MLB Player News

Pena (illness) will begin a rehab assignment with the Brewers' Arizona Complex League affiliate Friday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Pena hasn't played since April 22, when he collapsed in the dugout at High-A Wisconsin after becoming overheated. It shouldn't be long before Pena rejoins the active roster at Wisconsin, where he's slashed .372/.462/.512 in 12 games this season.

Acuna (thumb) will start in right field and bat leadoff in Friday's game against the Nationals.

Acuna had to depart Thursday's contest versus the Marlins with a left thumb bone bruise, but the injury will not force him to miss any starts. The 28-year-old has reached base six times in three games since returning from his hamstring injury earlier this week.

Valdez will start in right field and bat seventh Friday in Toronto in his major-league debut.

Valdez received his first big-league promotion after slashing .253/.381/.506 with 10 homers in 46 games with Triple-A Indianapolis this season. The 22-year-old is not guaranteed everyday playing time with the Pirates, so it would behoove him to get off to a good start.

Reynolds is not in the lineup for Friday's game in Toronto.

This is just the third day off this season for Reynolds. He came off the bench on each of his first two days off and could do so again Friday. Jake Mangum will start in left field for the Pirates in the series opener.

Ruiz is not in the lineup for Friday's game in Atlanta.

Ruiz had started each of the last two contests for the Nationals but will get a break during Friday's series opener. Drew Millas will start at catcher and bat eighth for the Nats.

Smith is not in the lineup for Friday's contest in Milwaukee.

Smith started at catcher in all three games against the Padres earlier this week, but he will get a breather for Friday's series opener versus the Brewers. Dalton Rushing will be behind the dish and batting eighth for the Dodgers.

Lopez is not in the lineup for Friday's game versus the Mets.

It's a rare day off for Lopez, who had started the last 14 contests for the Marlins. Javier Sanoja is grabbing a start at shortstop in Lopez's stead.

Schwarber (illness) will start at designated hitter and bat second in Friday's game against the Guardians.

Schwarber missed all three games of this week's series against the Reds while battling a stomach bug, but he's well enough to give it a go in Friday's series opener versus Cleveland. The slugger leads all of baseball with 20 home runs this season.

The Mets designated Kimbrel for assignment Friday.

Kimbrel's brief stint with the Mets was unsuccessful, as he collected a 6.00 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB over 15 innings out of the bullpen. He is likely to pass through waivers before becoming a free agent. Kimbrel will turn 38 next week and could have to accept a minor-league contract if he wants to continue his playing career.

The Mets recalled Tong from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

Tobias Myers is making a spot start Friday in Miami, and since he's not stretched out, Tong could be used after him in a bulk relief role. It's been a rough start to the season at Syracuse for Tong, who has posted a 5.68 ERA and 55:24 K:BB across 38 frames covering nine starts at the Mets' top minor-league affiliate.