MLB Player News

Pederson is playing center field and batting leadoff Wednesday against the Pirates, David Vassegh of 570 LA Sports reports.

With Andrew Toles (knee) out with a torn ACL, Pederson will jump to the top of the order for just the third time this season. Manager Dave Roberts said Pederson will serve as the primary leadoff hitter, at least against right-handed pitching, until Logan Forsythe (toe) is able to return from the disabled list, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick reports. Pederson is 3-for-7 while batting leadoff this season (two games).

Colon was designated for assignment by the Royals on Wednesday.

Since the start of the season, Colon has appeared in just seven games and gone 3-for-17 (.176) at the plate. In a corresponding move, the Royals selected Al Alburquerque's contract from Triple-A Omaha.

Brantley (ankle) is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Blue Jays, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reports.

As expected, Brantley is not starting Wednesday. The Indians have Thursday off, so Brantley will aim to return to action for Friday's outing against Minnesota. With Brantley out, Yandy Diaz will get the nod to start in left field.

Jimenez (shoulder) is still at extended spring training but took batting practice Wednesday, independent scout Chris Kusiolek reports.

Kusiolek posted video of Jimenez hitting on the backfields in Arizona, so while it is no doubt annoying dynasty league owners that one of the top prospects in the game has not played in an official game yet this season, he is still participating in baseball activities. It remains unclear when he will be assigned to an affiliate.

Belt is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Mets, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Belt is having a brutal month at the plate, going just 3-for-25 with 14 strikeouts over eight games, so he gets a chance to clear his head Wednesday. Buster Posey moves to first base while Nick Hundley takes over behind the plate.

Vargas went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run, his fourth of the season, in Tuesday's 7-2 win over the White Sox.

The homer was his second in as many days and third in the last six games to go along with nine RBI, but Vargas only has five hits and an awkward .238/.227/.714 slash line over that stretch. His power surge has moved him into a nearly full-time role as the Twins' DH, but he'll need to solidify his overall performance in order to keep the job.

Miller went 1-for-5 with his second homer and a walk in Tuesday's loss to the Royals.

With 28 walks, Miller and Bryce Harper are tied for the MLB lead. The only difference between the two is, of course, that Harper's hitting .370 with 10 homers, while Miller's languishing at .193 with two homers. There was no reasonably expecting him to duplicate last season's 30 long balls, but Miller's regression shouldn't be nearly this sharp -- he could still heat up and smack 20-plus, though batting average will always be a concern.

Canha was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday.

Canha opened the season as the Athletics' primary reserve outfielder but was eventually optioned to Triple-A after a slow start at the plate. With Jaff Decker scuffling at the plate of late, the A's decided to designate Decker for assignment and give Canha another opportunity to hold down the backup outfield role.

Blackmon is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Cubs, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Alexi Amarista will take over in center field as Gerardo Parra leads off against right-hander John Lackey in the nightcap. Blackmon tripled in Game 1, giving him 22 extra-base hits through 33 games this season, and he also stole a base for the first time since Opening Day.

Brantley (ankle) is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Blue Jays, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

This comes as no surprise, as Brantley was seen in a walking boot Monday. While manager Terry Francona initially slapped an optimistic "day or two" timeline on the injury, it's looking like a realistic return date for Brantley would be Friday's series opener against the Twins, after the Indians' off day Thursday.