MLB Player News

Abrams was scratched from the Nationals' lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Phillies, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

The Nationals have yet to provide a reason for Abrams' removal, but he could be experiencing problems with his left hand after making a slide into second base during Friday's contest. Nasim Nunez will make his first career big-league start as Abrams' replacement, batting ninth.

Tauchman isn't in the Cubs' lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Tauchman will sit for the second game in a row Saturday despite the Dodgers sending out right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto to start on the bump. Nick Madrigal will fill the open spot in the Cubs' lineup, batting eighth while starting at third base.

Contreras (hand) was scratched from the Cardinals' lineup ahead of Saturday's game against Miami, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Contreras was originally slated to serve as St. Louis' designated hitter Saturday, but he is evidently still bothered by his left hand after getting hit by a pitch Wednesday against the Padres. The decision to remove him from the lineup seems to be a precautionary measure, and the 31-year-old backstop should still be considered day-to-day. Alec Burleson will fill in as the replacement DH on Saturday.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Saturday that Senzel (thumb) will begin his rehab assignment with Double-A Harrisburg on Monday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Senzel was placed on the 10-day injured list after he fractured his thumb fielding grounders ahead of the Nationals' season opener. Martinez noted that Senzel reported no problems while throwing and hitting Friday. While Senzel works his way back from his thumb injury, Trey Lipscomb will continue to start at third base.

Pederson isn't in Arizona's lineup for Saturday's matchup against Atlanta.

Southpaw Max Fried will take the mound for Atlanta on Saturday, meaning the lefty-swinging Pederson will stay put in the dugout to begin the game. Randal Grichuk will fill in as the D-backs' DH and bat sixth.

Perdomo (knee) isn't in the Diamondbacks' lineup for Saturday's game against Atlanta.

Perdomo was removed from Wednesday's game against the Yankees due to a knee injury and reported still feeling discomfort during agility drills Friday. He's slated to receive an MRI on Saturday, and the results will reveal more about his status going forward. In the meantime, Blaze Alexander will pick up another start at shortstop and bat ninth.

Outman isn't in the Dodgers' lineup for Saturday's game against the Cubs, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The left-handed bat of Outman will remain in the dugout while Jordan Wicks takes the mound for Chicago. Enrique Hernandez will get the nod in center field instead and bat sixth.

Lux isn't in the Dodgers' lineup Saturday against the Cubs, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Left-handed starter Jordan Wicks will take the mound for the Cubs on Saturday, so the lefty-hitting Lux will step out of the lineup. Mookie Betts will cover second base instead while Miguel Rojas starts at shortstop.

Smith isn't in the Dodgers' lineup Saturday versus the Cubs, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Smith will catch a breather after going 4-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored during Friday's loss in the series opener. Austin Barnes will fill in behind the plate Saturday and bat ninth.

Stewart isn't in the Mets' lineup for Saturday's game against the Reds.

After starting the year 0-for-8, Stewart will step out of New York's lineup Saturday to regroup. His absence will shift Brandon Nimmo into the DH spot, allowing Tyrone Taylor to start in left field.