MLB Player News

Blankenhorn is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

The lefty-hitting Blankenhorn finds himself on the bench for the second day in a row, this time against a right-handed starter (Dean Kremer) after he sat out Tuesday's 9-3 win while lefty Trevor Rogers took the hill for the Orioles. After getting called up from Triple-A Rochester on July 30, Blankenhorn had a brief run as a strong-side platoon player at designated hitter, but he's gone just 3-for-28 with eight strikeouts and is beginning to lose out on playing time as a result. He could be at risk of a demotion to Triple-A once Joey Gallo (hamstring) is ready to return from the injured list.

Tena (thumb) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Tena will sit out again while he recovers from a fingernail issue on his right thumb, which stems from being struck by a groundball in Sunday's loss to the Angels. Ildemaro Vargas will fill in at third base for Tena, who can be viewed as day-to-day heading into the Nationals' four-game series with the Phillies that begins Thursday.

Bader is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Athletics.

Bader started the series opener Tuesday and went hitless in four trips to the plate. He'll begin Wednesday's festivities on the bench while Brandon Nimmo shifts over to center field.

Martinez (elbow) will start at designated hitter and bat third in Wednesday's contest against the Athletics.

Martinez was lifted from Tuesday's game after being struck on the left elbow by a pitch, but he's back in there without having to miss any starts. The 36-year-old's production has fallen off since the start of July, as he's slashed just .221/.328/.354 across 33 contests.

Vientos (ankle) will start at third base and bat seventh in Wednesday's game versus the Athletics.

Vientos missed the previous two contests with left ankle soreness, but he's feeling well enough to give it a go Wednesday. The young infielder has struggled so far at the plate in August, going just 5-for-30.

Gorman is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest in Cincinnati, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Gorman had started each of the last six games versus right-handers, but he'll begin Wednesday's contest on the bench as the Reds go with a right-handed opening pitcher in Emilio Pagan and a right-handed bulk reliever in Carson Spiers. Brendan Donovan will handle second base for the Cardinals.

Walker is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Cincinnati, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Walker started Monday versus a lefty in the Cardinals' first game since he was recalled from Triple-A Memphis. However, he's now been on the bench for two straight contests against right-handers, as the youngster is poised for a short-side platoon role for now. Lars Nootbaar will start in right field Wednesday.

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

With the Pirates wrapping up their series in San Diego with a day game after a night game, McCutchen will receive some routine maintenance. The 37-year-old has been in the midst of a heater to begin August, slashing .370/.485/.741 with three home runs, nine RBI and six runs over eight games.

Cruz is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres.

After making a return from an illness, Cruz had started in each of the Pirates' last six games, going 9-for-24 with three extra-base hits and a 3:6 BB:K. Though he looks to be fully healthy again, Cruz will join fellow left-handed hitters Rowdy Tellez and Ji Hwan Bae on the bench as the Padres send southpaw Martin Perez to the hill.

Bae is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres.

Bae will hit the bench along with fellow left-handed hitters Rowdy Tellez and Oneil Cruz while the Padres send southpaw Martin Perez to the hill for the series finale. Whereas Tellez and Cruz appear fairly well locked into playing time against right-handed pitching, Bae was on the bench for three of the Pirates' last five matchups with right-handers, as Michael Taylor started in center field in each of those contests.