MLB Player News

Franco (wrist) was removed from his rehab game with Triple-A Durham on Tuesday due to general soreness in his right hand, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It was the first game of Franco's rehab assignment, so it's an ominous sign he was unable to finish the contest. It may not be a serious issue as the 21-year-old could be back in the lineup for Durham on Wednesday, but it's worth keeping an eye on his status over the next couple days.

Diaz was removed from Tuesday's game against the White Sox due to left groin discomfort, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Diaz went 0-for-2 before exiting Tuesday's contest during the fourth inning. The 32-year-old has been playing more outfield with Michael Brantley (shoulder) sidelined, and he suffered the injury while making a catch in left field. Chas McCormick is likely to see increased playing time if Diaz is forced to miss any time.

Chang will start at second base and bat eighth in Tuesday's game against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Chang will be making his fifth start in six games, but most of his opportunities came while Brandon Lowe was tending to a sore shoulder. The lefty-hitting Lowe was back in the lineup for Monday's 4-0 win, but he'll retreat to the bench Tuesday with the Yankees bringing southpaw Nestor Cortes to the hill. The righty-hitting Chang will most likely fill a short-side platoon role moving forward.

Fletcher (foot) is starting at shortstop and batting leadoff Tuesday against the Mariners, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The 28-year-old exited Monday's contest after fouling a ball off his left foot and suffering a contusion, but it doesn't appear to be a significant concern since he's back in action a day later. Fletcher has a .358/.382/.528 slash line with two home runs and 10 RBI in 15 games since returning from the IL in late July.

Bogaerts isn't in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Pirates due to a lower-shin injury, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

The 29-year-old fouled a ball off his shin over the weekend, and he'll take Tuesday off since he's apparently still feeling some soreness after Boston's scheduled day off Monday. Enrique Hernandez, fresh off the injured list, will start at shortstop with Bogaerts receiving an extra day to rest up.

Pena (neck) is batting seventh and playing shortstop Tuesday in Chicago, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The neck stiffness that kept Pena out of Monday's game appears to have been minor. In 18 games since his last home run, Pena has slashed .194/.214/.239 with three doubles and four RBI.

Smith is on the bench for Tuesday's game against the Athletics.

Smith is on the bench for the fourth time in seven games, and he appears to have shifted into more of a super-utility role of late after previously seeing action as the Rangers' primary third baseman earlier this month. Ezequiel Duran has since taken over as the preferred option at the position, with his hot hitting and Smith's modest .576 OPS since the beginning of August likely being the primary factors.

Wendle is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Padres, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The lefty-hitting Wendle will take a seat with southpaw Sean Manaea toeing the rubber for San Diego. Charles Leblanc will check in for Wendle at third base, while shortstop Miguel Rojas spells Wendle as the Marlins' leadoff man.

Berti is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Padres, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Though his absence from the lineup is somewhat surprising with the left-handed Sean Manaea taking the hill for San Diego, the righty-hitting Berti looks like he'll still have a clear path to at least semi-regular playing time following his recent return from the injured list. In his four starts since being activated last week, Berti has gone 4-for-17 with two doubles and a stolen base, his 29th of the season. Despite missing nearly a month of game action, Berti still leads all of baseball in steals.

Williams will start at second base and bat ninth in Tuesday's game against the Padres, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Williams will make his fourth start in five games Tuesday, but his inclusion in the lineup is likely a byproduct of southpaw Sean Manaea taking the hill for Miami. Even though his opportunities have picked up of late, the righty-hitting Williams may have a tough time finding regular starts against right-handed pitching following the recent returns of Jon Berti and Brian Anderson from the injured list.