MLB Player News

Bogaerts was removed from Sunday's game against the Cubs due to a left thigh laceration, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Bogaerts was spiked on a steal attempt in the bottom of the seventh inning Sunday and is apparently dealing with a cut on his left thigh. The 29-year-old should be considered day-to-day for now, while Christian Arroyo should see an uptick in playing time if Bogaerts is sidelined.

Bogaerts exited Sunday's game against the Cubs in the bottom of the seventh inning with an apparent left knee injury, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Bogaerts appeared to get spiked on his left knee on a steal attempt in the bottom of the seventh, and he was replaced defensively after being examined by trainers. Prior to his departure, he went 0-for-3 with a walk. It's not yet clear whether he'll be forced to miss additional time.

Velazquez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Velazquez will take a seat after he went 2-for-16 with eight strikeouts while starting in each of the Angels' last five games. The Angels promoted prospect Michael Stefanic from Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday, and interim manager Phil Nevin suggested that the rookie would get a look in an everyday role in the middle infield, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic. If that's the case, Stefanic and Luis Rengifo -- who will start at second base and shortstop, respectively in Sunday's game -- could end up forming the Angels' middle infield in most games moving forward, which would limit Velazquez to a utility role.

Story will rest for Sunday's game against the Cubs, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Both Story and J.D. Martinez are said to be on the bench, though the lineup has not been posted yet for Boston. The Red Sox play an early game Monday against the Rays. Look for Story to be back in the lineup in front of the July 4 crowd at Fenway.

Mateo is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

A 2-for-18 skid over his last eight games has brought Mateo's season line down to .196/.248/.329. He has 19 stolen bases and will make highlight plays at shortstop on occasion, but his struggles at the dish may finally start affecting his playing time. Richie Martin starts at shortstop in Mateo's absence.

Pena went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts Saturday against the Angels.

Pena started his second consecutive game after clearing concussion protocol Friday. He has gone only 1-for-10 in that span while striking out five times. Pena has also struck out at a 43.5 percent clip since returning from the injured list June 26, which has limited him just a .174 average with four runs scored across five games.

Smith batted leadoff and went 2-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and was caught stealing in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Mets.

Smith was back in the leadoff spot against a right-hander after being dropped to ninth against a lefty the day prior. The rookie infielder has a 17.4 BB% and has reached base safely in 11 of 12 starts while sporting a .449 on-base percentage overall.

Franco went 2-for-8 with two walks, a solo home run and three total runs scored while starting both games of Saturday's doubleheader against the Blue Jays.

After starting at shortstop in the matinee, Franco served as the designated hitter for the evening game. The homer in Game 1 was Franco's first since April 26. The 21-year-old just returned last weekend from a quad injury that cost him close to a month, and with better health, Franco's numbers should improve in the second half.

Smith batted ninth and went 1-for-3 in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Mets.

Smith made his third straight start at third base. Unlike the previous two, when he batted leadoff against righties, Smith was dropped to ninth against a lefty. That Charlie Culberson didn't get the start, as was the case the last time Texas faced a southpaw, is a signal the Rangers are going to get Smith into the lineup in more than a platoon role. Since coming off the injured list June 21, the rookie is 4-for-22 (.182) with five walks and three runs.

Pena cleared the concussion protocol and is in the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Pena suffered a mouth laceration in a collision with teammate Yordan Alvarez (head) on Wednesday, but Pena has been cleared of a concussion and will return to face Michael Lorenzen. Alvarez's status is unclear.