MLB Player News

Estrada (thumb) was spotted taking batting practice prior to the Rockies' game Wednesday against the Cardinals, Kevin Henry of The Denver Gazette reports.

Estrada was placed on the 10-day injured list last Friday due to a right thumb sprain, but because his IL stint was retroactive to a week before that date, he'll be eligible for activation at any time. His ability to take BP on Wednesday suggests a return isn't far away, but Estrada may not be cleared to play during this weekend's series in Baltimore if the Rockies decide he needs to head out on a brief rehab assignment beforehand.

India is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

India appears to be getting a routine day off for the matinee contest after he had started in each of the Royals' last 30 games. Adam Frazier will replace India at second base and atop the batting order in the series finale in Chicago.

McNeil is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels.

The Angels are having a left-hander (Brock Burke) open the contest, and lefty Jake Eder is a candidate to cover multiple innings in relief, so the left-handed-hitting McNeil will be held out of the lineup for the day game. With McNeil on the bench, Tyrone Taylor will pick up a start in center field.

Iglesias is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins.

Iglesias had picked up starts in each of the last four games -- two against right-handed pitchers and two against lefties -- but he'll hit the bench Wednesday as the Padres open up the keystone for Tyler Wade. Though he seems to have temporarily secured a near-everyday role in the San Diego infield, Iglesias will likely be the odd man out of the regular lineup if the Padres acquire Atlanta designated hitter Marcell Ozuna -- or another position player, for that matter -- prior to the July 31 deadline. Talks between San Diego and Atlanta are reportedly intensifying, according to Hector Gomez of Z101Digital.com.

McLain is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Nationals.

McLain will get a well-earned rest day after he had started every game for the Reds since June 3. Gavin Lux will play second base and occupy the No. 2 spot in the lineup in McLain's stead.

Semien went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's win over the Athletics.

Semien's lone hit of the night proved to be a big one, as his sixth-inning solo blast pushed the Rangers ahead of the Athletics for good. It was Semien's first hit since coming back from the All-Star break and his sixth home run since June 30. For the season, the 34-year-old is slashing .230/.309/.370 with 13 homers, 50 RBI, 49 runs, eight steals and a 42:80 BB:K in 421 plate appearances.

Kim went 1-for-4 with two RBI and one stolen base in Tuesday's 10-7 loss to the Twins.

Kim was just 1-for-10 with two strikeouts over four games coming out of the All-Star break. While it wasn't a multi-hit performance, Kim supplied a two-run single in the sixth inning -- he had been limited to just one RBI across his last 20 contests. He's now batting .317 with a .782 OPS, two home runs, 15 RBI, 17 runs scored and 12 steals across 133 plate appearances. Kim continues to occupy a strong-side platoon role at second base.

Amador went 2-for-3 with two doubles, two RBI and a walk in Tuesday's 8-4 win over the Cardinals.

Amador recorded multiple hits for the second game in a row since being recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque. The highly regarded 22-year-old had a rough start to the season, slashing .146/.240/.225 with one homer and five RBI over 33 games before his May 30 demotion. While his .278 average and .373 OBP over 44 Triple-A games are encouraging, his .409 slugging percentage is underwhelming given the hitter-friendly environment. Still, Amador is off to a strong start in his second stint with the Rockies this season and should see steady playing time on a struggling squad.

Matthews went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Diamondbacks.

Matthews appears to be liking Arizona's pitching, hitting the first three homers of his big-league career over the last two games. The infielder's blast off reliever Jake Woodford on Tuesday was a clutch one, giving the Astros a 2-1 lead in the eighth inning after they were stymied for 6.1 innings by Eduardo Rodriguez. Matthews is now 4-for-20 with three homers, seven RBI, five runs scored and a 2:9 BB:K through six major-league contests. As long as he continues to show growth at the plate, he should be able to hold down a starting role at second base.

Sanoja went 1-for-2 with an RBI triple during Tuesday's 4-3 win over San Diego.

The 22-year-old entered the contest in the sixth inning at third base for Graham Pauley and logged a pair of at-bats. Sanoja gave the Marlins a much-needed insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning with an RBI triple that plated Heriberto Hernandez. Since June 27, Sanoja is 7-for-27 (.259) with a double, two triples, six runs scored and four RBI.