MLB Player News

Kurtz (forearm) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers.

It's the second consecutive absence for Kurtz, whose forearm is presumably still bothering him after being hit by a pitch Wednesday. The 23-year-old underwent X-rays and an MRI before returning to the lineup Thursday and Friday, but he's apparently still not 100 percent. Monday's team off day will provide him three straight days of rest heading into Tuesday's series opener in Cincinnati.

Hoskins went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run and two RBI in Saturday's 12-8 loss to Arizona.

Hoskins gave the Guardians an early lead by taking Kohl Drake deep in the first inning. That snapped a 1-for-15 stretch for the first baseman, who was later replaced by Kyle Manzardo when a right-handed reliever entered the game. The Hoskins/Manzardo combination at first base ranks last in the majors with a combined .203 batting average. Cleveland, which is in the thick of the postseason chase, will be looking to upgrade its offense heading into the trade deadline, and first base is an obvious place to start.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said after Saturday's 3-2 win over the Dodgers that Contreras (head) is on track to return to the lineup for Sunday's series finale, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Contreras was struck in the head by a pitch during Friday's series opener. He was removed from that game and was held out of Saturday's lineup as a precaution, but since he's not exhibiting any symptoms of a concussion, Contreras looks poised to start at first base Sunday. Nick Sogard filled in for Contreras on Saturday and went 0-for-2 with a walk.

Rice isn't in the Yankees' starting lineup versus the Cubs on Saturday.

According to Zach Sweet of MLB.com, it's just a planned day off for Rice, as manager Aaron Boone said he's been looking for a good time to give the star slugger a rest. Amed Rosario is getting a turn at DH on Saturday with Rice out of the lineup.

Kurtz isn't in the Athletics' starting lineup Saturday versus Detroit.

Kurtz was hit in the forearm by a pitch Wednesday and underwent an MRI, but he was back in the lineup both Thursday and Friday. At this point, it's unclear if his exit from the starting nine Saturday is related to that issue or if he's simply getting a day off. It's worth noting that the star first baseman slumped for most of July, slashing a meager .028/.125/.111 with just one home run and 20 strikeouts over his final 12 games of the month. Jonah Heim is starting at first base in Kurtz's stead Saturday.

Contreras, who was hit in the head by a pitch and had to exit Friday's game, isn't in Boston's starting lineup versus the Dodgers on Saturday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Contreras initially stayed in the game to run the bases following Friday's plunking, but he was removed on defense in the following frame. He was placed in concussion protocol due to the hit-by-pitch and was reportedly "doing well," per Healey, but he's nonetheless not starting Saturday. In his place, Nick Sogard is in the lineup at first base.

Burger isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Houston.

Burger has notched a base hit in four of his last five games but will grab a seat on the bench to begin Saturday's contest. Joc Pederson will pick up a start at first base as a result, moving Brandon Nimmo into the DH spot and opening up right field for Alejandro Osuna.

Guerrero went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Friday's win over the Cardinals.

With the Blue Jays down 1-0, Guerrero led off the sixth inning with a line-drive rocket off the wall in left-center field that left his bat at 112.4 mph. The 27-year-old slugger sat out Wednesday's game due to a sore hamstring, but after Thursday's off day he appears to be fully recovered. It's been a tough campaign for Guerrero, who is stuck in a 14-game homer drought and has just six long balls on the year, but Friday's hard contact offers some hope he might be able to close out the season on a high note.

Alonso went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and a second run scored in Friday's 6-4 win over the Phillies.

He got Baltimore on the board by taking Andrew Painter deep in the first inning, Alonso's 23rd long ball of the year. The slugging first baseman has been making plenty of contact of late, but it surprisingly hasn't resulted in a lot of production -- over his last 10 games, Alonso has delivered a .302/.362/.535 slash line with a 17.0 percent strikeout rate, but that stretch has featured just two homers and three RBI.

Contreras was removed from Friday's game against the Dodgers after getting hit on the head by a pitch, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Contreras ran for himself after getting hit by a 95-mph fastball in the third inning, but he was replaced at first base when the Red Sox went back on defense. He'll presumably be evaluated for a concussion, and the Red Sox should provide more information on his status in the near future. In the meantime, Nick Sogard will act as Boston's first baseman.