MLB Player News

Ortiz (neck) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Wisconsin on Thursday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Neck inflammation has kept Ortiz on the injured list since July 3, though his neck issues can be traced back to late June. The Brewers haven't officially stated how many games they plan on having the third baseman play in the minors, though the fact he's headed to High-A Wisconsin may indicate the team wants to keep him nearby for activation once he's eligible to return from the IL on Friday.

Morel went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Orioles.

Morel launched his 16th home run of the season in the second inning against All-Star Corbin Burnes. While the 25-year-old continues to hit for power, he's not doing much else at the plate, as he's batting just .200 on the season. Morel has fantasy upside due to his pop, though fantasy managers will have to endure the low batting average.

Lipscomb is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mets.

Following his promotion from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday, Lipscomb started at third base in each of the Nationals' ensuing four games, going 2-for-14 with a run scored. Ildemaro Vargas will fill in for him Wednesday, but Lipscomb should see the bulk of the starts at the hot corner moving forward after the Nationals recently designated Nick Senzel for assignment.

Garcia is out of the lineup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Cardinals.

Garcia started at second base in the Royals' 6-4 win in the early game, going 1-for-4 with a run scored. He'll receive a breather for the nightcap while Michael Massey covers the keystone.

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

Urias will hit the bench after he had started in each of the Orioles' last three games, going 3-for-8 with four walks, one run and one RBI. Jordan Westburg will shift over from second base to start at third base, while Jorge Mateo covers the keystone.

Paredes went 1-for-3 with a three-run homer and a walk in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Yankees.

Paredes provided the key blast in the first inning Tuesday, taking Carlos Rodon deep for a three-run shot, putting the Rays ahead 4-1 early. It's the fourth homer in 12 games for the third baseman, though he's gone just 9-for-44 (.205) in that span. Overall, Paredes is batting .267 with an .830 OPS, 15 homers, 50 RBI and 35 runs scored through 86 games this season.

Biggio went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Tuesday's 10-1 loss to the Phillies.

Biggio provided the Dodgers' lone run in the lopsided defeat with a solo shot off Zack Wheeler in the fifth inning. It's Biggio's first homer since joining Los Angeles on June 12. He had gone just 1-for-13 in his previous seven contests. Overall, Biggio's slashing an uninspiring .197/.314/.286 with three homers, 11 RBI, 20 runs scored and two steals across 172 plate appearances between the Dodgers and Blue Jays this year.

Clement went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Giants.

Clement gave the Blue Jays a 3-1 lead in the seventh after taking Ryan Walker deep to left center, but the lead would end up slipping away in the ninth. Clement's homer was one of three hits the team mustered up on the night and his fifth long ball of the season. Clement should continue to see a steady dose of at-bats as long as Isiah Kiner-Falefa (knee) is on the shelf. The 28-year-old is now slashing .250/.266/.407 with 17 RBI, 20 runs and a 3:15 BB:K in 179 plate appearances.

Vargas went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 7-5 loss to the Mets.

The veteran utility player began the game on the bench, but he pinch hit for Trey Lipscomb in the eighth inning and took Adam Ottavino deep -- Vargas' first long ball of the season. After a hot start to the season, Vargas is batting just .135 (5-for-37) over his last 15 appearances, and his playing time has dwindled.

Smith went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Angels.

Smith has hit safely in his last seven games, going 11-for-30 (.367) in that span. His homer Tuesday, a first-inning blast off Roansy Contreras, was Smith's first long ball since June 23. The 26-year-old is up to eight homers, 36 RBI, 42 runs scored, four stolen bases and a .296/.384/.457 slash line over 86 contests this season. Smith's maintained a strong batting average, but he's a bit lacking in over-the-fence power, though he's managed 19 doubles to lead the Rangers in two-baggers.