MLB Player News

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.

Pages is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Colorado.

The Cardinals are closing out their series in Colorado with a day game, so Pages will get some rest after starting behind the plate Monday and Tuesday. Yohel Pozo will handle catching duties and bat eighth for St. Louis on Wednesday.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that Tucker is "banged up" after fouling a ball off his right knee in Tuesday's 6-0 win over the Royals, but he's expected to be back in the lineup Friday versus the White Sox after sitting out Wednesday's series finale versus Kansas City, Zoe Grossman of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Despite being slowed by the knee issue, Tucker played a full nine innings in right field Tuesday night, finishing 0-for-2 with a pair of walks, his 23rd stolen base of the season and a run scored. He'll be getting some maintenance for Wednesday's afternoon contest, and his absence from the lineup coupled with a team off day Thursday should provide sufficient healing time for Tucker in advance of the weekend series with the White Sox. Seiya Suzuki will spell Tucker in right field Wednesday.

The Cardinals recalled Granillo from Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday.

He will give manager Oliver Marmol a fresh relief arm after the bullpen was needed for five innings in Tuesday's loss to the Rockies. Granillo allowed one run with a 2:1 K:BB over 6.2 innings covering five appearances during his first stint with the big club.

The Cardinals designated Fedde for assignment Wednesday.

Fedde had been pummeled for 26 runs while posting an 8:11 K:BB over 17.2 innings over his last five starts, bringing his ERA up to 5.22 on the season. The veteran right-hander is likely to clear waivers and eventually become a free agent, with the Cardinals remaining on the hook for what's left of his $7.5 million salary. Michael McGreevy will replace Fedde in the St. Louis rotation.

The Rockies recalled Gordon from Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday.

Gordon will start Wednesday's contest against the Cardinals at Coors Field and will have a chance to make additional turns through the rotation with the big club while German Marquez (biceps) is on the 15-day injured list. The right-hander has made three starts with Colorado this season, posting a 4.24 ERA and 10:3 K:BB over 17 frames.

The Rockies placed Marquez on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with right biceps tendinitis.

Marquez was removed from his latest start in Sunday's 7-1 loss to the Twins due to the injury. He will be eligible to return Aug. 5, but given the nature of the injury and the Rockies' place in the standings, there's a good chance that the right-hander will be on the shelf beyond the minimum 15 days. Tanner Gordon was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding move and will replace Marquez in the rotation.