MLB Player News

Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt said Sunday that Tovar has played just one game during Double-A Hartford's homestand this week on account of a groin injury, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

Schmidt downplayed the groin issue, indicating that the Rockies are granting the 20-year-old infielder some extra rest as a matter of precaution to ensure the injury doesn't evolve into a longer-term concern. Tovar has backed up his status as one of the Rockies' top prospects this season by slashing .314/.383/.542 with 29 extra-base hits and 17 stolen bases across 295 plate appearances at Hartford.

Bogaerts was removed from Sunday's game against the Cubs due to a left thigh laceration, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Bogaerts was spiked on a steal attempt in the bottom of the seventh inning Sunday and is apparently dealing with a cut on his left thigh. The 29-year-old should be considered day-to-day for now, while Christian Arroyo should see an uptick in playing time if Bogaerts is sidelined.

Bogaerts exited Sunday's game against the Cubs in the bottom of the seventh inning with an apparent left knee injury, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Bogaerts appeared to get spiked on his left knee on a steal attempt in the bottom of the seventh, and he was replaced defensively after being examined by trainers. Prior to his departure, he went 0-for-3 with a walk. It's not yet clear whether he'll be forced to miss additional time.

Abrams is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers.

The lefty-hitting Abrams will sit for the second game in a row with the Dodgers bringing another lefty (Clayton Kershaw) to the hill. Before the back-to-back absences, Abrams started in 11 consecutive games, slashing .231/.250/.282 over that stretch. However, Manny Machado missed 10 of those contests with an ankle injury, and now that he's being reinstalled as the Padres' everyday third baseman, Abrams will have to battle Ha-Seong Kim for playing time at shortstop. Though Kim bats from the right side of the plate, he may not have to settle for the short side of platoon since he's outperformed Abrams at the dish during their respective time in the big leagues this season.

Velazquez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Velazquez will take a seat after he went 2-for-16 with eight strikeouts while starting in each of the Angels' last five games. The Angels promoted prospect Michael Stefanic from Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday, and interim manager Phil Nevin suggested that the rookie would get a look in an everyday role in the middle infield, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic. If that's the case, Stefanic and Luis Rengifo -- who will start at second base and shortstop, respectively in Sunday's game -- could end up forming the Angels' middle infield in most games moving forward, which would limit Velazquez to a utility role.

Marcano will start at second base and bat ninth in Sunday's game against the Brewers.

The lefty-hitting Marcano will pick up his third start in as many games since being reinstated from the COVID-19-related injured list, which included an assignment against a lefty (Aaron Ashby) in Saturday's 7-4 win. Marcano has gone 0-for-6 with four strikeouts in his first two games back in action, but the Pirates appear to be viewing him as a higher priority than fellow left-handed-hitters Josh VanMeter and Hoy Park, both of whom remain on the bench Sunday for the second and third games in a row, respectively.

Story will rest for Sunday's game against the Cubs, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Both Story and J.D. Martinez are said to be on the bench, though the lineup has not been posted yet for Boston. The Red Sox play an early game Monday against the Rays. Look for Story to be back in the lineup in front of the July 4 crowd at Fenway.

Mateo is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

A 2-for-18 skid over his last eight games has brought Mateo's season line down to .196/.248/.329. He has 19 stolen bases and will make highlight plays at shortstop on occasion, but his struggles at the dish may finally start affecting his playing time. Richie Martin starts at shortstop in Mateo's absence.

Rojas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Rojas looks to be receiving a routine maintenance day after he went 7-for-23 with a home run, three doubles, a walk, a stolen base, three RBI and three runs while starting in each of the past seven games. Joey Wendle will fill in for Rojas at shortstop.

Pena went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts Saturday against the Angels.

Pena started his second consecutive game after clearing concussion protocol Friday. He has gone only 1-for-10 in that span while striking out five times. Pena has also struck out at a 43.5 percent clip since returning from the injured list June 26, which has limited him just a .174 average with four runs scored across five games.