MLB Player News

Kelenic is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.

Though the Blue Jays are sending a right-hander (Chris Bassitt) to the hill for a day game after a night game, the lefty-hitting Kelenic will head to the bench. Kelenic is slashing just .171/.275/.286 (65 wRC+) over 35 plate appearances against right-handers this season, and his ongoing struggles could cost him his strong-side platoon role once Alex Verdugo is called up from Triple-A Gwinnett.

Alvarez was removed from Tuesday's rehab game with Double-A Binghamton after being hit on his surgically repaired left hand by a pitch, Ezra Lombardi of New York Mets on SI reports.

After homering in his second plate appearance Tuesday, Alvarez was struck by an Eiberson Castellano offering in the top of the sixth inning. Alvarez initially remained in the game but was replaced at catcher in the bottom of the seventh. It's encouraging that Alvarez initially stayed in the game, but he will be examined and the Mets should have an update on his condition Wednesday. If he checks out fine, Alvarez could be ready to make his season debut soon.

Herz (elbow) plans to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery, TalkNats.com reports.

After being diagnosed with a partial UCL sprain in his left elbow shortly before Opening Day, Herz was shut down for three weeks with the hope that some extended rest and rehab would allow him to pitch through the injury. Ultimately, after receiving two additional medical opinions on his elbow, Herz has decided that surgery is his best option. Herz will likely go under the knife in the coming days, and assuming no other additional damage is detected during surgery beyond the compromised UCL, he should be able to pitch again at some point around the All-Star break next season.

Atlanta optioned Thompson to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Thompson retired all seven batters he faced during a relief appearance Tuesday, but he will clear out to make room on the roster for the return of Spencer Strider (elbow). The 31-year-old Thompson could get another look when the big club needs a reliever capable of eating some innings.

Edman went 4-for-5 with two doubles and a run scored in Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Rockies.

The 29-year-old utility player continues his remarkable start to the season. While the doubles were Edman's first two-baggers of the year, he's slugged six homers in 19 games, leading to a .274/.308/.575 slash line with 12 runs and 14 RBI. He's only swiped one bag so far, well below his usual pace, but Edman's activity on the basepaths should pick up once he's stopping at first base more often when he makes contact.

Atlanta activated Strider (elbow) from the 15-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday in Toronto.

Strider is set to make his long-awaited return from internal brace surgery, which he underwent last April. The right-hander reached 90 pitches in his final rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett, so he should be prepared for a fairly normal workload Wednesday. Strider's fastball velocity was down about two miles per hour during his rehab assignment, but the results are hard to ignore, as he allowed only two runs with a 27:5 K:BB over 13.2 innings.

Smith went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run in Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Rockies.

The backstop took Ryan Feltner deep in the third inning, driving the first pitch he saw over the fence in left field. Smith has reeled off three straight multi-hit performances, and through 16 games on the season he's slashing .367/.475/.551 with two homers, one steal, six runs and 12 RBI.

Lipscomb is headed to Pittsburgh and is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Rochester ahead of Wednesday's game against the Pirates, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Lipscomb will take the roster spot of Paul DeJong, who is expected to go on the injured list after being hit in the face by a pitch in Tuesday's game. He could see some action at third base while DeJong is out, but Lipscomb will be behind Amed Rosario in the pecking order at the hot corner.

The Nationals are likely to place DeJong (face) on the 10-day injured list, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

DeJong was hit in the face by a pitch in the sixth inning of Tuesday's game versus the Pirates. There's no word yet on the specifics of his injuries, but he will need some down time. Trey Lipscomb is slated to take his roster spot and Amed Rosario is likely to see the bulk of the starts at third base while DeJong is out.

Herrera (knee) played catch Tuesday, Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

It's his first bit of baseball activity since he landed on the 10-day injured list just over a week ago with a bone bruise in his left knee. Herrera will be brought along slowly, with the anticipation that he will be shelved for at least four weeks. Pedro Pages has been operating as the Cardinals' primary catcher in Herrera's stead.