MLB Player News

Diaz played catch Wednesday, but manager Kevin Cash acknowledged the corner infielder has been slow to progress from his strained right hamstring, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

While it's encouraging that Diaz was at least able to get in some on-field activity, his return from the 10-day injured list shouldn't be considered imminent until he's able to run the bases without any discomfort. With Ji-Man Choi (hamstring) recently joining Diaz on the IL, the Rays will rely on Nate Lowe, Joey Wendle and Mike Brosseau to pick up more work at either first or third base.

Lowe is starting at first base and batting cleanup Wednesday against the Nationals, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Lowe had hit sixth or seventh in four straight starts, but after hitting .429 with three home runs over that stretch, the Rays will bump him up a couple spots in the lineup. He should continue to hit in a run-producing spot over the rest of the season with Ji-Man Choi (hamstring) likely done for the year.

Voit went 3-for-5 with two home runs and five RBI in Tuesday's 20-6 rout of the Blue Jays.

The 29-year-old just won't stop slugging. Voit has two two-homer performances in the last five days, and his 18 long balls puts him two ahead of Mike Trout and Nelson Cruz for the major-league lead. On the season, Voit is slashing .280/.343/.634 with 42 RBI -- fourth in the league -- through 44 games.

Guerrero went 3-for-5 with a double, a solo home run and a second run scored in Tuesday's 20-6 loss to the Yankees.

The 21-year-old was dialed in, collecting hits on the first pitch in each of his first three at-bats before the Yankees were finally able to retire him in the eighth inning. Guerrero is slashing .251/.328/.440 through 47 games with seven homers and 24 RBI, as he continues to struggle to find his minor-league form.

Lowe went 2-for-3 with a walk, a home run, two RBI and a stolen base in Tuesday's 6-1 win over the Nationals.

His second-inning solo shot off Anibal Sanchez got the Rays on the board. Lowe has started four straight games, going 6-for-14 with all three of his homers on the year, and he should be a consistent presence in the Rays' lineup over the final days of the regular season.

Gurriel (hand) is starting Tuesday against the Rangers, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Gurriel was held out of Sunday's lineup after hurting his hand Saturday, but he'll return to action Tuesday, playing first base. Over the last five games, Gurriel went 3-for-16 with a home run and five RBI.

Mountcastle went 3-for-5 with a homer and three RBI in Monday's 14-1 win over Atlanta.

Mountcastle got the offensive frenzy started with an RBI single in the first inning. He later knocked his 5th homer of the season during a nine-run third frame. The rookie slugger is slashing .364/.425/.610 with 18 RBI in 87 plate appearances.

Santana went 3-for-5 with two RBI in Sunday's 7-5 loss to Minnesota.

With three singles Sunday, Santana registered his first multi-hit game since Sep. 6 and has just two this month. The 34-year-old slugger owns an unsightly .692 OPS with 23 RBI on the season.

Gurriel is being held out of Sunday's lineup against the Dodgers after hurting his hand while attempting to steal a base Saturday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Gurriel is sitting after starting the past six games for the Astros, and manager Dusty Baker said that he's being held out due to an injury. Baker said that he doesn't think the injury will warrant a stint on the injured list. Gurriel will get to recover Monday as the Astros have a day off.

Gurriel is not in the lineup Sunday against the Dodgers, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Gurriel started the past six games and will head to the bench after going 4-for-20 with one homer and five RBI during that stretch. Abraham Toro receives the start at first base in his place.