MLB Player News

India (illness) will serve as the Reds' designated hitter and No. 6 batter in Thursday's game against the Phillies.

India is back in the starting nine for the first time since Saturday, albeit in a non-defensive role as the Reds look to ease him back in following his bout with an illness that kept him on the bench for four games. He'll likely reprise his usual duties at second base over the weekend, at which point Santiago Espinal will head back to the bench and serve as a utility infielder.

Kennedy went 1-for-4 with a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's 7-5 loss to the Rays.

Getting the start at second base and batting seventh with Tampa Bay southpaw Tyler Alexander set for a bulk relief outing, Kennedy swiped his first career base in the majors while collecting his second hit since his promotion. The 25-year-old has supplied a homer and four RBI in four games, and he could spot in around the Tigers' injury-weakened infield more often than expected if he continues to produce.

Espinal started at second base and went 2-for-3 with three RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 7-4 win over Philadelphia.

Espinal has feasted on Phillies' pitching, going 5-for-7 with a home run and five RBI over the first two games of the series. It was his fourth straight start at second base in place of Jonathan India (illness), but the ailing India was available off the bench Wednesday and presumably will be available for the series finale Thursday afternoon.

Altuve went 1-for-5 with a solo home run Wednesday in a loss to the Cubs.

Altuve launched a solo blast off closer Hector Neris in the ninth inning to bring the Astros to within a run, but the team ultimately fell short. The long ball was Altuve's sixth of the season, though he has only eight RBI. The star second baseman is otherwise having a fantastic campaign, slashing .350/.412/.602 with 17 runs and three stolen bases.

Gelof was diagnosed with a left oblique strain Wednesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Gelof's injury was initially described as "left abdominal soreness" and caused him to be scratched from Oakland's lineup prior to Wednesday's game. However, his injury now appears to be more severe than initially thought, and it will likely cause him to land on the injured list. The A's haven't specified how long the 24-year-old may be out for, but Abraham Toro, who filled in for Gelof on Wednesday, will likely see consistent reps at second base in his absence.

Albies (toe) took part in baserunning as part of a workout prior to Atlanta's game against the Marlins on Wednesday, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Albies continues to trend in a positive direction in his recovery from a fractured right big toe, which he sustained April 16. The second baseman had already participated in fielding drills and resumed swinging a bat in recent days, and being able to run the bases is another sign that he's no longer inhibited by the injury. Albies is first eligible for activation from the 10-day injured list Friday, and he appears on track to play this weekend versus the Guardians if he avoids any setbacks coming out of Wednesday's workout.

Estrada was removed from Wednesday's game against the Mets due to left hamstring tightness, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Estrada reportedly wanted to play through his injury, suggesting that his removal was more of a precautionary decision. The Giants don't play Thursday, so the 28-year-old will get an extra day to recover and may be able to return Friday without missing any time.

Lopez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Twins.

Lopez will get a breather after starting each of the last nine games, with the last four coming as the White Sox's leadoff hitter. Danny Mendick will replace Lopez at the keystone and set the table for Chicago on Wednesday.

Keith is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays.

Keith will cede the keystone to Buddy Kennedy, marking the rookie's second absence from the lineup in four games. The 22-year-old has opened his big-league career with a .165/.224/.177 slash line through his first 85 plate appearances, and his ongoing struggles could be starting to cost him some playing time.

India (illness) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Phillies.

India and Jake Fraley are being held out of the starting nine for the fourth and fifth consecutive games, respectively, as both work to return to 100 percent health in their recoveries from illness. Santiago Espinal has been serving as India's primary replacement and will draw another start at second base Wednesday. According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, India was at the team facility Wednesday and was able to do some hitting, so he should be available off the bench, if needed.