MLB Player News

Fletcher isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Astros.

Fletcher will get a breather after he went 0-for-9 with two strikeouts in the last two games. Jose Rojas will start at second base while Phil Gosselin takes over at the hot corner.

Baez (back) will start at shortstop and bat cleanup Wednesday against Cleveland.

Baez was included in the Cubs' initial lineup for Tuesday's 3-2 loss, but the 28-year-old was ultimately scratched to receive more maintenance for his tight lower back. With an extra day of rest, Baez looks like he'll be good to go for the series finale. The fact that the Cubs are deploying him at shortstop rather than designated hitter seemingly implies some confidence in his health.

Diaz started at third base and went 1-for-4 in Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Angels.

Diaz took over the hot corner for Alex Bregman, who was given the day off. His playing time dried up when a bunch of teammates returned to action after spending time in COVID-19 protocols. His start Tuesday was just the third in the last 10 games. For now, his value is tied to his versatility, as he's played all four infield positions and the two corner outfield slots.

Ahmed went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, two walks and two runs scored Tuesday in an 11-3 win over Miami.

Ahmed put the Diamondbacks on the board in the second inning, launching a solo shot to left field for his first long ball of the campaign. He reached base twice more via walk in the contest and scored the team's second run in the fifth frame. After a sluggish start to the campaign, Ahmed has been trending up over his past 16 games, batting .308 over 52 at-bats.

Turner went 3-for-4 with a walk and a solo home run in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Phillies.

The shortstop did his job as the leadoff hitter but got little help from the rest of the Nats' lineup. Turner has hit safely in eight of the last nine games, and he's slashing an impressive .323/.366/.548 with eight homers, seven steals, 15 RBI and 16 runs through 31 contests this season.

Mateo (COVID-19) was a close contact of Fernando Tatis, who tested positive for the virus Tuesday, Kyle Glaser of Baseball America reports.

Unless he tested positive himself, Mateo figures to return in a few days if he can produce negative tests.

Marcano was recalled Tuesday from Triple-A El Paso.

The utility player fills one of the roster openings left by the three Padres on the COVID-19 injured list. Marcano received some at-bats during Fernando Tatis' early season absence and finds himself in a similar situation once again.

Mateo was placed on the injured list Tuesday due to health and safety protocols.

The extent of his stay on the IL will depend on COVID-19 test results. Mateo has been a top pinch-hitting option for the Padres this season, having recorded just one plate appearance in 13 of his 22 games thus far.

Baez was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against Cleveland with lower-back tightness.

The lineup released less than 30 minutes earlier had Baez returning from back tightness. However, manager David Ross said Baez is day-to-day and is not expected to require a stint on the injured list, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Wendle will not start Tuesday against lefty Jordan Montgomery and the Yankees, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Wendle may be losing starts against southpaws, as he's now been on the bench against four of the last six the Rays have faced. Kevin Padlo will start at third base in his absence.