MLB Player News

Struggling Twins outfielder Byron Buxton is starting and batting ninth in the first half of the critical Wednesday doubleheader in Cleveland.

In 42 games this season, Buxton is slashing .207/.244/.306 slash line with one home run and four RBI.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley (shoulder), who wasn't in the lineup Tuesday before the game was postponed, could be shut down for the rest of the regular season, MLB.com reports.

Brantley was scheduled to meet with a team doctor to discuss his persistent shoulder soreness but there's a chance the Indians will decide to play it safe and simply shut him down for the remainder of the season. Don't expect him back in the lineup for Wednesday's double header in all likelihood.

Mariners shortstop Brad Miller is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Astros, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

It's a bit odd to not see Miller in there against a right-hander (Mike Fiers), but there's been nothing to suggest an injury is in play. While Miller has gone 0 for 6 with two strikeouts in his last two games, he's still batting .310/.359/.448 for the month of September.

Athletics first baseman Mark Canha is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Angels, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

He was hit by a Hector Santiago pitch in the first inning Monday, but Canha stayed in for the remainder of the game, and there's been nothing from the team to suggest his absence Tuesday is related. Max Muncy will start at first base and bat eighth against right-hander Nick Tropeano.

The Tigers will limit Miguel Cabrera's playing time during the final week of the season, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

With Cabrera struggling and the Tigers far out of contention, the slugger may only play two or three of his team's final six games. He has a comfortable lead over Xander Bogaerts for the AL batting title, and he reached the qualification minimum of 502 plate appearances Monday night.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley (shoulder) will return to the starting lineup Sunday against the Royals, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports.

Brantley has missed four straight games while dealing with this ailment, and although manager Terry Francona was anticipating a Monday return, he'll have his No. 3 hitter back in action for the Sunday afternoon contest. Brantley will return to his regular spot in left field, sending Mike Aviles back to the bench.

Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (shoulder) remains out of the lineup for the game Saturday in Kansas City.

Brantley was a late scratch Friday due to a shoulder injury that caused him to miss the previous two contests. Mike Aviles will start in left field in his place, batting ninth for Cleveland.

Indians left fielder Michael Brantley was scratched from Friday's lineup.

Brantley was initially penciled in to return to the lineup after a two-game absence due to a shoulder injury, but has since been scratched. The Indians announced that Brantley did not suffer any setbacks, but opted to give him an extra day of rest before returning to the lineup, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley (shoulder) is back in the lineup Friday against the Royals.

After missing the previous two games with a right shoulder injury, Brantley apparently improved enough for manager Terry Francona to slot him back into the lineup. The 28-year-old will man his usual left field duties and bat third.

Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (shoulder) is improving but still might be held out of the lineup Friday in Kansas City, per the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

"He's doing better," Terry Francona said. "He hit in the cage (Thursday). I don't know if he'll play Friday, but I guess the fact that we're even thinking about it means that he's getting closer."

Brantley's missed the last two games but looks to be a factor at some point over the weekend as Cleveland tries desperately to stay in the playoff hunt.