MLB Player News

Rice (hand) is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Rangers.

The Yankees are facing a lefty in MacKenzie Gore, so it makes sense to give the left-handed-swinging Rice another day as he tries to overcome a left hand contusion. He'll aim to return to action Friday in Milwaukee. Paul Goldschmidt is getting another start at first base and will bat leadoff.

The Yankees selected Beck's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday.

Beck has made seven starts with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season, collecting a 5.11 ERA and 37:8 K:BB over 37 innings. The 27-year-old has been used as a starting pitcher almost exclusively throughout the minors, but he will be broken in as a long reliever at the major-league level.

McCutchen started in right field and went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Yankees.

McCutchen's started two consecutive games and has hits in three straight starts. He's taking advantage of injuries to Wyatt Langford (forearm) and Brandon Nimmo, who served as the designated hitter Wednesday while dealing with a recent hamstring issue. McCutchen is slashing .235/.286/.333 with one home run, five RBI and six runs scored over 24 games (56 plate appearances).

Kirk (thumb) is expected to begin hitting this weekend, Brian Murphy of MLB.com reports.

The backstop has been sidelined since April 3 due to a fractured thumb that required surgery, but Kirk's recovery is proceeding without setbacks and the Blue Jays remain optimistic he'll be back before the end of May. In his absence, Brandon Valenzuela and Tyler Heineman will continue to split catching duties.

Barger (ankles) went 1-for-4 with a solo home run for Single-A Dunedin on Wednesday in what is expected to be his final rehab game before returning from the 10-day injured list, Brian Murphy of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old has gone yard twice in three rehab games for Dunedin. While Barger could be added back to the 26-man active roster Friday, he may not be plugged into the starting lineup right away, as the Blue Jays are set to face Angels southpaw Reid Detmers in the first game of the weekend series. Prior to being injured April 5, all five of Barger's starts to begin the season had come against right-handed pitching.

Duran started at second base and went 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base, a double, two RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Yankees.

Duran had a run-producing double in the third inning and scored later in the same inning. He's started both of the Rangers' games since Josh Smith (glute) landed on the 10-day injured list and will likely be the primary replacement at the keystone while Smith is on the shelf. Given how productive he's been when given a chance to play, Duran could be making a case for sticking around in an everyday role even once Smith is healthy. Duran has slashed .303/.372/.461 with nine extra-base hits, 11 RBI, four steals and 12 runs over 28 games while receiving reps at second base, shortstop, third base, right field and left field.

The Cubs outrighted Rios to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday.

Rios had been removed from the 40-man roster and went unclaimed on waivers. The 32-year-old reliever has the ability to decline the outright assignment and elect free agency, but it's unclear what he plans to do. Rios tossed 1.2 scoreless innings in his lone outing with the Cubs.

Fischer has gone 9-for-40 (.225) with six home runs, two doubles 10 RBI and a 4:21 BB:K over his last 10 games with High-A Wisconsin.

Fischer went yard just once over his first 15 games of the season, but the extra-base hits have been coming in bunches in recent weeks. While the power is not a concern for Fischer, his 39.1 percent strikeout percentage on the season is, and he may need to make some strides in that department before the Brewers move him up the ranks.

Johnson elected to become a free agent Wednesday.

After passing through waivers following his removal from the Astros' 40-man roster, Johnson has exercised his right to free agency rather than accept an outright assignment. He could wind up re-signing with Houston on a minor-league deal, but the outfielder will have the ability to negotiate with all clubs.

The White Sox activated Cannon (hip) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday and optioned him to Triple-A Charlotte.

Cannon made a couple rehab appearances for Charlotte after overcoming a hip injury, getting rocked for 10 runs over five innings. He'll remain with Charlotte in a swingman role rather than joining the big club now that he's healthy again.