MLB Player News

Neto is leading off Saturday against Corbin Burnes and the Brewers.

Taylor Ward, who has led off almost all season, is dropped down to seventh against the tough righty, while Neto ascends to the top of the lineup. The rookie shortstop has hit first in a couple games but has usually hit eighth or ninth. Neto is hitting .244/.333/.333 with zero home runs, zero steals, zero walks and a 17.6 percent strikeout rate in 14 games.

Smith is not in the lineup Saturday against the Yankees.

Smith has been a versatile defender out of the gate for the Rangers, but he is just 7-for-48 (.146) with one extra-base hit through 21 games.

Baez (hand) is back in the lineup for the first half of Saturday's doubleheader against the Orioles.

Baez suffered a left hand contusion Wednesday when he was hit by a pitch, but he apparently feels well enough now to return as the Tigers' designated hitter in the early tilt at Comerica Park. He'll bat third versus O's right-hander Dean Kremer.

Duran started at shortstop and went 1-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's 5-2 win over the Yankees.

Duran got the start against a right-hander (Clarke Schmidt), which is normally a spot for Josh Smith, as the duo continue to fill-in for Corey Seager (hamstring) at shortstop. Texas manager Bruce Bochy's decision to veer from the pattern could be based on offense. Since Seager's injury, Duran is batting .325 (13-for-40) with four extra-base hits and eight RBI, while Smith is hitting .125 (4-for-32) with one RBI.

Pena went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's loss against the Phillies.

Pena's 402-foot shot to right-center in the first inning was Houston's only run of the game. Last year's World Series MVP is now on a four-game hit streak as he looks to recapture his elite October form. The shortstop is slashing .240/.301/.452 through 26 games played.

Witt went 1-for-5 with a double, an RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored in Friday's 8-6 loss to the Twins.

The steal was Witt's first since he swiped three bags April 12 versus the Rangers. The shortstop has gone 4-for-22 (.182) over his last five games, causing his season slash line to drop to .241/.281/.426 over 114 plate appearances. He's at least been solid with the counting stats, racking up four home runs, six steals, 10 RBI and 15 runs scored through 27 contests.

Pena went 1-for-4 with a home run in Friday's 3-1 loss against Philadelphia.

Pena launched a solo shot off an Aaron Nola fastball in the first inning. But that was the sole source of offense on the night for the Astros. Houston's shortstop was slashing .200/.273/.388 on April 21. Recently Pena has turned it on. In the last six games, he's raised his slash line to .240/.301/.452.

Diaz is not in the starting lineup for Friday's contest against the Reds.

Diaz went just 1-for-11 in a series against the Angels to drop his batting average to .143, and he's in danger of losing more playing time to some of the younger options on the Athletics. Jordan Diaz will play second base with Kevin Smith handling shortstop duties for Friday's battle against Cincinnati.

Volpe isn't in the Yankees' lineup Friday against the Rangers.

Currently in the middle of a four-game hitting streak, Volpe will get a breather for Friday's contest. Oswald Peraza will take Volpe's place at shortstop and bat fifth.

Anderson (knee) is on track to be activated from the injured list early next week, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Anderson is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte on Friday and will remain there through the weekend. Assuming all goes well, he should be activated Tuesday versus the Twins following Monday's off day. Anderson has been out since April 10 with a sprained left knee.