MLB Player News

Casas went 1-for-4 with one homer, one RBI and one run scored in Thursday's loss to the Yankees.

Casas led off the seventh inning with a homer off righty reliever Clarke Schmidt to get the Red Sox on the board and cut the deficit to two. The 22-year-old rookie has had a particularly difficult time recently as he was 0-for-14 during his last six games prior to this contest. The first baseman now has three extra-base hits in the majors, all of which are home runs.

Rivas went 1-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base in a 3-2 win Thursday in Pittsburgh.

Rivas singled, stole second and scored in the seventh and executed a sacrifice bunt in the ninth. It was his sixth stolen base of the season and third since Sept. 8. Since being recalled by the Cubs on Aug. 27, he's compiled a .275/.351/.333 line. Just 10 of his 55 hits this season have gone for extra-bases, and his .079 ISO is unlikely to be enough to secure him a starting role at first base in future seasons.

Diaz (shoulder), who isn't starting Thursday against the Blue Jays, recently received a cortisone injection, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Diaz is on the bench for a third consecutive game Thursday due to left shoulder soreness , but manager Kevin Cash said that the third baseman is trending in the right direction. It's possible Diaz returns to action for Friday's matchup against Toronto.

Gurriel isn't in the lineup Thursday against the Orioles.

Gurriel started the last four games but will get a breather after he went 2-for-15 with a run, an RBI and three strikeouts. Trey Mancini will take his place at first base and bat sixth.

Dalbec was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

He is not in the lineup against the Yankees but should be available off the bench. Dalbec should occupy the short side of a platoon at first base while also seeing time at designated hitter and as a pinch hitter. He hit .250 with five home runs and 14 strikeouts in 13 games at Triple-A this month.

Diaz (shoulder) is not in Thursday's lineup against the Blue Jays, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

This is the third game in a row that Diaz will miss with left shoulder soreness. Jonathan Aranda is leading off and manning the hot corner while Ji-Man Choi starts at first base and hits eighth.

Steer (eye) isn't starting Thursday against the Brewers.

Steer was scratched from Wednesday's lineup against Boston due to an eye infection, and he'll remain out of the starting nine for Thursday's series opener against the Brewers. Donovan Solano will take over at first base and bat fifth.

Flores isn't in the lineup Thursday against the Rockies.

Flores is getting a breather after he hit .429 with a home run, a double, four RBI and two runs over the last five games. Joc Pederson will serve as the designated hitter and bat cleanup.

Wade (hamstring) is starting Thursday against the Rockies.

Wade was removed from Wednesday's game against Colorado due to hamstring tightness, but he'll start in left field and lead off a day later. Over his last three games, the 28-year-old has gone 4-for-9 with a double, five runs, two walks and a strikeout.

Cron (hand) isn't starting Thursday against the Giants, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

Cron exited Wednesday's matchup against San Francisco after being hit by a pitch, and he's been diagnosed with a left hand contusion. It doesn't appear to be a serious concern as X-rays came back negative, but Michael Toglia will start at first base and bat fifth Thursday.