MLB Player News

Mervis is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics.

With southpaw JP Sears on the hill for the Athletics, the left-handed-hitting Mervis will retreat to the bench. The Marlins will give Eric Wagaman a start at first base while Mervis sits.

Canario is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres.

Though he'll hit the bench for the series finale, Canario seems to be encroaching on the struggling Tommy Pham's playing time in left field. Canario had started each of the last three games while going 3-for-11 with a walk, an RBI and a run. Pham -- who owns a .461 OPS for the season -- will be back in the starting nine Sunday, but another poor showing at the plate could open the door for Canario to pick up more starts.

McCutchen is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres.

McCutchen will receive a breather after serving as Pittsburgh's designated hitter for 12 straight games, slashing .298/.377/.511 during that stretch. The Pirates will give Joey Bart a day off from catching and deploy him as the DH in place of McCutchen.

Triolo will start at shortstop and bat eighth in Sunday's game against the Padres.

Triolo initially served as a utility infielder upon returning from the injured list April 16, but he's been thrust into an everyday role in the middle infield. He'll pick up his sixth consecutive start and his fourth in a row at shortstop, which should be his primary home until Isiah Kiner-Falefa (hamstring) is ready to return from the IL.

The Pirates optioned Nicolas to Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday.

He's the odd man out of the bullpen with Dennis Santana (personal) getting reinstated from the bereavement list. Since being called up from Indianapolis on April 11, Nicolas had submitted a 10.57 ERA, 2.35 WHIP and 6:8 K:BB over 7.2 innings while working in lower-leverage situations.

The Pirates reinstated Santana (personal) from the bereavement list Sunday.

Pittsburgh optioned right-hander Kyle Nicolas to Triple-A Indianapolis to clear room on the 26-man roster for Santana, who had been away from the team since Tuesday while tending to a personal matter. David Bednar scooped up a save Wednesday, but he took a loss in a non-save situation Saturday, leaving the team's closing picture murky. Prior to going on bereavement leave, Santana had gone 3-for-3 in save chances while posting a 1.46 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 12.1 innings.

Vientos is not in the lineup for Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Vientos started the previous 10 games at the hot corner and will sit for Sunday's matinee after posting an .814 OPS during that span. Luisangel Acuna will receive a look at third base while Jeff McNeil mans the keystone and Jose Azocar starts in center field.

Sheets is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates.

The left-handed-hitting Sheets will remain on the bench for the second day in a row while the Pirates send another lefty (Andrew Heaney) to the bump. Luis Campusano will replace Sheets as the Padres' designated hitter.

Wade is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates.

San Diego is stocking up on extra right-handed bats to counter southpaw Andrew Heaney, so the lefty-hitting Wade will hit the bench for the second day in a row while Brandon Lockridge gets another start in center field. Both Wade and Lockridge could see their opportunities dwindle during the upcoming week, as Jackson Merrill (hamstring) is on track to return from the 10-day injured list.

Heyward is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates.

The left-handed-hitting Heyward will hit the bench for the second day in a row while the Pirates send another lefty (Andrew Heaney) to the hill for the series finale. Platoon mate Oscar Gonzalez will replace Heyward as the Friars' starting left fielder.