MLB Player News

Busch isn't in the starting lineup for Sunday's matchup versus Boston.

With the Red Sox sending southpaw Garrett Crochet to the mound, Busch will begin the game on the bench. It's the second straight time he's been held out against a left-hander, and the 27-year-old slugger has posted a mediocre .613 OPS against southpaws this season. Justin Turner will start at first base for the Cubs on Sunday.

Alonso has been diagnosed with a right hand contusion near the base of his thumb, explaining his absence from the starting lineup Sunday versus Cincinnati, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Importantly, X-rays on Alonso's hand came back negative, and he may be available to pinch hit. The slugger would need to do so in order to extend his franchise-record streak of 353 consecutive regular-season games played. It doesn't sound like the Mets are concerned that Alonso is dealing with a significant injury, so an IL stint doesn't seem likely.

Riley (abdomen) ran on the outfield and around the bases Sunday, and he seems likely to be activated from the injured list when first eligible Tuesday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Riley's activity Sunday is another positive sign after he took batting practice Friday. The star third baseman was placed on the injured list with a right abdominal strain July 12, but he's said to be feeling better and optimistic about being able to return next week, possibly as soon as Tuesday when he's first eligible. While Riley has been out of action, Nacho Alvarez has been starting at third base for Atlanta.

Alonso is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's tilt versus Cincinnati.

This is a very rare day off for Alonso -- the last time he wasn't included in a Mets starting lineup was May 30, 2024, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The All-Star first baseman has also appeared in a franchise-record 353 straight regular-season contests, so he'd need to get into the game at some point Sunday to extend that streak. It's not yet certain why Alonso isn't starting, but he's been slumping of late, going 2-for-25 with eight strikeouts over his previous seven games. Mark Vientos is starting at first base for New York in the series finale against the Reds.

Fraley is not in Sunday's starting lineup against the Mets.

For the second time in three days, Fraley is beginning on the bench against a left-handed starter (David Peterson). In Fraley's stead, Noelvi Marte is making his first career appearance in right field.

Realmuto is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's matchup versus the Angels.

Realmuto will get a breather after starting each of Philadelphia's previous six contests. Rafael Marchan is getting the start behind the plate in the series finale versus Los Angeles.

Marte is starting in right field and batting seventh Sunday versus the Mets.

Marte has been the Reds' regular starter at third base, but Santiago Espinal is manning the hot corner Sunday while Marte is logging his first career appearance in the outfield. Per Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati, Marte began working in the outfield Saturday, as the Reds believe that having him in right while Espinal plays third base is a "stronger defensive alignment." Having Marte get experience in the outfield could also be a look toward a longer-term team construction, as prized third-base prospect Sal Stewart recently moved up to Triple-A.

Murphy isn't in the starting lineup Sunday versus the Yankees.

Murphy had started each of Atlanta's previous six games either at catcher or DH, but he'll get a rest Sunday. He went 8-for-23 with three homers and seven RBI during that six-game stretch, justifying Atlanta's decision to get his bat into the lineup even on days when he didn't catch. Marcell Ozuna, who has been playing through a hip issue, is back in the lineup at DH on Sunday after beginning on the bench three straight days.

Bailey is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Bailey started the first two games coming out of the All-Star break and five straight overall, and he'll take a seat Sunday after going 7-for-16 with a walk and two runs during that stretch. Andrew Knizner will take over behind the plate to catch for lefty Robbie Ray in the series finale versus Toronto.

Schmitt is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Schmitt started eight straight games since returning from the injured list July 7, but he'll take a seat Sunday after going 4-for-27 during that stretch. Brett Wisely will step in at second base and bat eighth in the series finale.