MLB Player News

Franco (quadriceps) went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer and a double in the Rays' 6-5 victory over the Cubs on Tuesday.

After missing Monday's loss with quadriceps tightness, Franco returned with a bang and produced his second consecutive multi-hit performance. The shortstop took Cubs starter Justin Steele deep for a two-run shot in the top of the third before later adding both a double in the fifth and a single in the ninth. The long ball was his first of the campaign and he is now batting an impressive .404 with seven extra-base hits.

Smith is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Orioles and is wearing a protective walking boot, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The 25-year-old apparently suffered the injury during Monday's contest on a feet-first slide, though he never actually exited the contest. The specifics of the injury remain unclear, and Smith should be considered day-to-day until his status is updated.

Smith is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Orioles.

Smith started the past six games and will receive a day off after going 5-for-19 with two doubles, two walks, an RBI and three runs during that stretch. Sheldon Neuse will start at the hot corner Tuesday with righty Chris Ellis on the mound for Baltimore.

Franco (quadriceps) is starting at shortstop and batting second Tuesday against the Cubs, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Franco was scratched from Monday's lineup due to tightness in his right quadriceps, but he was reportedly available off the bench and nearly entered during the ninth inning. The 21-year-old's absence appears to have been a precaution, and there shouldn't be much concern now that he's back in the starting nine.

Franco (quadriceps) is expected to be in the lineup Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Franco was originally in the lineup Monday, only to be scratched with tightness in his right quadriceps. He was reportedly available to pinch hit and nearly entered Monday's loss to the Cubs in the ninth inning. Though a return Tuesday is realistic, even if Franco is held out of the lineup again, his absence doesn't look likely to cost him an extended stretch of game action.

Franco was scratched from the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs with a tight right quadriceps, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The initial diagnosis doesn't sound particularly severe, but it's possible the diagnosis could change into something more serious after further tests. Yandy Diaz will replace him in the lineup, starting at third base and pushing Taylor Walls to shortstop.

Fletcher (hip) could be ready soon after the Angels return home Friday, though he may need a rehab assignment, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Fletcher has been out for nearly a week with a strained left hip. It looks as though he could be ready for game action within the next week, but his first game action may not come at the major-league level. Andrew Velazquez has handled shortstop in his absence.

Allen was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Allen missed out on Oakland's Opening Day roster but will now join the big club with six players heading to the COVID-19 injured list. It may not be a long stay in the majors for the 23-year-old, but he could see a few opportunities with Jed Lowrie (undisclosed) and Chad Pinder (undisclosed) among the players sidelined.

Bogaerts went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Monday's loss to the Twins.

Bogaerts stayed hot Monday, posting a second consecutive three-hit performance and raising his batting average from .290 to .333 in the process. After having only three hits in his prior six games, the shortstop has tallied six in the last two days, including two doubles. He continues to remain one of the elite options at his position in 2022.

Diaz will return to the bench for Monday's game against the Angels, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Diaz enjoyed a run of five consecutive starts from April 8 through 13, but his playing time has tailed off following Yuli Gurriel's recent return from paternity leave. He'll be on the bench Monday for the third time in four games, and at-bats are likely to become even harder to come by for Diaz with Yordan Alvarez (illness) making his return to the lineup after a five-game stint on the COVID-19 injured list.