MLB Player News

Diaz went 2-for-4 with a walk, a home run, four RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 9-8 win over the Athletics.

Diaz started at first base for a resting Yuli Gurriel, the first start in six games for the utility man, whose first-inning, three-run homer was his first hit as an Astro. Playing time has been scarce for Diaz, who's been caught in the shuffle of four bench players looking for at-bats in a stacked lineup.

Wendle (hamstring) won't be activated off the 10-day injured list when eligible Thursday but could return shortly thereafter, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Wendle landed on the injured list April 1 with the left hamstring strain but will apparently need a little more than the 10-day minimum in order to regain his health. Daniel Robertson and Brandon Lowe should continue to see increased reps at second base in his absence.

Fletcher will start in left field and bat ninth Sunday against the Rangers, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Fletcher will pick up his third straight start, this time in the outfield after making his previous two turns at third base. The Angels deployed Fletcher as the leadoff man versus lefty Drew Smyly on Saturday, but the 24-year-old will move to his usual spot near the bottom of the lineup with righty Shelby Miller on the mound in the series finale.

Diaz will start at first base and will hit seventh Sunday against the Athletics, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Entering the starting nine for the first time in a week, Diaz will get his first MLB innings at first base after previously seeing all of his action at the other three infield spots and left field. The Astros likely won't turn to Diaz at first base often, as the regular option at the position, Yuli Gurriel, is merely receiving the day off for rest.

Adames entered a loss to the Giants on Saturday as a pinch hitter in the fifth inning and went 2-for-3 with a run.

Adames' two-hit day only served to bring his average up to .100, an indication of how much of a struggle this season has been at the plate for the young shortstop. The 23-year-old was 1-for-27 over the first seven games of the campaign prior to Saturday, so perhaps his success against the Giants can serve as a launching pad.

Gordon (groin) will start at second base and bat ninth Sunday against the White Sox.

Gordon exited early with groin tightness in Friday's series opener but was expected to return to action Saturday before being scratched shortly before opening pitch. The Mariners are apparently optimistic that Gordon will be good to go for Sunday's matinee, though it's worth wondering if any residual effects of the injury might impact his aggressiveness on the basepaths. Prior to getting hurt, Gordon had stolen a base in four of his past five starts.

Owings is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

The Royals have regularly deployed Whit Merrifield in right field this season, thereby opening up an everyday role in the infield for Owings, who had started each of the team's first seven games. Owings will get his first day off of the campaign in the series finale, with Lucas Duda effectively replacing him in the starting nine.

Adames will head to the bench Saturday against San Francisco.

Adames will sit for just the second time this season. He could find himself on the bench more often in the near future if he can't break out of his slump, as he's 1-for-27 with 14 strikeouts this season. Daniel Robertson will start at shortstop Saturday.

Gordon (groin) was a late scratch Saturday against the White Sox, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

He exited Friday's game with groin tightness and was originally in Saturday's lineup, but manager Scott Servais decided not to play him in the end because he is not quite 100 percent healthy. Dylan Moore will get the start at the keystone in his stead.

Gordon will bat ninth and play second base Saturday against the White Sox, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Gordon won't miss a game despite leaving Friday's contest early due to groin tightness. The 30-year-old is hitting .289 on the season and has converted all five of his stolen-base attempts.