MLB Player News

Winker is not in the starting lineup Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Winker will head to the bench as the Dodgers have left-hander Clayton Kershaw on the mound Wednesday. The outfielder has only recorded six at-bats versus southpaws in 2023, going 2-for-6 with a double and a run scored while operating in a strict platoon at designated hitter. Taking over at DH is righty bat Mike Brosseau, who will bat fifth in the series finale.

Blackmon is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

The Rockies are facing a left-hander (Rich Hill) and are concluding their series in Pittsburgh with a day game after a night game, so the lefty-hitting Blackmon will get a breather on getaway day. Kris Bryant will serve as the Rockies' designated hitter in Blackmon's stead while Randal Grichuk picks up a start at Bryant's normal spot in right field.

Lewis (undisclosed illness) remains "several days away" from potentially beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

It's almost certain that Lewis will require a rehab assignment before rejoining the Diamondbacks. The outfielder, who is getting at-bats at extended spring training, has not played since April 7. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said there's no established timeline for Lewis' return to MLB.

McCutchen went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a walk Tuesday against the Rockies.

McCutchen was the lone bright spot for the Pirates as he delivered an RBI single in the third frame -- accounting for the team's only run. He returned from a three-contest absence caused by an ankle injury Monday and has gone 1-for-6 across two starts while serving as the designated hitter on both occasions. Overall, McCutchen has maintained a .234/.346/.449 line with six home runs, 16 runs scored and 16 RBI in 130 plate appearances on the season.

Soler went 2-for-4 with two home runs and five RBI in Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Soler put the offense on his back, taking Brandon Pfaadt deep for a mammoth three-run blast in the second inning and a two-run shot in the fifth. Over his last six games, Soler has gone 9-for-24 (.375) with four homers and 10 RBI. He's up to nine long balls, 20 RBI, 16 runs scored and nine doubles while slashing .234/.310/.516 through 35 contests this season.

Morel went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a stolen base in Tuesday's loss to the Cardinals.

Morel was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Monday and saw his first game action Tuesday, and he wasted no time getting going. The 23-year-old had 16 home runs and 10 steals as a rookie in 2022, so he's shown a nice mix of power and speed in his brief career. Morel could be an interesting fantasy option if he sees enough playing time moving forward.

Arizona outrighted Beer to Triple-A Reno on Tuesday.

Beer was recently moved off the Diamondbacks' 40-man roster to clear a spot for starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt. In 79 plate appearances with Reno this season, Beer has slashed just .200/.266/.314. The 2018 first-round pick will remain in the organization but will likely be a depth option for the rest of the 2023 campaign.

Pederson is not in the starting lineup Tuesday versus the Nationals.

Pederson will take a seat as the Giants face left-hander Patrick Corbin on the mound Tuesday. Pederson has gone 1-for-7 with a double and three strikeouts against lefties in 2023. Righty bat David Villar will take over at designated hitter and bat sixth against Washington.

Ruf (wrist) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and subsequently designated for assignment Tuesday.

Ruf went 4-for-20 with a double, an RBI and a run scored over his five-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento. Instead of returning to the big leagues, he'll either remain with Sacramento, be claimed by another team or released outright. The 36-year-old has produced a .261 average with two doubles, three RBI and a run scored over 23 at-bats with the Giants in 2023.

Pederson went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's 5-1 loss against the Nationals.

Pederson's 399-foot shot to left center finally put the Giants on the board in the bottom of the ninth. The long ball was a welcome sight for fantasy managers, as the former Dodger has just four home runs across 88 plate appearances thus far. Pederson's .224 average and middling .318 on-base percentage both have plenty of room for improvement, but his serviceable .447 slugging percentage is the byproduct of him lacing eight of his 17 hits for extra bases.