MLB Player News

Williams was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City by the Dodgers on Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

The move clears room for Max Muncy, who returned from the paternity list Friday. Williams will likely bounce between the majors and Triple-A all season depending on the Dodgers' roster needs.

DeJong is starting at shortstop again Friday versus the Dodgers.

That's now three straight starts at short for DeJong, and he has been in the Cardinals' starting lineup for five of a possible six games since his activation from the injured list last Saturday. The 29-year-old former All-Star has gone 8-for-17 (.471) with two home runs and two doubles. Tommy Edman is on the bench Friday at Dodger Stadium.

Edman is not in the lineup Friday against the Dodgers.

The hot-hitting Paul DeJong will handle shortstop duties and bat ninth versus the Dodgers and right-hander Dustin May. Brendan Donovan is starting at second base and batting eighth.

Diaz is not in the starting lineup for Friday's contest against the Reds.

Diaz went just 1-for-11 in a series against the Angels to drop his batting average to .143, and he's in danger of losing more playing time to some of the younger options on the Athletics. Jordan Diaz will play second base with Kevin Smith handling shortstop duties for Friday's battle against Cincinnati.

Volpe isn't in the Yankees' lineup Friday against the Rangers.

Currently in the middle of a four-game hitting streak, Volpe will get a breather for Friday's contest. Oswald Peraza will take Volpe's place at shortstop and bat fifth.

Perdomo isn't starting Friday against the Rockies.

As the Rockies prepare to send lefty Kyle Freeland to the mound, Perdomo will take a seat in favor of Nick Ahmed, who will start at shortstop and bat seventh.

Anderson (knee) is on track to be activated from the injured list early next week, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Anderson is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte on Friday and will remain there through the weekend. Assuming all goes well, he should be activated Tuesday versus the Twins following Monday's off day. Anderson has been out since April 10 with a sprained left knee.

Chang underwent successful surgery Thursday to remove a fractured hamate bone from his left wrist, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Chang suffered the injury Monday and is expected to be sidelined about six weeks. With Chang out, Enrique Hernandez has made two straight starts at shortstop.

Watson (ankle) returned to the lineup Thursday for High-A Beloit in a 6-4 win over Wisconsin, going 1-for-3 at the plate.

Though he was never placed on Beloit's 7-day injured list, Watson missed just over two weeks of game action with an ankle issue. Beloit deployed the 20-year-old as its designated hitter Thursday, and it wouldn't be surprising if he ducks defensive duties for a few more games before reclaiming everyday duties at shortstop.

Duran started at third base and went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Yankees.

Duran replaced the injured Josh Jung (hand) and recorded his fourth multi-hit effort over his last nine starts. Jung, who was hit on the left hand during Wednesday's game, took batting practice Thursday and is expected to return Friday.