MLB Player News

Gonzales is absent from the lineup for Friday's game against the Phillies.

After starting 21 games in a 22-game stretch, Gonzales has now been on the bench for two straight for the first time since mid-April. It will be Jared Triolo handling the hot corner again for the Pirates.

Friedl is not in the lineup for Friday's game in Cleveland.

Friedl could be losing his grip on an everyday role. This is the second straight game and the fourth time across the last eight contests that he's been out of the lineup. Additionally, in his last start Friedl batted eighth after previously not hitting anywhere other than leadoff this season. Will Benson is covering center field and batting leadoff for the Reds on Friday. Friedl is slashing just .184/.268/.270 for Cincinnati this season.

Ruiz is absent from the lineup for Friday's contest versus the Orioles.

Ruiz still leads the Nationals with 23 starts at catcher this season, but Drew Millas has almost pulled even with him in what will be his 22nd start behind the dish Friday. It's the second start in a row for Millas.

Nunez is not in the lineup for Friday's contest against the Orioles.

It looks to be a routine day off for Nunez, who had started each of the previous 11 tilts. The Nationals will roll out Jorbit Vivas at second base in Friday's series opener.

Herz (elbow) will throw to live hitters Friday at the Nationals' spring training facility in Florida, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

It's a big milestone for Herz, who will be facing hitters for the first time since he had Tommy John surgery last April. A rehab assignment shouldn't be too far off for the lefty, and Herz is likely looking at a return around midseason if his rehab continues at its current trajectory.

Henry (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Rochester this weekend, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Henry is ready to pitch in games again after missing more than a month with a right rotator cuff strain. He will likely require at least a few rehab outings before rejoining the Nationals' bullpen, which could happen before the end of May if all goes well.

Suarez (oblique) took batting practice on the field Friday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

It appears to be the first time he's taken BP on the field since suffering a left oblique strain in late April. Suarez had been scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday to check on the progress of his recovery, and he must have received good news. It's likely the veteran slugger will need some rehab games before returning to the Reds' roster, and it shouldn't be long before he's cleared for game action.

The Nationals recalled Alvarez from Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

He'll grab the roster spot vacated by Zak Kent, who was sent down to Rochester following Thursday's loss to the Reds. Alvarez will provide some bullpen protection Friday against the Orioles in case starting pitcher Zack Littell struggles again.

Foley (shoulder) earned a hold in Triple-A Sacramento's 6-5 loss to Round Rock on Wednesday, allowing one hit in a scoreless inning.

Foley underwent season-ending arthroscopic surgery last May and was placed on the 60-day injured list Feb. 13. The right-hander began his rehab assignment with Single-A San Jose before moving to Sacramento after just one appearance. He entered Wednesday's game in the sixth inning and allowed a double but escaped without giving up a run, throwing 11 of his 14 pitches for strikes. The 30-year-old will likely require an extended ramp-up period and remains without a definitive timeline to return to the majors.

Sanmartin (hip) struck out one in a scoreless inning during Wednesday's 29-2 victory over the ACL Dodgers in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League.

Sanmartin was placed on the 60-day injured list March 25 due to a severe right hip flexor strain, and he began his rehab assignment in Arizona on Wednesday. The 30-year-old southpaw got the starting nod and pitched one scoreless frame, tossing seven of his 10 pitches for strikes. The Giants claimed Sanmartin off waivers in November, and he had been competing for a bullpen spot before suffering the injury. However, he isn't guaranteed to join the big-league roster once healthy.