Andy Pages, James Outman and Teoscar Hernandez will form the Dodgers' outfield trio Wednesday.

Smith is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Twins.

Smith was behind the dish for both of the first two games of the series, so he'll get some rest during Wednesday's matinee. The Dodgers will roll out Dalton Rushing at catcher in the rubber match.

Walker will start in right field and bat seventh in Wednesday's game against the Rockies.

Manager Oliver Marmol will keep Walker in the starting nine for the sixth straight game while the outfielder continues to wield a hot bat; he's gone 7-for-20 with three doubles, one walk, two runs and two RBI since returning from the injured list. Until one of Nolan Gorman (back) or Lars Nootbaar (rib) returns from the IL, Walker looks like he could have a clear path to regular playing time against both right- and left-handed pitching.

McGreevy will remain in the Cardinals' rotation and start Sunday against the Padres, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Erick Fedde has been designated for assignment, officially clearing a spot in the St. Louis rotation. McGreevy is due for a long-term opportunity at the major-league level, having posted a 2.81 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 35:5 K:BB over 51.1 innings covering seven starts and two relief appearances with the Cardinals since last season. The 25-year-old has put up a 3.72 ERA and 78:15 K:BB over 75 frames this year at Triple-A Memphis. McGreevy is worth scooping up in deeper fantasy leagues where he's available.

Flexen surrendered five earned runs on seven hits and one walk while failing to record a strikeout over three innings of relief in Monday's 12-4 loss to the Royals.

Flexen made a four-inning start against the Yankees in his final appearance before the All-Star break July 11, but the Cubs shifted him back to the bullpen to begin the second half. He ended up being one of two bulk relievers the Cubs deployed behind opening pitcher Ryan Brasier on Monday, with Ben Brown giving up seven runs (six earned) in four innings before Flexen entered the contest in the top of the sixth. The Cubs still have a void in the rotation until Jameson Taillon (calf) returns from the injured list, so Flexen and/or Brown could be called upon to start or work in bulk relief the next time a fifth spot in the rotation comes up Sunday against the White Sox.