MLB Player News

Rea is slated to start Wednesday's game against the Rays at Tropicana Field.

After making his first two appearances of 2026 out of the bullpen, Rea will move into the rotation spot vacated by Cade Horton (elbow), who is slated to undergo season-ending surgery in the near future. Rea came on in relief of the injured Horton in the latter's final start Friday against the Guardians, striking out four while allowing one earned run on four hits and one walk across 3.1 innings. The right-handed Rea tossed 57 pitches in that appearance and may have a slight restriction with his workload Wednesday as he gets himself stretched back out.

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said Wednesday that Stowers (hamstring) should be ready to begin a rehab assignment "soon," Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

Stowers went through a workout Wednesday -- which included some live at-bats -- and the Marlins will see how he bounces back before mulling next steps. McCullough also noted that Stowers could play some first base while on his rehab assignment and if he takes well to the position, he could be an option at that spot once he's activated from the injured list. Stowers has never played first base in professional ball but did handle the position a bit in the Cape Cod League and summer ball several years ago. The 28-year-old is working his way back from a right hamstring strain.

Amaya is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays.

Moises Ballesteros will enter the starting nine at designated hitter in place of Amaya, who had been included in the lineup as the Cubs' DH or catcher in six of the previous seven games. Amaya has compiled a .929 OPS through 20 plate appearances on the season and should continue to see fairly steady playing time while he's swinging a hot bat.

Happ is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays due to a bruised left heel, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Though the injury will keep Happ out of the starting nine for a second straight day, manager Craig Counsell said that the 31-year-old outfielder will be available off the bench Wednesday and should rejoin the lineup Friday against the Pirates, per Brian Murphy of MLB.com. Michael Conforto will pick up another start in left field in Happ's stead.

Lopez was issued a seven-game suspension for his role in a benches-clearing incident during Tuesday's 7-2 win over the Angels, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. Lopez will appeal the suspension.

Making his third start of the season Tuesday, Lopez was tossed from the game in the fifth inning shortly following a wild pitch near the head of batter Jorge Soler. Soler took exception to the inside pitch -- the slugger clubbed a homer and was also hit by a pitch earlier in the game -- and then charged the mound, with both he and Lopez exchanging punches in the ensuing fracas. Both players have chosen to appeal their respective seven-game bans and will be eligible to play until the appeal process is completed. For the time being, Lopez tentatively lines up to make his next start Monday versus the Marlins.

Vientos will start at first base and bat sixth in Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Vientos will remain in the starting nine for an eighth straight contest after going 9-for-23 with a home run, two doubles, five runs and two RBI over the previous seven games. Though he had been limited to a short-side platoon role to begin the season, Vientos should be in line for a regular spot in the lineup versus both left- and right-handed pitching while Juan Soto (calf) is on the injured list.

Barrosa will start in center field and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Mets.

Barrosa will stick in the lineup for a fourth straight game, with the switch-hitting outfielder making two starts versus lefties and two versus righties during that stretch. With all of Pavin Smith (elbow), Carlos Santana (adductor), Jordan Lawlar (wrist) and Lourdes Gurriel (knee) on the injured list, Barrosa could have fairly clear path to regular playing time until the Diamondbacks reclaim some health. Barrosa has gone 3-for-16 with three doubles and three runs through his first five games of the season.

Smith is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels.

The left-handed-hitting Smith will be relegated to the bench for the second straight game while the Angels send another southpaw (Reid Detmers) to the bump. With Smith sitting out, Jonah Heim will receive a start at catcher and Drake Baldwin will serve as Atlanta's designated hitter.

Millas will start at catcher and bat eighth Wednesday against the Cardinals.

Keibert Ruiz was expected to open the season as the Nationals' clear No. 1 catcher, but he's instead been part of a timeshare at the position with Millas. The two backstops have alternated starts through Washington's first 12 games, but neither has separated himself from the other from a performance standpoint. Millas has maintained a .509 OPS through 21 plate appearances, while Ruiz owns a .563 OPS over 22 plate appearances.

Ruiz is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals.

Ruiz remains part of a timeshare at catcher with Drew Millas, as the two backstops have alternated starts behind the plate through the Nationals' first 12 games. Neither player has done much to separate himself from the other, with Ruiz posting a .563 OPS to Millas' .509.