MLB Player News
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CJ Alexander 3B | LAD
Athletics' CJ Alexander: Loses 40-man spot
The Athletics designated Alexander for assignment Thursday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.
After the Athletics optioned him to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday, Alexander will now be pushed off the 40-man roster a day later with the organization needing to free up a spot for right-hander Michael Kelly (suspension), who was reinstated from the ineligible list. Alexander offers some defensive versatility and has slashed .252/.350/.516 over 180 plate appearances with Las Vegas this season, but since he's an older prospect (28 years old) with a limited track record at the big-league level, it wouldn't be surprising if he ends up clearing waivers.
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Royce Lewis 3B | MIN
Twins' Royce Lewis: Absent from Minnesota lineup
Lewis is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Athletics.
Lewis has logged consecutive games with a hit for the first time since May 18 and 19, but he will get a breather in Thursday's series finale. Willi Castro will start at third base and bat fifth as the Twins try to complete a four-game sweep.
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Ben Williamson 3B | TB
Mariners' Ben Williamson: Grabbing seat Thursday
Williamson is not in the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Orioles.
Williamson started at third base in each of the previous 15 contests for the Mariners, but he'll get a breather in Thursday's afternoon tilt. Miles Mastrobuoni will fill in at the hot corner and hit eighth as Seattle tries to avoid the sweep.
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Addison Barger SS | TOR
Blue Jays' Addison Barger: Sitting versus southpaw
Barger is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Phillies.
The left-handed-hitting Barger was in the lineup each of the last three times the Blue Jays faced a lefty, but he'll grab a seat Thursday as they go up against southpaw Jesus Luzardo. Ernie Clement will start at third base and George Springer will play right field while Barger exits the lineup.
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Marcelo Mayer SS | BOS
Red Sox's Marcelo Mayer: Collects first MLB RBI
Mayer went 0-for-2 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 11-9 win over the Angels.
Mayer earned his first career RBI in the majors in an underwhelming fashion: he walked with the bases loaded in the first inning. He was eventually removed from the game against a lefty reliever. Mayer is typically out of the starting lineup against southpaws, but he held his own against them in the minors this season with a .712 OPS. The infield prospect is batting .188 (6-for-32) with three walks, two doubles and three runs scored over his first nine games in the majors.
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CJ Alexander 3B | LAD
Athletics' CJ Alexander: Dispatched to Triple-A
The Athletics optioned Alexander to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.
Since arriving in the big leagues May 23, Alexander went 3-for-17 with eight strikeouts across six games. His poor performance will now result in him heading back to Triple-A in favor of Max Muncy, who was recalled from Las Vegas in a corresponding move.
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Ernie Clement SS | TOR
Blue Jays' Ernie Clement: Getting Wednesday off
Clement is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Phillies.
Clement will head to the bench for the first time since May 16, breaking a streak of 16 consecutive starts in which he slashed .305/.379/.475 with two home runs and a 6:6 BB:K. During that time, Clement made most of his starts at second base, but he'll likely be in line to see most of his playing time at third base moving forward after the Blue Jays welcomed Andres Gimenez back from the injured list Tuesday. Clement should have a regular spot in the lineup versus lefties, but Gimenez's return could render Clement more of a part-time player against righties. Addison Barger will likely play third base on the days Clement is out of the lineup, while Nathan Lukes, Jonatan Clase and Alan Roden will be candidates to pick up starts in the corner outfield.
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Oswald Peraza 3B | LAA
Yankees' Oswald Peraza: Shifts back to reserve role
Peraza is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians.
After drawing seven starts in the Yankees' previous eight games, Peraza has now been left out of the lineup for both of the first two contests of the series versus the Guardians. Peraza's move to the bench was fully expected, as Jazz Chisholm (oblique) returned from the injured list Wednesday and should serve as the team's primary third baseman moving forward. Playing time could eventually open up for Peraza at second base, however, if DJ LeMahieu (.642 OPS in 54 plate appearances) continues to provide a limited impact at the dish.