MLB Player News

Ortiz (neck) is not in the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the Cubs.

Ortiz has been dealing with a neck injury since last week's series against the Angels, and he was removed in the sixth inning of Wednesday's game against the Rangers after going 0-for-2. Despite having a day off Thursday, Ortiz will be in the dugout for at least the series opener against Chicago. Andruw Monasterio will start at third base Friday and bat ninth against Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon.

Westburg is not in the lineup for Friday's game versus the Rangers.

Westburg had started each of the previous eight contests, but he'll begin this one on the bench as the Orioles face right-hander Max Scherzer. Baltimore will go with Jorge Mateo at second base and Ramon Urias at third.

Candelario (hamstring) remains out of the lineup for Friday's game in St. Louis.

It's the third straight day on the bench for Candelario, who has been dealing with hamstring tendinitis since last week. There are no indications to this point that he might require a trip to the 10-day injured list, but the Reds will be forced to consider a move if he remains sidelined much longer. Noelvi Marte and Spencer Steer are again handling the infield corners for the Reds on Friday.

Alexander is not in the lineup for Friday's contest against the Guardians.

After starting each of the first two games upon his recall, the left-handed hitting Alexander has now been out of the lineup for three straight, and they've all been against righties. Nick Loftin is again handling third base and looks to be the preferred option of the two at the hot corner.

The Rockies selected Schunk's contract from Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.

Schunk posted an .811 OPS in his first taste of the Triple-A level in 2023 and has followed up with a .291/.339/.469 slash line through 69 contests this year. That production has come in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, so those numbers can't be taken at face value. Schunk will be making his big-league debut when he gets into a game, and he should see some playing time between second and third base while up with the Rockies, though those opportunities could be limited with both Brendan Rodgers and Ryan McMahon currently healthy.

Jung (wrist) will attempt to swing a bat Friday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Jung's return has been delayed due to inflammation in his surgically repaired right wrist, but he's ready to test things out swinging a bat after resting for a week and receiving a cortisone shot. The third baseman could be activated soon if things go well in the cage Friday, but when Jung does return he might be eased back into action by playing every other day or receiving one off day per series, according to Grant. Jung has been sidelined since early April.

Marte went 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI, three runs and a stolen base Thursday against the Cardinals.

The 22-year-old made his season debut after sitting out the first 80 games of the season due to a PED suspension, and he immediately provided a boost to Cincinnati's lineup. Marte batted just .151 in 12 games during his minor-league rehab assignment, but he didn't show any of that rust in his first game with the Reds. He should operate as the club's primary third baseman the rest of the way after he posted an .822 OPS over 35 games in his first taste of the majors in 2023.

Arenado went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 11-4 loss to the Reds.

Arenado cut the deficit to 5-2 with his third-inning blast, but the Cardinals weren't able to build off it. While he's battled a couple of arm injures recently, the third baseman has still put together a decent June. He's batting .260 with a .698 OPS this month, though just five of his 20 hits have gone for extra bases over the last 21 contests. Overall, Arenado is at seven homers, 34 RBI, 27 runs scored, one stolen base and a .258/.313/.378 slash line for the year.

Sano went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a 5-0 victory against Detroit on Thursday.

Sano got a second straight start and put the Angels on the board in the first inning with a solo shot to center field. On a less positive note, the veteran slugger struck out in his other three at-bats, and he's fanned five times over nine plate appearances since returning from the injured list June 25. Sano's big-league resume suggests he can offer the Angels plenty of pop, but his 40 percent strikeout rate on the campaign highlights his primary weakness as a hitter.

Rengifo went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in Thursday's win over the Tigers.

Rengifo increased the Angels' lead to five runs with a two-out, two-run blast in the bottom of the fifth inning, giving the second baseman his first long ball since May 24. The performance marked his eighth multi-hit performance this month and the third in his four contests, raising his season batting average to .312. The home run was Rengifo's fifth of the campaign.