MLB Player News

Sosa has not played since July 2 due to ankle pain, but he's expected back shortly, Daniel Victor of White Sox Daily reports.

He's supposed to be back with Triple-A Charlotte "in a few days." Sosa went 6-for-14 (.429) with two doubles in three games after being demoted to Charlotte following his four-game cup of coffee in the majors. It's likely we'll see him up with the big club again later this season, especially considering how little offense the White Sox are getting from Leury Garcia and Josh Harrison at second base.

Garcia exited Thursday's game against the Phillies due to a stomach illness, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Garcia was seen grabbing at his left side after grounding out in the sixth inning, which led to speculation that he suffered an upper-body injury. However, after the game, manager Dave Martinez clarified that Garcia was dealing with a stomach illness. That's positive news for Garcia's potential availability for the Nationals' weekend series in Atlanta.

Garcia was removed from Thursday's game against the Phillies due to an apparent left side injury, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Garcia appeared to be grabbing his left side after grounding out in the sixth inning, and he was removed from the game in the seventh. Prior to his departure, he went 1-for-3 with a double and a strikeout. The exact nature and severity of his injury aren't yet clear.

Kim isn't starting Thursday against the Giants due to a minor thumb injury, Annie Heilbrunn of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Kim sustained his thumb injury Monday and will be out of the lineup for a second consecutive game. However, he doesn't sound too concerned about the issue and said that he might be able to appear off the bench if needed Thursday.

Kim isn't in the lineup Thursday against San Francisco.

Kim sat out Tuesday's series finale against the Mariners and will remain out of the lineup for a second consecutive game Thursday. Over his last three games, he's gone 5-for-11 with a homer, two runs, two RBI, a walk and two strikeouts. CJ Abrams is starting at shortstop and batting ninth.

Hernandez (hip) is slated to join Triple-A Worcester on Friday for a rehab assignment, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez will presumably stick around with the Triple-A club through the weekend before potentially coming off the 10-day injured list for Monday's series opener at Tampa Bay, assuming he experiences no setbacks with his hip during his games with Worcester. The 31-year-old should reclaim duties as Boston's primary center fielder once activated from the IL, at which point Jarren Duran may have to battle Jackie Bradley for reps in right field.

Guillorme is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Marlins.

With southpaw Daniel Castano on the mound for Miami, the lefty-hitting Guillorme will retreat to the bench in the series opener. Jeff McNeil draws the start at second base, while J.D. Davis enters the lineup as the Mets' designated hitter.

Arroyo is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Yankees, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Arroyo will hit the bench after he started each of the past four games, with the last two coming at third base. With Rafael Devers (hamstring/back) ready to reclaim duties at the hot corner following a two-game absence, Arroyo will move back into a utility role, though he should be a fixture in the lineup versus left-handed pitching.

Merrifield went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 7-4 win over the Astros.

Merrifield knocked the third pitch of the game from Houston starter Cristian Javier over the fence for a 360-foot leadoff homer. Long balls are pretty rare for Merrifield -- he hadn't hit one since May 23. He's up to four homers with 34 RBI, 44 runs scored, 14 stolen bases, 18 doubles, a triple and a .239/.292/.337 slash line in 80 contests overall. While the batting line is a step down from his usual level, he's hit .286 with a .758 OPS and seven steals in his last 26 games, which is an extended run of success more in line with preseason expectations.

India (ankle) is starting at second base and batting leadoff in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader with the Pirates.

After being hit in the ankle by a pitch Wednesday and exiting the contest early, India will be back in the lineup Thursday. The 26-year-old has produced just one hit in 15 at-bats so far in July, lowering his batting average to .204 on the season.