MLB Player News

Pennington was released by the Athletics on Saturday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The 34-year-old has received at least some big-league playing time in 11 straight seasons, but he hasn't recorded an above-average batting line since 2009 and has posted a wRC+ above 75 just once in the last seven seasons. He could still stick somewhere as organizational depth this season but is unlikely to make a significant impact.

Diaz is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rays.

Diaz started the first two games at shortstop in place of the injured Carlos Correa (neck), but he'll take a seat in the third game after making a costly error that led to three unearned runs Friday. Alex Bregman will slide over to short and Yuli Gurriel will slot in at third base.

Crawford is on the bench for Saturday's game against San Diego.

Crawford started both of the Giants' first two games, grabbing one hit in seven at-bats. Yangervis Solarte will start and hit second in his absence.

Adames is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Adames has opened his season on a disappointing note, going 0-for-7 with five strikeouts through two games. The Rays aren't expected to pull the plug on Adames as their starting shortstop, but the team's wealth of versatile infield options means the 23-year-old may not have a lengthy leash if he endures a more extended slump.

Owings will start at second base and hit sixth Saturday against the White Sox.

Widely expected to fill a utility role for the Royals to begin the season, Owings has opened the campaign with back-to-back starts at the keystone, with one coming against a lefty (Carlos Rodon) and the other versus a righty (Reynaldo Lopez). Though Whit Merrifield saw the bulk of the action at second base for the Royals in 2018, manager Ned Yost said that Merrifield would likely play right field more often than anticipated since it gives the team its best defensive outfield, per Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com. That represents good news for Owings, who could flirt with double-digit home runs and steals if he ends up receiving steady playing time.

DeJong went 2-for-5 with an RBI single in a win over the Brewers on Friday.

DeJong had gone 0-for-4 in Thursday's season-opening loss, so Friday's performance provided a nice contrast. The 25-year-old is looking to bounce back after a downturn across his slash line in 2018, and with both Matt Carpenter and Paul Goldschmidt hitting ahead of him, DeJong should have no shortage of RBI opportunities in 2019.

Bogaerts went 1-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run in Friday's 7-6 win over the Mariners.

Bogaerts moved up the order a spot to cleanup Friday and delivered a leadoff second-inning homer, his first of the season. After delivering career highs in home runs and RBI last year, the 26-year-old shortstop will be a consistent presence in the middle of Boston's order.

Correa (neck) is expected to make his season debut Sunday against the Rays, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Correa has missed the first two games and will sit out Saturday with a neck injury sustained during a spring-training game eight days ago. He reported feeling better Friday, but manager AJ Hinch said Correa will have to get through a full workout, an event scheduled for Saturday, before he feels comfortable writing the shortstop's name in the lineup. Aledmys Diaz has been starting at short in place of Correa.

Fletcher is not in Friday's starting lineup against Oakland.

Fletcher hasn't drawn a start through the first two games of the season, although there's been no mention of an injury. Tommy La Stella will get the call at the keystone for the second straight contest after doubling in Thursday's opener.

Correa (neck) will miss at least the next two games, both against the Rays, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Correa will be held out of the next two matchups due to neck soreness, and manager AJ Hinch won't allow his starting shortstop to return until he manages to turn in a full day of baseball activities. While it's positive news that Correa felt good Friday, he won't be taking any cuts just yet. He could be back in action in time for Sunday's series finale against the Rays if all goes according to plan. Aledmys Diaz is in line for time at short until Correa is cleared.