MLB Player News

Kirk is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Red Sox.

Kirk will receive a day of rest after starting at catcher in the first two games of the series. Tyler Heineman will be behind the dish and bat ninth as the Blue Jays try to avoid the sweep.

The Orioles claimed Ragsdale off waivers from Atlanta on Thursday and optioned him to the Florida Complex League, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

In the span of 10 days, Ragsdale has been DFA'd by Baltimore, claimed by Atlanta, DFA'd by Atlanta without making an appearance and now back in Baltimore. He'll report to the Orioles' facility in Florida now that the minor-league season has wrapped up and take the place of Dom Hamel on the 40-man roster.

Naylor is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Tigers.

Naylor will get a day off after going 1-for-4 with a single in Wednesday's win over the Tigers. Austin Hedges will do the catching and bat ninth Thursday as the Guardians go for the sweep.

The Orioles designated Hamel for assignment Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Just five days after being claimed off waivers from the Mets, Hamel will lose his place on Baltimore's 40-man roster to make room for Carson Ragsdale, who was claimed from Atlanta on Thursday. Hamel has spent the vast majority of the season in Triple-A, where he owns a 5.32 ERA and 1.34 WHIP alongside a 75:22 K:BB across 67.2 innings.

Diaz was removed from Thursday's game in Baltimore in the fifth inning with right groin tightness, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Diaz went 1-for-2 with a single and a run scored before being lifted for a pinch hitter. With just three games remaining, the injury could end Diaz's season even if it's just a day-to-day issue. The Rays could provide more on his status after Thursday's contest.

Pereira was removed from Thursday's game against the Orioles in the fourth inning with low-back tightness, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Pereira grounded out in the top of the fourth inning in his second plate appearance before being lifted for defense in the bottom of the frame. It's likely a day-to-day injury, but the Rays could provide more clarity soon regarding Pereira's availability for the weekend.

Hancock will start Thursday's game against the Rockies, Andrew Destin of the Associated Press reports.

He's filling in for Bryan Woo (pectoral), who is having a start skipped. Hancock hasn't thrown more than two innings in an appearance since being moved to the bullpen in late August, so it will be a relatively abbreviated outing for the righty Thursday.

Meyers isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Athletics, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Meyers will get a day to reset Thursday after going 0-for-13 across his last four contests. While he sits, Taylor Trammell, Zach Cole and Jesus Sanchez will start across the outfield for Houston.

Diaz isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Athletics, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Diaz will sit down for Thursday's series finale after going 1-for-7 with two strikeouts over the first two games. Victor Caratini will replace him behind the plate and bat fourth.

Pena (oblique) isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Athletics, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Thursday imaging revealed Pena suffered a strain in his left oblique that has been causing him pain while taking mild swings, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic, which could be enough for the Astros to consider placing him on the injured list. In the meantime, Mauricio Dubon will receive another start at shortstop Thursday and bat ninth.