MLB Player News

Reyes went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Wednesday's win over the Blue Jays.

Reyes now has 13 home runs this season, with four of those coming since joining the Cubs via waivers earlier this month. The 27-year-old is also batting a solid .276 across 22 games with his new team, and he should continue to see regular playing time as Chicago's DH as long as he keeps producing like this.

Ruf will serve as the Mets' designated hitter and No. 5 batter in Wednesday's game against the Dodgers.

The Dodgers are bringing a lefty (Tyler Anderson) from the second straight day, so the righty-hitting Ruf will pick up another start at the expense of platoon mate Daniel Vogelbach. Since being acquired from the Giants on Aug. 2, Ruf has hit .206 with zero home runs, three doubles, six RBI and five runs in 15 games.

Winker isn't starting Wednesday against the Tigers.

Winker will get a breather after he went 0-for-11 with four strikeouts over the last three games. Sam Haggerty (finger) is returning to the lineup as the left fielder and batting ninth.

Vogelbach isn't starting Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Vogelbach is out of the lineup for a second consecutive game since southpaw Tyler Anderson is on the mound for the Dodgers. Darin Ruf is serving as the designated hitter and batting fifth.

Mercedes was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday, Amy Gutierrez of the Giants' official site reports.

Mercedes was called up and started at first base for Tuesday's game versus the Padres, but he will return to Sacramento on Wednesday. Andrew Knapp had his contract selected and will operate as the primary backup to Austin Wynns at catcher for the time being as Joey Bart (concussion) is unavailable.

Choi is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The lefty-hitting Choi finds himself on the bench for the fifth time in six games, with four of his absences coming against left-handed pitchers. Harold Ramirez will fill in at first base and bat cleanup against Marlins southpaw Trevor Rogers.

Alvarez (hand), who is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rangers, said he "100 percent" expects to return to the starting nine Friday versus the Angels, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Though his sore left hand will keep him on the bench for a third straight game, Alvarez doesn't believe his injury is as significant as his bout with right hand inflammation back in July, which forced him to the 10-day injured list shortly before the All-Star break. It's unclear if he'll be available Wednesday in a pinch-hitting capacity, but the extra day off to go along with Thursday's team off day looks like it might provide sufficient time for Alvarez to recover from the injury.

Jimenez went 3-for-5 with a solo home run and an additional RBI and run scored in a 9-7 loss to the Royals on Tuesday.

Jimenez, returning from a brief absence due to leg soreness, came up with a timely two-RBI single in the fifth and later added to his RBI total with a solo shot in the seventh to help keep his team in the game. It was his eighth home run of the campaign. Jimenez has had an excellent time at the plate in August, slashing .376/.468/.516. The 25-year-old outfielder has missed significant time this season sue to a hamstring injury but has an excellent .500 SLG over 1079 career at-bats.

Alvarez (hand) isn't starting Wednesday against the Rangers.

Alvarez is excluded from the starting nine for a third consecutive game due to left hand soreness. It's not yet clear whether he'll be available off the bench, but Trey Mancini will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth.

Meneses went 3-for-5 with three doubles, a run scored and two RBI in Tuesday's 10-6 loss to the A's.

All three two-baggers came off Oakland starter Cole Irvin, extending Meneses' hitting streak to nine games. The 30-year-old rookie has been a bright spot for the Nationals in an otherwise dreary season, and he's slashing .348/.383/.618 through his first 94 plate appearances in the majors with six doubles, six homers, 11 RBI and 16 runs.