MLB Player News

Crawford is absent from the Giants' lineup for Thursday's game against the White Sox.

It appears to be a routine day off for the veteran. Thairo Estrada is handling shortstop while Crawford rests, with David Villar at second base and J.D. Davis at the hot corner.

Lindor went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored and two RBI in Wednesday's loss to the Brewers.

The shortstop put together his best performance on the young season, as he'd gone just 2-for-18 in the six games prior. Lindor is still looking for his first home run and first steal of 2023, but the counting stats will come as he continues to hit in the heart of the Mets' order.

Duran started in left field and went 1-for-3 with a run scored in Wednesday's 5-2 win over Baltimore.

Duran made his third start in left field and second consecutive with Josh Smith (face) unavailable. The Rangers love his bat, but Duran is relatively new to the outfield. As such, he was replaced by Travis Jankowski late in the game for defensive purposes. As reported by Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News, both Smith and Leody Taveras (oblique) are making progress in their returns to the lineup, which would limit Duran's opportunities as an outfielder.

Seager went 0-for-4 with a run scored in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Orioles.

A strong spring was a hopeful sign that Seager would have a better second season with the Rangers, but the shortstop hasn't sustained the momentum. He's 5-for-23 (.217) with zero extra-base hits, one RBI, three walks and three runs scored through the first six games while hitting out of the No. 2 hole. Seager has a .316 xBA and .476 xSLG, however, suggesting a turnaround could be on the horizon.

Franco went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk Wednesday against the Nationals.

Franco took Patrick Corbin yard in the third inning to record his second home run of the season. He's gotten off to a hot start in the new campaign, and Wednesday's effort marked his fourth multi-hit performance in six starts. In particular, Franco's power early on has been encouraging as he has five extra-base knocks across 27 plate appearances.

Smith (face) was scheduled to get some cardio in and take pre-game swings Wednesday, Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Smith was hit by a pitch in the face Monday and needed six stitches to close a laceration. He hasn't played since but will be re-evaluated following Wednesday's activity. All signs point to him avoiding the injured list. Smith, who had been picking up starts in left field against right-handers, was replaced by Ezequiel Duran the last two games. McFarland also reports Leody Taveras (oblique) is taking swings from both sides of the plate and may be nearing a rehab assignment. Taveras' return should reduce the outfield opportunities both Smith and Duran have seen early in the season.

Bogaerts went 2-for-4 with a home run, two total runs and two total RBI in Monday's loss to Arizona.

Bogaerts belted a two-run shot in the fifth inning, marking the third time in his past four games that he has gone deep. The shortstop has enjoyed a blazing beginning to his Padres career, notching at least one hit in each of his first six games and slashing .409/.440/.955 with three homers, seven RBI and five runs over that span. Bogaerts hit a modest 15 homers in 150 games with Boston last season, but he has hit as many as 33 long balls in an MLB campaign (in 2019 with the Red Sox).

Pena went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run, a double and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 8-2 victory over Detroit.

Pena extended the Astros' lead to 8-2 in the bottom of the eighth inning with a two-run homer, his first of the season. The 2018 third-round pick hit 22 home runs across 555 plate appearances as a rookie last year, and he'll look to match, if not exceed, that mark in 2023.

Cruz is being evaluated for a facial injury, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Cruz took a blow to the face as he collided with Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers in the seventh inning of Wednesday's game at Fenway Park. His left eye specifically seemed to be giving him trouble, but the Pirates are classifying Cruz's injury as a facial issue. Pittsburgh is off Thursday, so more clarity on Cruz's status should arrive shortly before Friday's game against the White Sox.

Cruz was removed from Wednesday's game in Boston due to an apparent left eye injury, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Cruz had an awkward collision with Rafael Devers near the third base bag in the top of the seventh inning and was replaced before the bottom of the seventh. A trainer appeared to be looking at his left eye. He finished the day 1-for-4 with a run scored and a strikeout.