MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts said that he expects Turner (undisclosed) to return to the lineup Friday, Joey Kaufman of the Orange County Register reports.

Turner was given the night off Thursday after being hit by two pitches in Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks. He was sent in for X-rays on his hand, but they came back negative, leaving open the possibility of him drawing back into the order for Friday's series opener with the Giants. Howie Kendrick is taking over at third base Thursday, but Enrique Hernandez would be another candidate to fill in if Turner is unable to go Friday.

Turner is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Howie Kendrick will take Turner's spot at third base Thursday after Turner was hit by a pitch twice in Wednesday's contest. Most concerning was a pitch Turner took off the hand, but Joey Kaufman of the Orange County Register reports that X-rays on his hand came back negative. Turner could be back in action as soon as Friday, but if he's still out of the lineup at that point, Kendrick or Enrique Hernandez could serve as replacements at third base.

Soler is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Reds.

Manager Joe Maddon has made it clear that Soler will receive most of the starts in left field following the season-ending injury to Kyle Schwarber, so this move is likely just to give him some rest and get left-handed hitting Tommy La Stella in the lineup against Raisel Iglasias, a right-handed starter. Soler has stepped up in Schwarber's absence, hitting .250/300/.438 with one home run and three RBI since the injury.

Blackmon (toe) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday.

Blackmon is suffering from turf toe and will need at least a couple weeks to recover. Catcher Dustin Garneau was recalled in a corresponding move. It is expected that Gerardo Parra will start in center field while Ben Paulsen plays left field in Blackmon's absence.

X-rays on Buxton's hand came back negative Thursday and he is considered day-to-day, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports. He was officially diagnosed with a left hand contusion.

This news comes as a major relief as Buxton was removed from Thursday's game in the fourth inning after being hit by a pitch on the hand. He was able to stay in initially and steal a base, but Max Kepler came in to replace him in center field the following inning. He's considered day-to-day, and his status going into Friday's game will likely hinge on the pain levels in his hand and his ability to grip a bat.

Buxton left Thursday's game after being hit by a pitch on the hand, Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago reports.

Max Kepler came on to replace Buxton in the top of the fourth inning Thursday after the Twins were retired in the bottom of the third. Buxton was hit in the hand by a Mat Latos offering and was able to stay in and steal a base, but manager Paul Molitor opted to take him out of the game thereafter. There's no word yet on the severity of Buxton's injury, but Kepler would be a likely replacement for him in center if Buxton is to miss time.

Belt smacked his second homer of the season in Wednesday's loss to the Rockies.

Belt has started 2016 off on the right foot, slashing .313/.421/.594 through nine games. He has shown flashes in the past, but hasn't been able to deliver due to inconsistency or injury. This may be the year he finally puts it all together, as he is in the prime of his career and surrounded by one of the best lineups he has ever been a part of.

Blackmon hurt his toe in Wednesday's game, which is why he is out of Thursday's lineup against the Giants, MLB.com's Thomas Harding reports.

He injured the toe diving back to second base and then exited late in Wednesday's game. Considering Blackmon has a history of turf toe, this is definitely worth keeping an eye on. Gerardo Parra, who is starting in center field Thursday, would likely take over in center going forward if Blackmon misses more time, and Brandon Barnes, Ben Paulsen and Ryan Raburn would be tasked with handling left field. Consider Blackmon day-to-day for now.

Blackmon is out of Thursday's lineup against the Giants.

He left Wednesday's game early, but is listed as a bench option for Thursday's game, so it looks like he's just getting the day off. Gerardo Parra will start in center field with Ben Paulsen moving to left field against righty Matt Cain.

Buxton could be on the hot seat, following Thursday's signing of David Murphy to a minor league deal.

He is striking out at a 52 percent clip in the early going, and it's possible the Twins will option him to Triple-A Rochester for a spell to help him get his confidence back and work on his approach. Those who own Buxton in season-long leagues are right to be a little worried, but the best thing for his development may be five-to-six week run with Rochester.