MLB Player News

Bethancourt hit a two-run homer as a pinch hitter in Friday's win over the Dodgers.

Bethancourt was originally penciled in the lineup to play right field, but was later scratched as the Padres changed their mind about giving him his first playing time in the outfield. The pinch-hit home run shows the change wasn't due to a health concern. His strong start to the season (.874 OPS) has the Padres considering creative ways to get him into the lineup.

Bethancourt is a late scratch from Friday's lineup in a matchup with the Dodgers, Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

It was originally surprising that Bethancourt was given the nod in right field considering he had never started anywhere other than behind the plate in his career. However, the Padres have decided to scratch that plan at the last minute and go with Jose Pirela in right.

Grandal will get the start at first base for Friday's matchup with the Padres.

Grandal will shift to first base, while A.J. Ellis handles duties behind the plate. He is 1-for-5 with a double in games started at first base this season. Expect him to return to catching duties Saturday.

Grandal is not in the lineup for Friday's tilt with the Padres.

Grandal will get a routine night off in Friday's series opener. He will be replaced behind the plate by A.J. Ellis. Expect him to return to the lineup in Saturday's Game 2.

Bethancourt will start in right field and bat fifth Friday against the Dodgers.

Friday's start marks Bethancourt's first at a position other than catcher as a professional. Bethancourt is getting on base at just a .267 clip, but he's batting .292 so far in May (7-for-24) and will have the platoon advantage against lefty Scott Kazmir.

Bethancourt is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers.

Friday's start marks Bethancourt's at a position other than catcher as a professional. Bethancourt is getting on base at just a .267 clip, but he's batting .292 so far in May (7-for-24) and he will have the platoon advantage against lefty Scott Kazmir.

Plawecki is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Brewers.

Rene Rivera will step in behind the dish to catch for starter Steven Matz. Plawecki has been a fixture in the lineup since Travis d'Arnaud hit the DL -- he started each of the team's last seven games and 11 of the last 12 -- but he's done little of note offensively (.211/.302/.303 this season).

Diaz was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Thursday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Diaz will be on the shelf until mid-July after undergoing elbow surgery earlier in May, so he was an obvious candidate to be transferred to the 60-day DL when a spot on the 40-man roster was needed. That time came Thursday when right-hander Wilfredo Boscan was promoted to the big leagues, so Diaz was shuttled off the 40-man roster for the time being. He'll likely be added back on once he's done with his rehab process.

Rupp (ankle) went 1-for-3 with a walk and two RBI in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Marlins.

Rupp sat out the previous three games with the ankle injury, but looked to be back to full health Wednesday, catching all nine innings while contributing well at the plate. The catcher's two-run single in the third inning helped give the Phillies a 3-2 lead that would ultimately hold up.

Vazquez went 2-for-4 with three RBI in Boston's 5-2 win over Kansas City in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader.

Vazquez delivered in a key situation, singling with the bases loaded in the sixth inning after the Royals intentionally walked Jackie Bradley to get to him. A 7-for-20 stretch over the past week has lifted his average to .254, but the catcher hasn't been much more than a .220 hitter this season.