MLB Player News

The Padres placed Cronenworth on the 10-day injured list Friday with a non-displaced right rib fracture.

Cronenworth was taken out of Tuesday's game against the A's due to what was initially believed to be cramping. However, imaging revealed that the 31-year-old infielder actually has a fractured rib, which stems from when he was hit by a pitch in Sunday's contest. It's unclear how long he will be out, though he could return relatively quickly, considering he was able to start another two games after getting plunked. Jose Iglesias will presumably take over as San Diego's primary second baseman while Cronenworth is out, and Tyler Wade will come up from Triple-A to replenish the big club's infield depth.

The Pirates recalled Nicolas from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Nicolas has struggled this season with Indianapolis, yielding nine earned runs in just 6.1 innings. However, he has a big arm and could eventually work his way into high-leverage situations as part of an unsettled Pirates bullpen.

Stott is starting at second base and batting leadoff in Friday's contest versus the Cardinals.

Stott has mostly hit eighth and no higher than fifth in the batting order this season previously, but he'll get a turn in the leadoff spot as the Phillies open a series in St. Louis. Kyle Schwarber had hit leadoff in every game versus a righty this season, but he's in the cleanup spot Friday versus righty Andre Pallante, who has reverse splits.

Murphy is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rays.

Murphy will get a chance to rest his legs after making three consecutive starts behind the plate following his return from the injured list. He's 3-for-11 with a home run, four RBI, two runs scored and five strikeouts against one walk so far this season. Rookie Drake Baldwin is set to return to the lineup to catch for Bryce Elder in the series opener in Tampa Bay.

Realmuto is not in the lineup for Friday's game in St. Louis.

Realmuto caught all 11 innings of Thursday's extra-innings, rain-delayed game in Atlanta, so he'll get some well-earned rest Friday. Rafael Marchan is behind the dish and batting ninth for the Phillies in Friday's series opener.

McNeil (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie on Friday, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

McNeil has been ramping up his rehab from a right oblique strain and has been cleared to test things out in game action. Upon his return, the 33-year-old McNeil will serve as the Mets' primary second baseman.

Fortes has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 left oblique strain, Stephen Strom of Marlins Radio Network reports.

It's the least severe grade of strain, but Fortes could still be out beyond the minimum 10 days. In the meantime, Liam Hicks will operate as the Marlins' primary catcher, with Rob Brantly backing him up.

Norby (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment Saturday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

It will be the first game action for Norby since he sustained a left oblique strain in late March. The Marlins haven't revealed how long the rehab assignment is likely to last, but Norby should be back well before the end of April. Once he's ready, he'll serve as Miami's everyday third baseman.

Call is not in the lineup for Friday's contest in Miami.

Call had started the last five games and seven of the last eight contests, but he will begin Friday's series opener on the bench. Dylan Crews will play right field and Jacob Young will patrol center field for the Nationals.

Abbott (shoulder) will be activated from the 15-day injured list and make his season debut Saturday against the Pirates, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

Abbott made two rehab starts with Triple-A Louisville, allowing four runs with an 8:5 K:BB over 10 innings of work. He threw 92 pitches in his second rehab outing, so the lefty should be capable of shouldering a full workload Saturday. Abbott got a late start to the season after being slow-played in spring training following last year's shoulder issues.