Pasquantino (thumb) took batting practice on the field Thursday, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

Pasquantino is just over three weeks removed from surgery to repair a fractured right thumb, a procedure which carried a projected 6-to-8 week timetable. That he's already taking what looked to be full swings in batting practice seems to suggest he has a shot to beat that timeline, although the Royals would need to qualify for the postseason and probably advance at least one round in order for Pasquantino to become a realistic option.

Kavadas is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest against the White Sox.

For the second straight day and third time in four games, Kavadas is not in the lineup versus a right-hander. Angels manager Ron Washington has leaned more towards having both of his catchers in the lineup lately, with one of them behind the plate and the other serving as the designated hitter. In Thursday's series finale, it will be Logan O'Hoppe catching and Matt Thaiss at DH.

Schanuel (leg) is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the White Sox.

Schanuel departed Wednesday's contest when a foul ball off his right lower leg resulted in a painful contusion. He's considered day-to-day. Brandon Drury will fill in at first base for the Angels in Thursday's matinee.

Diaz is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Tigers.

The Rays haven't indicated that Diaz is dealing with an injury, and despite being one of the team's more productive hitters this season, he'll be on the bench for the third time in four games Thursday. With Diaz's playing time having been scaled back lately, Jonathan Aranda has taken over as the Rays' everyday first baseman, and manager Kevin Cash has rotated a number of different players at the designated-hitter spot.

Hoskins is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest in Pittsburgh.

Hoskins will get a routine day off for the afternoon contest after he had started each of the previous five games. Jake Bauers will cover first base and William Contreras will get a start at designated hitter for the Brewers.

Walker went 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored in Wednesday's 8-2 win over the Giants.

The Diamondbacks, who entered the night losers of their last three, were down early when Walker doubled to lead off the second inning and scored the first of three Arizona runs in the frame. He also singled home a run in the fourth. With the Diamondbacks still needing to secure a postseason bid, Walker should be a lineup regular in this weekend's series against the Padres.

Smith went 1-for-1 with a pinch-hit three-run home run in Wednesday's win over the Giants.

Smith didn't enter the game until the bottom of the eighth when he was brought in to pinch hit for Randal Grichuk with two runners on. The outfielder then came through in a big way, launching a three-run home run off Spencer Bivens on the third pitch he saw to extend Arizona's lead to six runs. The long ball was Smith's ninth on the campaign and his sixth in the month of September, where he's batting .310 with 12 extra-base hits, 19 RBI and 13 runs scored.

Burger went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run and a double in a loss to the Twins on Wednesday.

Miami got off to a fiery start Wednesday, as Burger's three-run homer was one of five straight baserunners for the team to open the contest. However, the Marlins didn't score over the remaining eight frames, and Burger struck out in three of his remaining four at-bats (though he also recorded a double). The slugger has gone deep four times in his past eight games and needs one more long ball to reach 30 for the second straight season.

Torkelson went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run, an additional run scored and three total RBI in Wednesday's 7-1 win over the Rays.

Torkelson went deep with a runner on in the sixth inning, giving him 10 long balls for the year and helping the Tigers inch closer to a playoff spot. It's been a choppy season for the 25-year-old, and his struggles led to a demotion to Triple-A Toledo in June. It's a step back from the 31 home runs and 94 RBI Torkelson produced in 2023, but he's been better since getting recalled in August, and he'll turn the page even further if he helps lead Detroit on a postseason run for the first time in his career.

Smith is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Giants.

On the bench for a second straight matchup with a right-handed pitcher, Smith looks to have moved back into a reserve role after having occupied a strong-side platoon role in left field for much of the previous two weeks. Smith's playing time will likely be more sparse moving forward now that top left fielder Lourdes Gurriel is healthy again after missing time with a calf strain.