MLB Player News

Hernandez is not in the lineup for Friday's contest in St. Louis.

Hernandez started each of the previous three games -- including two versus righties -- but the right-handed hitter will begins Friday's series opener on the bench. Esteury Ruiz is in left field for the Marlins.

Williams (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Fredericksburg on Sunday, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Williams is finally ready to pitch in games again following last July's internal brace procedure on his right elbow. The veteran right-hander will likely need most, if not all, of the allotted 30 days a pitcher receives on a rehab assignment, but he should be ready to rejoin the Nationals' active roster sometime in July.

Frelick is absent from the lineup for Friday's contest versus the Cubs.

It's right-hander Colin Rea on the bump for the Cubs, but the left-handed-hitting Frelick will nonetheless begin the series opener on the bench. Jake Bauers is occupying right field for the Brewers, and Andrew Vaughn is in the lineup at first base.

The Marlins optioned Norby to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Norby is slashing only .194/.306/.290 in June and had started back-to-back games on only one occasion. He will aim to get his swing in order at Jacksonville.

The Marlins optioned Brzykcy to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Brzykcy was with the big club for a few days but did not make any appearances. He's clearing off the active roster to make space for Max Meyer (bereavement), who will start Friday in St. Louis.

The Marlins recalled Pauley from Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Pauley sports just a .165/.211/.271 batting line across 33 games during his time with the Marlins this season. Miami has received very little offensively from third base, so Pauley could get another chance there, but there's no guarantee he'll play regularly.

The Marlins activated Meyer from the bereavement list Friday.

Meyer had been away from the club all week while tending to a personal matter. He will not miss a turn in the rotation, as Meyer is slated to take the ball Friday on the road in St. Louis. The right-hander will carry an 8-0 record and 2.80 ERA into Friday's outing against the Cardinals.

Alvarez is not in the lineup for Friday's contest against the Phillies.

Alvarez was in the lineup for each of the previous 10 games, so he's earned a day off. Luis Torrens will do the catching and bat ninth for the Mets.

Reds manager Terry Francona said Friday that an MRI on Santillan's left oblique showed a significant strain, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Santillan -- who has notched each of the Reds' last three saves -- was placed on the 15-day injured list earlier Friday, and he appears to be facing a prolonged absence. Emilio Pagan (hamstring) is expected back from the IL soon and could immediately retake his closer job. Until then, Pierce Johnson and/or Tejay Antone could get a look in the ninth inning.

The Brewers activated Koenig (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Friday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Koenig has been sidelined for most of this season, having suffered a sprained UCL in his pitching elbow back in early April. The lefty didn't allow an earned run in his first three appearances before getting hurt.