MLB Player News

Johnson is starting in center field and batting eighth against the Nationals on Sunday.

Johnson wasn't in San Diego's original lineup, but he's now picking up a start in center field, as Jackson Merrill was scratched due to an illness. This will be the third start for Johnson over San Diego's past eight contests, and he's posted a .304/.360/.391 slash line with no homers, two RBI and two steals over 22 games this season.

Merrill was removed from the starting lineup Sunday versus Washington because of an illness.

Merrill was initially set to start in center field and bat fifth, but he was a late scratch in favor of Bryce Johnson. The Padres haven't revealed whether Merrill will be available off the bench.

Betts is starting at shortstop and batting leadoff Sunday versus Milwaukee, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Betts was given a day off to reset Saturday, but his absence will end up lasting just one day. the 32-year-old will also hit leadoff in his return -- according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, it's the first time Betts will be batting atop the order since June 2024. Shohei Ohtani, who has been the Dodgers' leadoff hitter this season, is batting second as manager Dave Roberts shakes things up following the team's two-game skid coming out of the All-Star break.

Hill is not in Sunday's lineup against Kansas City due to a minor finger injury, Nate Karzmer of Fish on First reports.

According to manager Clayton McCullough, Hill picked up the injury in the batting cage Saturday. However, it doesn't seem like the outfielder is dealing with a significant issue, as he's available off the bench Sunday. Hill has been working as Miami's fourth outfielder, and his last start came July 12, two games prior to the All-Star break.

The Reds have returned Spiers (shoulder) from his minor-league rehab assignment due to right bicep soreness, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Spiers landed on the injured list due to a right shoulder impingement April 20 and was transferred to the 60-day IL in late May. He appeared to be nearing activation, as the right-hander began a rehab assignment July 3 and worked up to 75 pitches over 3.1 frames in his most recent outing Saturday, but he's experienced a setback due to an issue with his right bicep. It's unclear how much more time Spiers will need to miss as a result.

Pham isn't in the starting lineup for Sunday's matchup against the White Sox.

Pham started in left field in Pittsburgh's first two games of the second half, going 1-for-9. Jack Suwinski will handle left field for the series finale versus Chicago.

Tovar is not in the starting lineup Sunday versus Minnesota.

After being activated off the injured list Friday, Tovar started Colorado's first two games out of the break, going 4-for-8 with a home run, two runs and three RBI. The talented young shortstop will get a breather Sunday, with Orlando Arcia getting the nod in his place.

Colorado called up Amador from Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday, Christian Saez of TheDNVR.com reports.

With Ryan Ritter (finger) landing on the 10-day IL on Sunday, Amador was summoned to provide depth in the infield. The 22-year-old struggled in a big-league stint earlier this season, slashing .146/.240/.225 with one home run, five RBI, one steal and a 24.5 percent strikeout rate over 33 contests. Amador has been swinging a hot bat of late with Albuquerque though, going 13-for-36 (.361 batting average) with eight RBI over his past eight games.

The Rockies placed Ritter (finger) on the 10-day injured list Sunday, Christian Saez of TheDNVR.com reports.

Ritter need stitches Saturday after taking a pitch off his right middle finger while laying down a sacrifice bunt. The initial expectation was that the rookie infielder would only need to miss a few days, but the move to the IL means Ritter will be out until at least July 30. Colorado called up Adael Amador from Triple-A Albuquerque for infield depth, while Orlando Arcia and Kyle Farmer should log starts at the keystone while Ritter remains sidelined.

Bell is out of the starting lineup for Sunday's contest against the Padres.

Bell went 2-for-7 over the first two games of the series, but he'll get a rest in the finale. James Wood is getting a day off his feet with a start at DH.