MLB Player News

Kessinger was placed on the injured list Saturday due to health and safety protocols, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The ambiguous language used by the Astros matches the language typically used by teams when players land on the COVID-19 injured list. Assuming that's the case, it's difficult to say exactly when Kessinger will be able to return. Corey Julks was called up to take his roster spot.

Bichette (knee) was activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Saturday's game in Cincinnati.

Bichette has been out since the start of August while dealing with patellar tendinitis in his right knee. He looks ready to go following two minor-league rehab appearances in which he went 4-for-5 with a home run. Paul DeJong was designated for assignment to clear room for Bichette on Toronto's 26-man active roster.

Basabe went 2-for-5 with a run scored Friday against the Angels.

Basabe has started all five games at shortstop since being promoted by the Rays and has consistently hit in the bottom third of the order. Friday's performance marked the first multi-hit performance of his career, and he's gone 4-for-19 overall. Basabe also has seven strikeouts and only one extra-base hit, though it appears that he'll have the chance to work through any additional development at the big-league level.

Story will be on the bench for Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Story sits for just the second time in 11 games since returning from elbow surgery. He hasn't exactly hit the ground running after his long absence, slashing .200/.243/.314 after going hitless in his last four games. Pablo Reyes will fill in at shortstop.

Witt went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and an additional run scored in Friday's 4-3 victory over the Cubs.

Witt's long ball off Jameson Taillon in the top of the sixth inning was the big hit of the game, turning a one-run deficit for the Royals into a one-run advantage and they held serve the rest of the way. The young shortstop has already reached 30 stolen bases and now needs just six home runs for a 30-30 campaign.

Baez was activated from the bereavement list ahead of the second half of Friday's doubleheader in Cleveland.

Baez missed the first half of the Tigers' twin bill against the Guardians as he made his way back from Puerto Rico, where he was attending funeral services for his grandfather. Isan Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Toledo to clear out space on the roster for Baez's return.

Duran is absent from the lineup Friday versus the Brewers.

Mitch Garver will fill the DH role and Josh Smith will cover first base as the Rangers take on right-hander Brandon Woodruff. Duran, a right-handed hitter, has done most of his damage against lefties this season.

Baez (bereavement) is expected back for the second game of Friday's doubleheader in Cleveland, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Baez will not be available for the first game as he makes his way back from Puerto Rico, where he was attending funeral services for his grandfather, but he is expected back in the lineup for the nightcap. Zach McKinstry is at shortstop for the afternoon tilt.

Correa (foot) is playing shortstop and batting cleanup Friday versus the Pirates.

Correa didn't play in Wednesday's win over the Tigers due to what the Twins simply referred to as soreness, but it's reasonable to assume it was foot-related since he's been playing through plantar fasciitis for a while. He's feeling well enough to give it a go Friday after Thursday's off day, as he and his Minnesota teammates take on Andre Jackson and the Pirates.

Bichette (knee) is expected to be back in the Blue Jays' lineup Saturday in Cincinnati, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Bichette revealed the news himself while being interviewed after he homered and played shortstop Thursday in his second rehab game with Triple-A Buffalo. He will fly to Cincinnati to join his team Friday, but it sounds like the Jays will wait until Saturday to activate him, or at least put him in the lineup. Bichette has been sidelined since late July because of patellar tendinitis in his right knee.