MLB Player News

Downs (thumb) has gone 2-for-8 with two stolen bases in his first two games for Triple-A Worcester since being activated from the 7-day injured list Sunday.

Downs spent the minimum amount of time on the shelf with an inflamed thumb. He's been able to showcase his speed since returning to action, but the impact of his running has been somewhat offset by five strikeouts in those two games. The increased amount of swing and miss in Downs' approach at the plate is part of a distributing trend that has persisted throughout the 2021 campaign. He's struck out at a 33.1 percent clip this season, a major reason why he's sitting on a lowly .181 average over 344 plate appearances with Worcester.

Smith isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Yankees.

Smith's playing time has dried up recently, and he'll head to the bench for the fourth time in the last five games. Jake Lamb will start at the hot corner and bat eighth.

Rojas (shoulder) is starting Wednesday's game against the Mets, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Rojas missed Tuesday's game after he exited Sunday's contest due to left trapezius soreness. However, he'll start at shortstop and lead off in Wednesday's matchup.

Adrianza remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals.

Adrianza made a pair of starts at the keystone to kick off Atlanta's September slate, but he'll be on the bench Wednesday for the fifth game in a row now that everyday second baseman Ozzie Albies has moved past his recent knee injury. With Atlanta locked in a tight battle with the Phillies and Mets for the National League East crown, Adrianza's opportunities are expected to be scarce while manager Brian Snitker continues to lean heavily on his everyday players for the final three weeks of the season.

Swanson will start at shortstop and bat seventh Wednesday against the Nationals.

Despite going 2-for-4 with a pair of runs in Tuesday's 8-5 win to end a 1-for-20 skid at the plate, Swanson will remain in a bottom-third spot in the order for a third straight game. Swanson had been batting out of the No. 6 spot to close out August, but both Adam Duvall and Travis d'Arnaud have since moved ahead of him in the lineup.

Mateo went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in Tuesday's 7-3 win over Kansas City.

The speedy infielder has been a solid addition to Baltimore's lineup since he was claimed off waivers in early August. Mateo has gone just 5-for-8 in stolen base attempts with his new team, but he's also posted a .292/.343/.448 slash line with a pair of home runs, eight RBI, eight runs scored, a triple and seven doubles. He's gotten on base in seven straight games and should continue to see a regular role in the middle infield.

Crawford went 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI in Tuesday's win over the Rockies.

The shortstop drove in Buster Posey with a single in the first inning and later collected two more hits, including a double. He has now collected multiple hits in three of his last four games, batting .471 with three doubles and three RBI.

Manager Tony La Russa said Tuesday that Anderson (hamstring) still doesn't have a timetable to return, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Anderson has been on the 10-day IL since Aug. 29 due to a left hamstring strain, but he still hasn't returned to full health. A better timetable for the 28-year-old's return should come into focus once he's able to ramp up his activity level. Leury Garcia and Danny Mendick will continue to handle the duties at shortstop while Anderson is sidelined.

Williams (illness) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Williams has been out since testing positive for COVID-19 in late August. He shouldn't need too many rehab games given his relatively brief absence, though the Phillies haven't said exactly when he's expected back.

Story is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Giants.

Story started the past 10 games after recovering from a leg injury and will receive a day off after posting a 1.047 OPS during that stretch. Brendan Rodgers and Garrett Hampson will work in the middle infield while Sam Hilliard starts in center field.