The Pirates are "deep into negotiations" on a contract extension with Griffin, but it's unclear how close the two sides might be toward reaching agreement on a deal, Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports.

Pittsburgh has been engaged in extension talks with its top prospect since early in spring training, with Olney noting that the Pirates have offered the 19-year-old shortstop a deal in the neighborhood of the eight-year, $111 million deal that Arizona's Corbin Carroll signed in the spring of 2023. Griffin's representatives, meanwhile, have been seeking a deal more on par with the eight-year, $130 deal Roman Anthony signed with the Red Sox last August. Griffin didn't break camp with the Pirates, but after smacking four home runs over his 16 Grapefruit League games, he's continued to thrive early on at Triple-A Indianapolis. Through his first four Triple-A games, Griffin has gone 6-for-13 with three doubles, two stolen bases and a 4:4 BB:K.

Mayer is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros.

After a string of four straight starts, Mayer will get a breather Wednesday while the Red Sox conclude their series in Houston with a day game after a night game. Isiah Kiner-Falefa will fill in for Mayer at second base.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Wednesday that Lux (shoulder) is headed to Triple-A Durham to begin a rehab assignment, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.

Cash said that Lux will play a few games in a row to "see how it goes" before the team decides whether he's ready for activation from the 10-day injured list. Lux -- who is recovering from a right shoulder impingement -- is eligible to return at any time, so he should be ready for his season debut at some point next week if all goes well. The 28-year-old is poised to operate as Tampa Bay's primary second baseman.

Williams is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Brewers.

Ben Williamson will cover shortstop in the series finale in Milwaukee after Williams had occupied the position in each of the Rays' first five games. The 22-year-old rookie has gotten off to a slow start, slashing just .158/.200/.211 while striking out in six of his 21 plate appearances.

Pena (finger) could be ready to play in back-to-back games this weekend, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pena managed to avoid an injured list stint but has started every other game so far this season as the Astros ease him back into action following a fractured right ring finger. The 28-year-old is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox and the Astros are idle Thursday, so he could be ready to play back-to-back contests as soon as Friday and Saturday against the Athletics.

Barger is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rockies.

After sitting against right-handed starter Ryan Feltner on Tuesday, the left-handed-hitting Barger will remain on the bench for the series finale while southpaw Kyle Freeland takes the hill for Colorado. Jesus Sanchez will spell Barger in right field and will bat seventh.

Jackson will start at second base and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Rangers.

Occupying second base for the fourth time in five games, Jackson appears to have the early edge in playing time at the position over Blaze Alexander. However, with just three hits and a 0:6 BB:K through 12 plate appearances, Jackson hasn't run away with the job. Both Jackson and Alexander will see their opportunities at the keystone dwindle once Jackson Holliday (hand) returns from the injured list, likely at some point around the middle of the month.

Pena is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox.

Pena continues to play every other day as the Astros ease him back into action following a recovery from a fractured finger. He should be ready to resume playing on an everyday basis soon, but it's unclear when exactly it will happen. Carlos Correa will start at shortstop and Isaac Paredes will cover third base Wednesday as the Astros go for the series sweep.

Smith is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles.

Smith was part of the lineup against a lefty (the Phillies' Cristopher Sanchez) on Opening Day, but the left-handed-hitting infielder will hit the bench for a second straight matchup versus a southpaw. Ezequiel Duran will get the nod at second base Wednesday against Trevor Rogers and could serve as a regular platoon partner for Smith.

Hernaiz will start at second base and bat eighth in Wednesday's game against Atlanta.

Hernaiz will draw his second start of the season, both of which have come against left-handed pitchers. The 24-year-old appears poised to serve as an occasional platoon partner at second base with the left-handed-hitting Jeff McNeil, who will hit the bench for a second straight matchup versus a southpaw (Chris Sale).