MLB Player News

Barrero (hamstring) will start at shortstop and bat eighth in Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

Barrero exited Monday's 7-6 win over Chicago with right hamstring tightness and then sat out Tuesday's 12-5 loss, but he'll be back in the lineup for the series finale. Kevin Newman heads to the bench to open up a spot at shortstop for Barrero.

Mateo went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and an additional run in Tuesday's victory over Texas.

Mateo chased Andrew Heaney with a two-run homer in the third that helped Texas build a 7-1 lead. That's the second homer in as many days for the infielder, who also has already stolen four bases over the first five games. It goes without saying, but more play like this will help Mateo stick as the starting shortstop for Baltimore in 2023.

Vargas (groin) won't be available to play for the Dodgers until Friday at the earliest, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

Vargas is dealing with groin tightness and is out of the lineup for Tuesday's bout against the Rockies. The Dodgers are off Wednesday before starting a series against the Diamondbacks on Thursday, but the 34-year-old infielder will miss at least the first game of that series. Chris Taylor will handle shortstop duties while Vargas is out.

Story (elbow) started work with a plyometric ball in preparation to begin a throwing program within the next two weeks, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Story is 12 weeks removed from an internal bracing procedure, which is a modified version of Tommy John surgery designed to repair and reinforce the elbow ligaments. He's been running to keep in shape and has now added the plyo ball, which is a rubber ball that will build arm strength before Story cuts loose with a baseball. In addition to running and plyo ball work, Story has been taking grounders without throwing every other day. He's at least a few months away from returning.

Rojas is out of the Dodgers' starting lineup Tuesday due to a mild left groin injury, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Rojas said he tweaked something in his groin while attempting to start a double play Sunday, but he believes he could return to action as early as Thursday following the Dodgers' off day Wednesday. Chris Taylor is playing shortstop and Mookie Betts is handling second base Tuesday night against the Rockies.

Fletcher is hitting ninth and playing shortstop for Tuesday's game against Seattle, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

With Anthony Rendon serving the second game of his suspension, Luis Rengifo moves over to third base and Fletcher gets the start at shortstop against Luis Castillo.

Smith received six stitches and has some swelling in his jaw but is not in much pain after being hit in the face by a pitch Monday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

It was a scary incident when Smith was hit by a Danny Coulombe pitch, but he managed to avoid a serious injury. Smith is considered day-to-day.

Duran is starting in left field for the Rangers in Tuesday's game versus the Orioles.

It will be just the second start in the majors in the outfield for Duran, who usually plays on the dirt. He could be due for an uptick in playing time in left if Josh Smith (face) needs to miss some time.

Reds manager David Bell said Barrero (hamstring) is available off the bench Tuesday, Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Barrero is not in the starting lineup after tweaking his right hamstring Monday, but it's only a minor issue. Kevin Newman will cover shortstop against the Cubs.

Bichette went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Monday's loss to the Royals.

Remarkably, it's the first home run of the season for a Blue Jays team that was one of only seven last year to launch 200 or more. Bichette's had a great start at the plate, going 8-for-19 (.421) with a double, two RBI and three runs scored in addition to Monday's blast, and the 25-year-old shortstop will look to take his production to another level in 2023 after slashing a combined .294/.338/.477 over the last two seasons with 53 homers and 38 steals.