MLB Player News

Franco was scratched from the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins due to right hamstring tightness, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

As a result of Franco's late removal from the lineup, designated hitter Manuel Margot will now bat second for the Rays, while Taylor Walls shifts over from third base to cover Franco's usual position at shortstop. The Rays haven't provided word on the extent of Franco's injury, so he can be viewed as day-to-day heading into Monday's series opener in Oakland until manager Kevin Cash elaborates further on the matter.

Castillo is not in the lineup Sunday against the Brewers.

The 24-year-old started the past four games at shortstop in place of an injured Kevin Newman (groin), but he'll take a seat Sunday with Cole Tucker receiving a look after being activated from the COVID-19 injured list Saturday. Castillo should continue to have an increased role at shortstop until Newman is healthy, but the return of Tucker figures to cut into his playing time a bit.

Seager went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Saturday in a 3-1 victory versus the Braves.

Seager got the scoring started for the Rangers with a 406-foot blast to right field in the first inning. The star shortstop has gone deep in each of his past three contests following an 11-game homer drought between April 15 and 27. Seager is tied for the team lead with four home runs and ranks second with 12 RBI on the season.

Ahmed went 2-for-3 with a solo homer Saturday against the Cardinals.

Ketel Marte broke a scoreless tie with a solo shot to lead off the top of the eighth inning, and Ahmed repeated the feat two batters later to chase Miles Mikolas from the game. The homer was Ahmed's second of the season in just six games. He's swung a hot bat since returning from a shoulder injury, slashing .368/.368/.789.

Marcano was optioned to Double-A Altoona on Saturday.

Marcano joined the big-league roster Tuesday when Cole Tucker was placed on the COVID-19 injured list. He went 1-for-2 with a double and a run scored in his lone appearance. Tucker returned from the injured list Saturday, so Marcano will return to Altoona.

Smith (ankle) entered Friday's loss to the Guardians in the ninth inning as a pinch hitter and doubled in his only at-bat.

Activated from the injured list earlier in the day, Smith hit the ground running in his first official at-bat since April 18. Smith has produced a forgettable .188/.235/.281 slash line in his first 34 plate appearances, but at least half of his six hits have gone for extra bases.

Crawford went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs in a loss to the Marlins on Friday.

Crawford recorded his ninth extra-base hit with his leadoff double in the ninth and extended his hitting streak to eight games in the process. The veteran shortstop is on pace to put up career-best numbers based on his torrid start, as he's sporting a .352/.447/.577 slash line over his first 85 plate appearances.

Abrams remains on the bench for Saturday's game against the Pirates.

Abrams and Ha-Seong Kim were in something close to a true platoon at shortstop throughout the early part of the season, but Abrams' off day here against JT Brubaker means he's now sat against two straight righties. It's possible he's dealing with an unreported injury, but it's also possible he's being benched due to his .146/.255/.244 slash line. Kim, who's hitting a far better .273/.373/.568, will get another start Saturday.

Mateo isn't starting Saturday against the Red Sox.

Mateo started in the last eight games but hit just .179 with two doubles, a run, four stolen bases, a walk and 10 strikeouts. He'll get a day off while Chris Owings starts at shortstop and bats ninth.

Wendle will hit the bench Saturday against Seattle, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Wendle will join the rest of the Marlins' lefties on the bench Saturday as the team goes with an all-righty lineup against southpaw Robbie Ray. Brian Anderson gets the start at third base.