MLB Player News

Bogaerts was ejected from Friday's game against the Orioles for arguing balls and strikes, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Bogaerts went 1-for-3 with a run scored and was tossed after arguing a called third strike during the fourth inning. The 29-year-old should be back in the lineup for Saturday's matchup in Baltimore. Enrique Hernandez moved in to play shortstop in place of Bogarts with Jarren Duran taking over in center field.

Duran is not in Friday's lineup against the Twins.

He will sit for the second time in the last three games. Josh Smith, who is hitting eighth against righty Dylan Bundy, may have a loose hold on the strong side of a platoon at third base.

Velazquez isn't starting Friday against the Tigers, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Velazquez will be out of the lineup for the second time in the last three games after he went 2-for-4 with a run, a stolen base and a strikeout Wednesday. David Fletcher is shifting to shortstop while Luis Rengifo (back) returns to the lineup at second base.

Downs is considered day-to-day due to a left ankle injury, Joe McDonald of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reports.

Downs exited Thursday's game at Triple-A Worcester after falling while running to second base, and he had to be helped off the field by trainers. However, the team hopes the 24-year-old will be able to avoid a trip to the injured list.

Story (wrist) has taken batting practice and hit off a machine this week, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.

It's been nearly a month since Story was placed on the injured list with what was eventually diagnosed as a hairline fracture in his right wrist. His recent work at PNC Park indicates he should soon be ready to begin a rehab assignment, if he responds well to the increased activity.

Downs exited Thursday's game with Triple-A Worcester due to a left leg injury, Joe McDonald of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reports.

Downs fell on his way to second base after lining a ball into left field, and he remained down momentarily before being helped off the field by trainers. There's no official diagnosis, but a trip to the minor-league injured list seems possible.

Velazquez went 2-for-4 with a run and a stolen base Wednesday in a loss to Seattle.

Velazquez singled and stole second base in the third inning, and he subsequently scored the Angels' first run on a David Fletcher base hit. Velazquez has gone through a few base-stealing spurts this season, though this was his first theft since July 14. He's been caught on the basepaths only once in 14 tries, but his opportunities to run have been limited by a .182 batting average and .226 on-base percentage.

Franco (wrist) is not in the lineup Thursday for Triple-A Durham, according to play-by-play announcer Patrick Kinas.

Franco will sit for a second straight day while undergoing treatment on his sore wrist. According to Durham manager Brady Williams, Franco's absence is "more about pain tolerance and being pain-free" while swinging than anything else. It's unclear when Franco will take the field next, but it's a good sign that he has not been recalled from his rehab assignment.

Crawford went 1-for-2 with a bases-loaded walk, another two base-on-balls and a run in a win over the Angels on Wednesday.

The veteran shortstop pushed his season on-base percentage to .341 with his busy night, which currently qualifies as his highest figure since his rookie 2017 season in Philadelphia. Crawford's offensive production has ignited over the past five games, a stretch during which he's hitting .389 (7-for-18) with a double, three RBI, four total walks and three runs.

Franco (wrist) received treatment after experiencing soreness in his right hand Tuesday and isn't playing Wednesday for Triple-A Durham, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 21-year-old exited his first rehab game Tuesday due to the soreness, and he'll have to wait at least one day before rejoining Durham's lineup. Tampa Bay previously hoped Franco would be able to rejoin the big-league club this weekend, but that timeline may be pushed back. He'll be re-evaluated Thursday and should be considered day-to-day in the meantime.