MLB Player News

Jung took batting practice Thursday while wearing a padded guard on his left hand, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Jung is out of Thursday's lineup after being hit in the hand Wednesday. He avoided structural damage and is expected to avoid a long-term absence, and his activity Thursday supported a quick return. Grant did note that Jung will wear the guard until all of the discomfort in his hand subsides.

Castro went 1-for-2 with a home run, two RBI and a run scored in Thursday's 6-2 victory over the Dodgers.

Castro tied the game 2-2 with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the first inning before extending Pittsburgh's lead to 6-2 with a solo homer in the sixth. Castro had a big series against the Dodgers, going 4-for-10 with a double, a home run and four RBI. The 23-year-old Castro has gotten off to a solid start this year, slashing .279/.383/.471 with three home runs, 12 RBI and 10 runs scored in 81 plate appearances. He'll continue to serve as the Pirates' regular shortstop while Oneil Cruz (ankle) is sidelined.

Vargas (shoulder) joined Triple-A Rochester on Thursday to begin a rehab assignment, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Vargas has been on the injured list for over two weeks due to a strained left shoulder. It's unclear how many games Vargas will play in the minors, but the goal is to get him plenty of at-bats and starts at shortstop. Once he's feeling better, he'll likely return to his role as a utility piece for Washington.

Moncada is dealing with a disc issue in his back and will not be ready for a rehab assignment during the White Sox' April 28-May 4 homestand, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

General manager Rick Hahn noted Thursday that Moncada is improving and it's unlikely to be an injury which requires surgery. However, the third baseman still needs some more down time before he's ready to return to game action. It would appear Moncada is multiple weeks away from a return.

Jung (hand) is absent from the Rangers' lineup for Thursday's game versus the Yankees.

Jung had to be removed from Wednesday's contest in Cincinnati after being hit in the left hand. He avoided any fractures and is expected to be fine, but the youngster is surely still sore, so he'll get a little down time. Ezequiel Duran is at third base Thursday.

Baty is starting at third base Thursday against the Nationals.

Eduardo Escobar drew the nod at third base Wednesday with left-hander MacKenzie Gore on the mound for Washington, but Baty is back in there Thursday versus the Nats and righty Trevor Williams. He'll bat eighth.

Vosler cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday.

Vosler had been designated for assignment by Cincinnati on Monday after posting a rough .161/.200/.371 batting line across 65 plate appearances to begin the 2023 season. The 29-year-old will remain part of the Reds organization for the time being.

Wisdom is not in the lineup Thursday against the Padres.

This appears to be a normal day of rest for Wisdom, who's sitting on a .954 OPS with nine home runs and 18 RBI through 22 games this season. Nick Madrigal will cover third base and bat eighth for the Cubs in Thursday's matinee.

Machado is batting fifth Thursday against the Cubs, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

This is the lowest Machado has been in the Padres' order since he joined the club in 2019. He connected for a double in Wednesday's win at Wrigley Field but is slashing just .214/.250/.286 across 104 total plate appearances.

Hayes is not in the lineup Thursday afternoon against the Dodgers, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

It's a routine day off for Hayes as the Pirates wrap up this three-game series versus Los Angeles. Drew Maggi will play third base and bat eighth. Tucupita Marcano is hitting leadoff.