MLB Player News

Hoerner (neck) will start at second base and bat leadoff in Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Hoerner was removed from Friday's game after experiencing tightness on the left side of his neck and then remained on the bench Saturday as well, but he feels well enough to give it a go in the series finale. The 28-year-old opened the season as the Cubs' No. 5 hitter but has climbed into the leadoff spot after producing a .374 OBP through his first 32 games.

Del Castillo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

The 26-year-old finds himself on the bench for the second straight day while the Diamondbacks face another lefty starter in Matthew Boyd, and Del Castillo could soon find his path to playing time against righties narrower as well. Gabriel Moreno returned from the injured list Friday to serve as the Diamondbacks' primary catcher, and Jose Fernandez (.793 OPS in 93 plate appearances this season) has performed well enough to hold off Del Castillo (.601 OPS in 65 plate appearances) for regular reps at DH.

Thomas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

The left-handed hitter will be left out of the lineup for the second straight day while the Diamondbacks face off against another lefty starter in Matthew Boyd. Jorge Barrosa will fill in for Thomas in center field.

Scott is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers.

The left-handed-hitting Scott has fared far better against lefties (.299 wOBA) than righties (.175 wOBA) this season, but he'll hit the bench for the series finale while the Dodgers send southpaw Justin Wrobleski to the hill. Nathan Church will slide over from his usual spot in left field to cover center field in Scott's absence.

Gorman is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers.

With southpaw Justin Wrobleski on the bump for the Dodgers, the left-handed hitter will move to the bench. Ramon Urias will cover third base in place of Gorman, who went 1-for-8 with a two-run home run over the first two contests in the series.

Gilbert is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rays.

The Giants will hold the left-handed hitter out of the starting nine for the second time in the series while the Rays send another southpaw to the bump in Steven Matz. Jerar Encarnacion will replace Gilbert in the San Francisco outfield, covering right field and batting eighth.

Pauley is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

The Marlins will shield the left-handed hitter from a matchup with tough southpaw Jesus Luzardo. Leo Jimenez will get the nod at third base in place of Pauley.

Marsee is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

After Marsee started the last six games, the Marlins will give the left-handed hitter a day off with southpaw Jesus Luzardo on the hill for Philadelphia. Esteury Ruiz will spell Marsee in center field and bat eighth.

Hicks is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

With lefty Jesus Luzardo on the bump for the Phillies, the left-handed hitter will hit the bench. Agustin Ramirez draws the start at catcher for Miami, while Christopher Morel serves as the team's designated hitter in Hicks' absence.

Caissie (illness) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

Caissie is on the bench for the second day in a row, after an illness caused him to be scratched prior to Saturday's 4-0 win. The Phillies are sending left-hander Jesus Luzardo to the hill Sunday, so Caissie's continued absence from the starting nine might have more to do with the matchup than his illness.