MLB Player News

McNeil isn't in the Mets' lineup Saturday against the Phillies, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports.

With left-hander Ranger Suarez slated to start on the mound for Philadelphia, the lefty-hitting McNeil will step out of the lineup Saturday. Jose Iglesias starts at the keystone, batting eighth.

Marte went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Friday's 10-3 loss to the Padres.

The second baseman is on a roll to begin June, going 11-for-26 (.423) with three homers and six RBI over his first seven games this month. Marte is up to 13 long balls, 35 RBI, 41 runs scored, one stolen base and a .282/.340/.508 slash line over 63 contests this season. He's topped the 20-homer mark just twice in his first nine major-league seasons, but he's on pace to do it for the second year in a row.

Rodgers exited Friday's game against the Cardinals after feeling tightness in his left hamstring while running the bases, MLB.com reports.

Both Rodgers and manager Bud Black expressed optimism that the injury is not serious. However, Rodgers will reportedly require treatment over the next couple days, suggesting it would be a surprise to see him in the lineup Saturday. Alan Trejo should start at second base if Rodgers is forced to remain on the bench.

Rodgers was removed from Friday's game against the Cardinals due to an apparent lower-body injury, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Rodgers came up limping after running to first base during the fourth inning of Friday's game and had to be replaced by Alan Trejo. It isn't immediately clear what body part is causing Rodgers trouble, but the Rockies should provide more information shortly.

The Blue Jays designated Biggio for assignment Friday, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports.

In order to make room on the active roster for Spencer Horwitz, who was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, the Blue Jays will push Biggio off their 40-man. The 29-year-old utility man began the year as an everyday starter, but he began losing work after slashing .200/.323/.291 with nine RBI through 130 plate appearances. Although his .614 OPS on the year represents the lowest mark of his six-year MLB career, his defensive versatility could still make him an attractive option for other organizations.

Mateo (concussion) took grounders Friday and could participate in batting practice, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Mateo was able to play catch Thursday and took another step forward in his rehab from the concussion he sustained June 2. The infielder appears to be on track to return next week.

Valdez is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Valdez will dodge a matchup with southpaw Garrett Crochet, giving way to Jamie Westbrook at second base Friday. Since Vaughn Grissom (hamstring) got hurt June 1, Valdez is 7-for-20 with three homers, eight RBI and one strikeout.

Hoerner is not in Friday's lineup in Cincinnati after being hit on the hand by a pitch during Thursday's win over the White Sox, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hoerner was struck by a pitch in the fourth inning Thursday but finished the game. He underwent a precautionary X-ray afterward, which evidently came back clean. However, he could be dealing with some residual soreness. David Bote will handle second base Friday.

Garcia is absent from the lineup for Friday's contest versus Atlanta.

With southpaw Chris Sale drawing the start for Atlanta, the left-handed hitting Garcia will begin Friday's festivities on the bench. Ildemaro Vargas will start at second base for the Nationals.

Loftin is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Mariners.

Loftin will be out of the starting lineup for a second straight day, giving way to Adam Frazier at second base. Loftin had started six of the Royals' previous seven games, but they'll opt for the lefty-hitting Frazier on Friday.