MLB Player News

Vargas (eye) is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Baltimore, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Vargas had to exit Tuesday's contest after a collision left him with a right eye abrasion. It appears at this point he's avoided a concussion and can be considered day-to-day. Lenyn Sosa is at third base in Wednesday's series finale.

Rafaela is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mets, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

It marks the third day off since the beginning of last week for Rafaela, who has just a .508 OPS and 19:0 K:BB over his last 18 games. Nick Sogard will play shortstop and Jarren Duran will be in center field for the Red Sox on Wednesday.

Heyward is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Cincinnati, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Heyward started the first two games after being signed by the Astros but has been in the lineup just once across the last four contests, with two of those coming against righties. The hot-hitting Ben Gamel is in right field Wednesday and looks to currently be higher in the pecking order than Heyward, although both players are likely to see their playing time cut when Kyle Tucker (shin) returns.

Bregman (elbow) will start at third base and bat cleanup in Wednesday's game versus the Reds, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

A nagging right elbow issue had caused Bregman to miss the previous four games and nine contests in total since mid-August. He's feeling well enough to give it a go Wednesday, and it's a good sign that he's playing third base rather than being used at designated hitter.

Lewis will start at second base and bat second in Wednesday's game versus the Rays.

Lewis played a few innings at second base earlier this week, but this will be his first-ever start at the position at the major-league level. He made one start there at Double-A Pensacola in 2019 and later that year in the Arizona Fall League handled the position on four occasions. Lewis' throwing has been an issue at times from third base, so it's possible second base will be a better fit for him. Whether he will move there on a full-time basis this month isn't clear.

Romano (elbow) has begun throwing on flat ground from 60 feet, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Romano had arthroscopic right elbow surgery two months ago and will now begin ramping things back up with the hope of returning before the end of the season. If the reliever is able to make it back, it probably won't happen until late September, and it's unlikely he'd be thrown back into the closer role at that point.

Rodriguez (lat) threw a bullpen session at Camden Yards on Wednesday, Baltimore Banner Sports reports.

The right-hander got back on the mound for the first time since he was diagnosed with a strained lat nearly a month ago. Rodriguez will need to face hitters at least once before being cleared for a rehab start, but that should come soon. The 24-year-old is probably still at least a couple weeks away from a return from the 15-day injured list, however.

Siri is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Twins.

Siri was away from the Rays on Monday due to a personal issue before returning to the lineup Tuesday, but he'll take a seat for the third game of the series. Jonny DeLuca will be in center field and bat fifth for Tampa Bay.

The Angels are still "gathering information" on the leg injury Moore suffered during a Double-A game Friday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Moore departed Friday's Double-A contest in visible pain and hasn't played since. The organization hasn't shared details on the injury or its severity and has yet to come to a "verdict" on the issue, per Fletcher. Since moving to the Double-A level in early August, Moore has slashed .302/.355/.512 with five home runs, 10 RBI, 16 runs and two stolen bases.

Morel is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Twins.

It's a routine day off for Morel, who had started each of the previous eight games. Brandon Lowe will cover second base and Junior Caminero will be in the designated hitter slot for the Rays.