MLB Player News

Franco went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer and two runs scored in Sunday's win over the Tigers.

Franco swatted his 15th home run of the season to put the Rays up 10-6 in the eighth inning. The 22-year-old shortstop has been on an absolute tear at the plate over the last 10 days, posting a .358 batting average while hitting four home runs, driving in five and scoring nine runs in 41 plate appearances. Franco's recent hot bat has propelled the Rays to three straight series wins, as he's looked to have potentially turned a corner entering the final stretch of the season.

Winn exited Sunday's game at Triple-A Memphis due to a mild glute strain, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Winn was shaken up in the sixth inning when he hit a base awkwardly, but his injury is considered mild at this point. He should be considered day-to-day for now. Winn has been dominant with the Triple-A club this year, slashing .286/.357/.470 with 17 homers, 92 runs, 59 RBI and 17 steals. However, the Cardinals may wait to call him up until mid-to-late August to preserve his rookie status for next season.

Duran went 1-for-1 with a solo home run and a walk in Sunday's 6-0 win over the Marlins.

Duran entered the game after Josh Jung was lifted with a broken thumb. It's been a rough stretch since the All-Star break for Duran, who has gone 9-for-56 (.161) with a 7:20 BB:K and just four RBI in 18 games. With Jung likely out a minimum of four weeks, Duran and Josh Smith will have a chance to compete for playing time at third base, allowing Robbie Grossman to settle in at designated hitter. Duran's .281/.326/.482 slash line is better than Smith's .214/.344/.349 mark for the year, but neither has been particularly effective lately. Duran has added 14 homers, 39 RBI, 44 runs scored and six stolen bases through 325 plate appearances, though he'd likely be on the short side of a platoon if one emerges.

Schmitt was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday.

Schmitt has been up with the big club since early May and has at times served as San Francisco's primary shortstop, but he'll head back to the minors with a .548 OPS in 218 plate appearances. Brandon Crawford has struggled in his own right this year with a .211/.281/.349 slash line, so Schmitt could receive another look in the majors before the end of the campaign.

Wendle is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rangers.

Wendle is taking a seat for the series finale while the Rangers bring southpaw Andrew Heaney to the hill. Jon Berti will fill in at shortstop for Wendle.

Duran is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins.

Duran has now hit the bench three times in five games and may be losing hold of a regular spot in the lineup while he's mustered an underwhelming .145/.230/.218 slash line in 17 games since the All-Star break. Robbie Grossman will serve as the Rangers' designated hitter for a third game in a row and could end up serving as the primary replacement for Duran if the latter fails to show much improvement at the plate in the next handful of contests.

Seager is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins.

Seager is likely just receiving some maintenance after he started in each of the past four games upon being activated from the 10-day injured list Wednesday. Josh Smith will step in at shortstop Sunday in place of a resting Seager, who has gone 5-for-16 with three home runs, one walk, six RBI and two additional runs since coming off the IL.

Perdomo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins.

Perdomo will ride the bench in the series finale after he went 9-for-42 (.214 average) while starting in each of the past 10 games. Nick Ahmed will spell Perdomo at shortstop.

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

Williams appears to have settled in as the Pirates' primary shortstop after starting at the position in each of the last five games while going 7-for-15 with two doubles, three walks and two runs. However, the rookie will be getting a breather for Sunday's series finale while Liover Peguero shifts over from the keystone to replace the resting Williams at shortstop.

Baez (personal) was scratched from Sunday's lineup against the Rays.

Baez was scratched from Detroit's starting nine for the second day in a row due to a recent death in his family. The 30-year-old could soon be placed on the bereavement list.