MLB Player News

Williams is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Brewers.

Ben Williamson will cover shortstop in the series finale in Milwaukee after Williams had occupied the position in each of the Rays' first five games. The 22-year-old rookie has gotten off to a slow start, slashing just .158/.200/.211 while striking out in six of his 21 plate appearances.

Thomas is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Tigers.

With ace southpaw Tarik Skubal toeing the slab for the Tigers, the left-handed-swinging Thomas will begin the contest on the bench. Jordan Lawlar will slide over to center field and Tim Tawa will grab a start in left field for the Diamondbacks.

Baty is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals.

After taking a seat against Cardinals righty Andre Pallante in Tuesday's 3-0 loss, the left-handed-hitting Baty will remain on the bench as St. Louis sends southpaw Matthew Liberatore to the bump for the series finale. Mark Vientos will stick in the starting nine in Baty's place, manning first base and batting sixth.

Santana is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers.

Starting at first base will be Jose Fernandez, who clubbed two home runs in his first major-league game Tuesday. Santana had started the first five games of the season, going 1-for-16 with a 2:6 BB:K.

Benge is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals.

With lefty Matthew Liberatore on the bump, the left-handed-hitting Benge will exit the starting nine for the first time this season as the Mets wrap up their series in St. Louis. Tyrone Taylor will step in as the Mets' starter in right field in place of Benge, who has opened his big-league career by going 3-for-17 with a solo home run and two stolen bases.

Ramirez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the White Sox.

Liam Hicks will handle catching duties for the Marlins while Ramirez receives his first breather of the season. While starting in each of Miami's first five games, Ramirez went 3-for-16 with a double, four walks, two runs and a stolen base.

Sousa (oblique) will throw a live batting practice session next week, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

It will be his first time facing hitters since he suffered a Grade 1 left oblique strain in his final spring training appearance. He's eligible to be activated from the 15-day injured list next week and the Astros have been optimistic that Sousa won't need more than a minimum stay on the IL, so it's possible he skips a rehab assignment.

Cease won't start Thursday against the White Sox after the game was postponed to Friday due to a forecast of inclement weather in Chicago.

The Blue Jays are likely to push Cease and the rest of their rotation back a day as a result of the postponement, so the right-hander should still be lined up to start the series opener Friday.

Burke won't start Thursday against the Blue Jays after the game was postponed to Friday due to a forecast of inclement weather in Chicago.

The White Sox are likely to push Burke and the rest of their rotation back a day as a result of the postponement, so the right-hander should still be lined up to start the team's home opener Friday.

Pearson (elbow) has progressed to throwing a live batting practice session, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pearson developed soreness in his surgically repaired right elbow a month ago and has been brought along slowly since then. That he's now facing hitters suggests a rehab assignment could be right around the corner. Pearson signed with the Astros over the offseason with the intent to be a starting pitcher, but his best path to a role right now is as a reliever.