MLB Player News

Smith (face) is back in the Rangers' lineup Friday versus the Cubs.

It's his first start since he had to exit Monday's game against the Orioles when he was hit in the face by a pitch. Smith will play left field and bat ninth versus Marcus Stroman.

Witt went 2-for-5 with a solo home run Thursday against the Blue Jays.

Witt took Trevor Richards yard in the eighth inning to tally his first homer, and extra-base hit of the season. He's had a slow start to the campaign overall, as he has just four hits across 29 plate appearances. Positively, he's struck out only five times in that span, which would be a major improvement on the 21.4 percent strikeout rate he posted as a rookie.

Duran started in left field and went 1-for-3 with a run scored in Wednesday's 5-2 win over Baltimore.

Duran made his third start in left field and second consecutive with Josh Smith (face) unavailable. The Rangers love his bat, but Duran is relatively new to the outfield. As such, he was replaced by Travis Jankowski late in the game for defensive purposes. As reported by Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News, both Smith and Leody Taveras (oblique) are making progress in their returns to the lineup, which would limit Duran's opportunities as an outfielder.

Seager went 0-for-4 with a run scored in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Orioles.

A strong spring was a hopeful sign that Seager would have a better second season with the Rangers, but the shortstop hasn't sustained the momentum. He's 5-for-23 (.217) with zero extra-base hits, one RBI, three walks and three runs scored through the first six games while hitting out of the No. 2 hole. Seager has a .316 xBA and .476 xSLG, however, suggesting a turnaround could be on the horizon.

Franco went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk Wednesday against the Nationals.

Franco took Patrick Corbin yard in the third inning to record his second home run of the season. He's gotten off to a hot start in the new campaign, and Wednesday's effort marked his fourth multi-hit performance in six starts. In particular, Franco's power early on has been encouraging as he has five extra-base knocks across 27 plate appearances.

Smith (face) was scheduled to get some cardio in and take pre-game swings Wednesday, Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Smith was hit by a pitch in the face Monday and needed six stitches to close a laceration. He hasn't played since but will be re-evaluated following Wednesday's activity. All signs point to him avoiding the injured list. Smith, who had been picking up starts in left field against right-handers, was replaced by Ezequiel Duran the last two games. McFarland also reports Leody Taveras (oblique) is taking swings from both sides of the plate and may be nearing a rehab assignment. Taveras' return should reduce the outfield opportunities both Smith and Duran have seen early in the season.

Pena went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run, a double and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 8-2 victory over Detroit.

Pena extended the Astros' lead to 8-2 in the bottom of the eighth inning with a two-run homer, his first of the season. The 2018 third-round pick hit 22 home runs across 555 plate appearances as a rookie last year, and he'll look to match, if not exceed, that mark in 2023.

Anderson was ejected from Wednesday's game against the Giants for arguing with the home plate umpire.

Anderson felt like he got quick-pitched by Logan Webb as he attempted to call time on what was ultimately a strikeout in the bottom of the third inning. He finished the day 0-for-2. Elvis Andrus slid over to shortstop in the top of the fourth, with Hanser Alberto entering the game at second base.

Diaz will take a seat Wednesday versus the Guardians.

Diaz will get a breather after starting the first five games of season, going 3-for-19 with an RBI and a run scored over those contests. Nick Allen will draw the start at shortstop and bat eighth in Wednesday's series finale with Cleveland.

Smith (face) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles.

The Rangers have an off day Thursday, so Smith will effectively get at least two more days to heal up from a swollen jaw as well as the six stitches he required on his face after being hit by a pitch in Monday's 2-0 loss to the Orioles. Ezequiel Duran will spell Smith in left field for the second game in a row.