MLB Player News

Wendle went 1-for-3 with an RBI single, a stolen base and a walk in Friday's 10-4 loss to Detroit.

Wander Franco left the game with a hamstring injury after going from first to third on a Nelson Cruz double in the first inning. Wendle took over at shortstop and later knocked in Tampa Bay's first run of the game in the fifth. The 31-year-old has gone 8-for-25 (.320) across eight games in September. He's slashing a reasonable .276/.326/.432 with nine home runs, seven stolen bases, 50 RBI and 63 runs scored through 432 plate appearances overall. Franco is likely to miss additional time with his injury, which could put Wendle in line for something closer to an everyday role in the near term.

Franco (hamstring) is expected to miss additional time following Friday's early exit, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Franco will be further examined to determine the extent of his injury, but the Rays are hoping he's only dealing with a mild strain rather than a more serious issue. However, manager Kevin Cash said that the 20-year-old will likely require a trip to the injured list. Joey Wendle could see additional time at shortstop in Franco's absence, while Yandy Diaz would see increased time at third base in that case.

Franco exited Friday's game against the Tigers due to right hamstring tightness, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Franco was removed from Friday's matchup in the top of the first inning after he was hurt while running to third base. It's not yet clear whether he'll miss additional time, but he should be considered day-to-day for now.

Franco exited Friday's game against the Tigers in the top of the first inning with an apparent injury, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Franco extended his on-base streak to 39 games with a single in the first inning, but he was examined by trainers after advancing to third base on a Nelson Cruz double. The specifics of the 20-year-old's injury aren't yet known, but he was replaced by a pinch runner following his visit with the team's trainers.

Smith was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.

Although Smith saw six consecutive starts to close out the month of August, his playing time decreased in early September, as he was in the lineup for just three of the last eight games. The 25-year-old will receive more consistent at-bats in Buffalo and will be an option to rejoin the Blue Jays if they encounter injuries.

Manager Brandon Hyde said that Mateo is not in the lineup Friday against the Blue Jays because he is dealing with soreness, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The skipper didn't go into depth about the nature of the soreness, but it doesn't sound like an issue that will sideline Mateo for more than a game or two. Richie Martin is filling in at shortstop Friday.

Bogaerts (illness) is starting at shortstop and batting cleanup in his return from the COVID-19 injured list Friday against the White Sox, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Bogaerts was activated from the COVID-19 injured list after finishing his 10-day quarantine, and the club will waste no time putting him back in the middle of the lineup. His return pushes Jose Iglesias to second base against lefty Carlos Rodon on Friday.

Mateo is not starting Friday against Toronto.

He'll get his first rest of the month after going just 2-for13 during the past four games. Richie Martin will fill his void at shortstop and bat ninth.

Bogaerts (illness) will be activated from the COVID-19 injured list prior to Friday's game against the White Sox, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Bogaerts has been on the COVID list since testing positive for the virus Aug. 31, but he will return to the active roster Friday after quarantining for 10 days. He seems likely to start at shortstop in the series opener in Chicago, though the Red Sox have yet to release a starting lineup.

Wendle is not starting Friday against the Tigers and left-hander Matthew Boyd.

Wendle has recorded a hit in each of his last five starts, but he'll not surprisingly take a seat with a southpaw taking the hill for Detroit. Yandy Diaz will man the hot corner and hit cleanup.