MLB Player News

Atlanta designated Azocar for assignment Wednesday.

Azocar's stint in the big leagues lasted just three days, with the veteran outfielder getting into two games and going 0-for-2 with a stolen base. He'll give up his spot on the 40-man roster to infielder Jim Jarvis, who was called up from Triple-A Gwinnett.

Atlanta selected Jarvis' contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Outfielder Jose Azocar was designated for assignment in order to clear room on the 40-man roster for Jarvis, who will be making his MLB debut if and when he gets into a game. Though he's primarily been used at shortstop during his minor-league career, Jarvis has experience at second base and third base and is likely to serve as a utility infielder for Atlanta. Jarvis has shown excellent contact skills, plate discipline and speed during his time with Gwinnett this season, posting a .305/.418/.445 batting line while notching 15 steals in 17 attempts over 153 plate appearances.

Jax is in line to start Thursday's game against the Red Sox in Boston, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

With the team's starting pitching depth having been tested by injuries in recent weeks, Jax has begun the process of getting stretched out as a potential rotation open. Jax has served as an opener for the Rays in both of his last two appearances, covering 2.1 innings April 26 against the Twins and then 2.2 innings Saturday against the Giants. Jax is likely to expand on that workload Thursday, though he probably won't hit the five innings he would need to qualify for a win. Assuming he isn't needed out of the bullpen during Wednesday's series finale versus the Blue Jays, Jesse Scholtens could work in bulk relief behind Jax and would have some appeal as a streaming option after scooping up wins in both of Jax's last two starts.

Mack went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Tuesday's loss to the Orioles.

A third-inning single by the rookie catcher brought home Kyle Stowers, giving Mack his first hit and RBI in MLB, and he added another knock in the eighth. The 23-year-old top prospect will get a long look in the starting role from the Marlins, with Liam Hicks -- who got the start at first base Tuesday before taking over behind the plate for the top of the ninth after Mack was lifted for a pinch runner -- seeing more of his playing time at 1B and DH as a result.

Scherzer said Wednesday that he's been unable to ramp up his throwing due to lingering right forearm discomfort, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Scherzer landed on the 15-day injured list early last week with forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. The ankle injury is no longer bothering him, but the nagging forearm issue is preventing Scherzer from advancing in his rehab. He's undergone MRIs that have come back clean, but the veteran righty is still seeking answers for why his forearm is still giving him trouble, noting that he will "talk to more doctors and figure it out."

Snelling appears on track to be called up from Triple-A Jacksonville to start Friday against the Nationals after Braxton Garrett took his regular turn through the Jacksonville rotation Tuesday, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Snelling's next turn for Jacksonville is set to come Friday, so he was always the more likely candidate to get called up to take the spot of Chris Paddack, who was designated for assignment Tuesday. Snelling has had an outstanding start to the season at Triple-A, posting a 1.86 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 44:15 K:BB through 29 innings.

Vazquez is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Dodgers.

Vazquez is at the top of the Astros' catcher depth chart following the injury to Yainer Diaz (oblique), but he'll get some rest during Wednesday's matinee. Cesar Salazar is doing the catching and batting ninth in what will be his season debut with the big club.

Garrett made his regularly scheduled start for Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday, giving up four runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out six.

Keeping the southpaw on turn at Triple-A all but rules him out for a call-up Friday to join the Marlins' rotation in place of Chris Paddack. Garrett will likely get his chance to face big-league hitters later this summer, but for now it's Robby Snelling who's in line for the promotion this weekend. Garrett sports a 2.30 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 32:15 K:BB through 31.1 innings this season for Jacksonville.

Altuve is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Dodgers.

It's a routine day off for Altuve, who is celebrating his 36th birthday. The Astros are going with Brice Matthews at second base and in the leadoff spot in Wednesday's rubber match.

Smith is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's contest in Houston.

Smith started at catcher in the first two games of the series, so he will get some rest during Wednesday's matinee. Dalton Rushing will be behind the dish and bat seventh in the rubber match.