MLB Player News

Loftin is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox due to a groin contusion, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

During Saturday's 2-1 loss, Loftin went 0-for-3 with a strikeout before being lifted in the bottom of the ninth inning after being struck by a throw to third base from Daniel Lynch. Loftin indicated he's feeling much better Sunday and will be available off the bench, so the 27-year-old would appear to have a good chance at returning to the starting nine Tuesday versus the Rays.

Mesa will start in right field and bat cleanup Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

Though he appeared to be at risk of seeing a steep reduction in playing time after Jonny DeLuca returned from the injured list June 19, Mesa seems to be holding steady as a strong-side platoon player in the Tampa Bay outfield. Mesa will be included in the starting nine for a fourth straight matchup versus a right-hander (Merrill Kelly) after going 3-for-10 with a home run, a double, a walk, three RBI and two runs in the previous three contests.

DeLuca is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

DeLuca will hit the bench for the third time in the Rays' last four matchups with right-handed starting pitchers. Though he should remain locked into a prominent spot in the lineup versus lefties, DeLuca looks like he's slipping into a short-side platoon role, with Victor Mesa getting more work against righties.

The Rays optioned Grove to Triple-A Durham on Sunday.

The right-hander was called up from Durham on Thursday and made his Rays debut Saturday, when he fired three scoreless frames to pick up the victory. Grove is now being sent down in favor of a fresh arm, but his strong first impression should help him to get another look in Tampa Bay later this summer.

Palacios is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Palacios will receive a breather after he had started at second base the past three games while going 2-for-11 with a walk and a run scored. Ben Williamson will fill in for Palacios at the keystone.

Feduccia is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Feduccia will be rested for the series finale after he started at catcher the last three games. Nick Fortes will handle duties behind the plate Sunday.

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

Kepler will get a breather for the series finale after he started in left field Friday and Saturday following his reinstatement from an 80-game suspension. Lourdes Gurriel will start in left field Sunday, but Kepler appears likely to get a long look as a strong-side platoon player.

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

Adrian Del Castillo will receive a turn behind the plate while Moreno rests for the series finale. Moreno had started the last four contests, going 5-for-14 with two walks, two runs and an RBI while extending his hitting streak to a season-long 11 games.

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

After starting at first base in the first two games of the series and going 1-for-6 with a walk, an RBI and a run, the left-handed hitter will retreat to the bench versus Jesus Luzardo. Eric Wagaman will replace Young at first base and bat cleanup.

The Rays recalled Martin from Triple-A Durham on Sunday.

The rookie right-hander will be up with the big club for the fourth time this season after giving up five earned runs with a 6:4 K:BB across 10.1 frames in his first five MLB appearances. Martin should fill a low-leverage relief role while he's with the Rays.