MLB Player News

Vargas (thumb) isn't in the Dodgers' lineup Thursday against Arizona, Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA reports.

Thursday marks the second game Vargas will miss after getting hit in the thumb by a pitch Monday. He's reportedly been able to swing a bat just fine, but the issue seems to still be affecting his ability to throw the ball, which could signal the possibility for a pinch-hit opportunity. While Vargas sits, Mookie Betts will start at second base Thursday, opening up right field for Jason Heyward.

Pouaka-Grego tore his ACL in the Australian Baseball League and will miss the 2023 season, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

The 18-year-old infielder hit .301/.424/.466 with three home runs, two steals and as many walks (16) as strikeouts in 35 Florida Complex League games last season. He will presumably open the 2024 season at Single-A.

Rojas is batting leadoff Thursday against the Dodgers.

Rojas has been in the leadoff spot in each of his starts so far this season, though he's also been sitting regularly against lefties. He'll kick things off for the Diamondbacks on Thursday versus right-hander Dustin May.

Polanco (knee) will begin a rehab assignment with Low-A Fort Myers on Thursday.

Polanco will play second base and bat second for the Mighty Mussels. It's not clear how many rehab games the veteran infielder will require before being activated, as it could depend on how his left knee is feeling. Polanco is already eligible to be reinstated from the injured list.

Estrada (calf) is back in the Giants' lineup for Thursday's game against the White Sox.

Estrada was sore for a bit after fouling a ball off his left calf Monday, but he's ready to roll after resting up for a couple days. The 27-year-old is manning shortstop and batting eighth against Chicago righty Lance Lynn.

Torres went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and two stolen bases in Wednesday's 4-2 victory over the Phillies.

The 26-year-old made an impact from the opening frame, providing the game's first run when he drove in teammate Aaron Judge on a single to left field. Torres continues to impress, slashing .421/.560/.789 with two home runs and six RBI through 25 plate appearances. Torres stole just 10 bases last year and had a career-high 14 steals in 2021, but he's already contributed five of the team's nine stolen bases through the first week of the season.

Arroyo went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Pirates.

The second baseman came into the game with only one hit on the year in 13 at-bats, but he got his offense rolling while picking up his first steal of the season. Arroyo went 5-for-6 on the basepaths last year and he's never swiped more than seven in a minor-league season, but the 27-year-old might add some extra value in that category in 2023 after MLB's rule changes to boost the running game.

Giants manager Gabe Kapler said he expects Estrada (calf) to be back in the lineup for Thursday's game against the White Sox, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

After fouling a ball off his left calf in Monday's 12-3 win over Chicago, Estrada had been in line to start Wednesday following Tuesday's off day, but the Giants ultimately scratched him from the lineup. Kapler suggested the Giants opted to hold Estrada out as a matter of precaution because the infielder's bruised calf was still a little stiff when he reported to the ballpark Wednesday. Assuming Estrada warms up without issue Thursday, he should reclaim his usual post at the keystone.

Biggio is starting at second base and batting ninth for the Blue Jays on Wednesday in Kansas City.

Biggio was on the bench on Opening Day against a right-hander but has since started three straight versus righties. He's reached base five times in his first nine plate appearances this season.

Dubon is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers.

Dubon will hit the bench after he went 3-for-12 with a walk and a run scored while starting at second base in each of the past three games. David Hensley will get the nod at the keystone Wednesday, but the Astros should have room in the lineup for both Dubon and Hensley at second base or designated hitter on at least a semi-regular basis while Jose Altuve (thumb) and Michael Brantley (shoulder) are both on the injured list.