MLB Player News

Alvarez was scratched from the Astros' lineup ahead of Friday's game versus Baltimore due to neck discomfort, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The severity of Alvarez's injury remains unknown, but it is apparently enough to keep him out of Friday's series opener. While he takes a day to recover, Alex Bregman will serve as Houston's designated hitter, with Shay Whitcomb starting at third base.

Rodriguez is starting in center field and batting second against the Giants on Friday.

It marks the first time Rodriguez will play in the outfield since July 21, when he suffered a high-ankle sprain climbing the outfield wall on an attempted catch, per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. Rodriguez's ability to return to the outfield is timely for the Mariners with Victor Robles battling a hip injury. Since returning from the IL on Aug. 11, Rodriguez has gone 8-for-36 with two runs scored, two doubles and one RBI.

Robles (hip) is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Giants, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.

Robles will be held out for a second straight game as he continues to battle through a hip issue. Julio Rodriguez will man center field Friday and bat second against Giants right-hander Hayden Birdsong.

Moncada (thigh) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte next week, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Moncada has been on the IL since early April due to an adductor strain. He started a rehab assignment in early July, and in his five outings before being shut back down July 22 due to general soreness, he went 8-for-15 with four runs scored and two RBI. How Moncada responds to his second rehab stint will indicate whether the White Sox will bring the 29-year-old third baseman back into the fold or hold him out until the 2025 season.

Soroka (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte next week, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Soroka was cleared for mound work earlier in August and won't need to face hitters in live batting practice before starting a rehab assignment. The 26-year-old has appeared in 22 games (nine starts) for the White Sox this season, logging a 5.23 ERA and a 71:42 K:BB across 72.1 innings. He's recovering from a shoulder strain.

O'Neill was scratched from the Red Sox lineup for Friday's game against Arizona due to finger inflammation, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

O'Neill is dealing with swelling in the ring finger of his left hand and it's unclear how the injury came about. Still, the issue doesn't appear to be anything long-term and he can be considered day-to-day. Rob Refsnyder replaces O'Neill in left field Friday and will bat fifth.

Buxton (hip) will not be activated from the 10-day injured list Friday but is making steady progress, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

It had been reported earlier this week that Buxton could return from the IL on Friday for the series opener versus the Cardinals, but given his track record of slow recoveries from injuries, it's perhaps not surprising that won't happen. The outfielder could be close to a return, however. Austin Martin will continue to fill in for Buxton in center field for the Twins.

Lee (biceps/shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment Saturday with Triple-A St. Paul, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Lee has been dealing with right biceps tendinitis and some soreness in his right shoulder throughout August and has been on the injured list since Aug. 9. He received a cortisone shot for the biceps tendinitis shortly after going on the shelf and is now ready to begin a rehab assignment. The 23-year-old has slashed .253/.309/.333 with two home runs and three stolen bases across 110 plate appearances with the Twins.

Kirilloff (back) will start a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Friday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Kirilloff was slated to begin his assignment earlier this week but suffered a sprained ankle while doing drills. However, the 26-year-old is over the ankle issue and has been cleared to play in games. Kirilloff has been on the shelf since mid-June due to back soreness and nerve issues.

The Mariners designated Ellis for assignment Friday.

The transaction frees a spot on the 40-man roster for Terrin Vavra, who was claimed off waivers. Ellis was a waiver claim himself last month and the speedy outfielder could be on the move again.