MLB Player News

Diaz went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer, a double and three runs scored in Sunday's win over the Tigers.

Diaz led off the game with a double and then sent a screamer to left center in the second to put the Rays up 5-0. Diaz now has two home runs in August but has hit just four since May 26. In his age-31 season, Diaz is on pace to set career highs in home runs, RBI and runs scored. He's cemented himself as one of the elite leadoff men in baseball this season and is now slashing .315/.398/.508 with 16 homers, 55 RBI, 67 runs and a .906 OPS.

Lowe went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 6-0 win over the Marlins.

While Lowe has generally hit well in recent weeks, this was his first homer since July 26. The first baseman's blast extended the Rangers' lead to 3-0 in the third inning and was one of four homers for the team in the contest. Lowe is at a .284/.378/.453 slash line with 13 long balls, 62 RBI, 71 runs scored, 30 doubles and two triples through 111 contests, though he has not attempted a stolen base.

Cron is out of the lineup for Sunday's game versus the Mariners.

Cron started all six games at first base since being acquired by the Halos last weekend, and he'll receive a day off after going 5-for-23 with three walks, three RBI and four runs during that span. Mike Moustakas will move over to first base while Eduardo Escobar receives a start at the hot corner.

France is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels.

France started the past 26 games and will take a seat Sunday after he posted a .573 OPS during that stretch. Mike Ford will start at first base and bat seventh in his place for the series finale in Anaheim.

Noda (jaw), who's been swinging a bat since late July, is slated to take live batting practice against Mason Miller (elbow) on Tuesday, the team's official site reports.

It's another key step for Noda as he works to return from the fractured jaw he suffered during pregame warmups July 19. Assuming all goes well with the live BP, the Athletics will map out a more definitive plan and timetable for the remainder of Noda's recovery later in the week. For the moment, the rookie remains within the approximate three-week return timetable he was given when first injured.

Raley (knee) will start in right field and bat fifth in Sunday's game against the Tigers.

Raley is back in action after he was on the bench for the Rays' previous two games with a bruised right knee. The fact that the Rays are deploying him in the outfield rather than at designated hitter suggests the team is comfortable with his health heading into a six-game week.

Guerrero is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

The Blue Jays haven't provided any word that Guerrero is dealing with an injury, so his absence from the lineup Sunday looks to be nothing more than a routine maintenance day. Guerrero had started in every game since May 19.

O'Hearn is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets.

The lefty-hitting O'Hearn will hit the bench with southpaw Jose Quintana toeing the rubber for the Mets. Ryan Mountcastle will start at first base and bat second in O'Hearn's stead.

Vaughn is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Guardians, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Vaughn will head to the bench in what appears to be a rest day for the series finale after he started in each of the last seven games while going 8-for-25 with two home runs, one double, two runs and three RBI. Gavin Sheets will spell Vaughn at first base.

O'Hearn went 1-for-3 with an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored in Friday's 10-3 win over the Mets.

O'Hearn has gone 7-for-21 (.333) with four RBI and two doubles over his last six games. The 30-year-old had seen a lot of time at first base in recent weeks, but the resurgence of Ryan Mountcastle has forced manager Brandon Hyde to get creative with where O'Hearn fits. He's made his last two starts in right field, though there's also a need to fit Anthony Santander and Colton Cowser into the mix on occasion. O'Hearn has a .306/.344/.513 slash line with nine home runs, two steals, 37 RBI and 27 runs scored through 209 plate appearances this year.