MLB Player News

Robert isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros.

Robert went 0-for-4 on Friday to snap what had been a six-game hitting streak, and he'll now move to the bench to begin Saturday's contest while Brett Baty starts in left field, batting eighth.

Griffin (finger) will begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Altoona on Sunday, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Griffin has been out since early July due to a torn tendon in his left ring finger, but after ditching his splint and ramping up baseball activities over the past couple of weeks, he's now ready to test his finger in a competitive environment. He'll likely require a handful of minor-league games after spending such a long time on the sidelines, but he should be on track to return sometime in early September.

Anthony (finger) will play in another rehab game with Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Interim manager Chad Tracy is not shutting the door on Sunday returns for Anthony and Trevor Story (sports hernia), but the skipper is also not committing to it. "It's just hard to say right now," Tracy said Saturday. Anthony has swung the bat well on his rehab assignment, batting .304 with a pair of homers, but he told NESN on Thursday night that he was still "getting close to where I want to be."

The Giants selected Lonsway's contract from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday.

The Giants are down a couple of starters heading into Saturday's twin bill against Arizona, so Lonsway will come up from Triple-A to give San Francisco an arm capable of handling multiple innings as either a starter or long reliever. The 27-year-old owns a 6.00 ERA and 1.85 WHIP through 72 innings at Sacramento and will be making his MLB debut whenever he gets into a game. Spencer Bivens was optioned in a corresponding move.

The Giants optioned Bivens to Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday.

Bivens will head back to the minors after giving up eight earned runs in just three innings across his two appearances following his call-up Tuesday. Seth Lonsway will come up from Triple-A to fill the opening in the Giants' pitching staff.

Smith (hamstring) will play in one more rehab game with Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Assuming Smith comes out of his third rehab game without any issues, he will rejoin the big-league club and officially return when rosters expand Sept. 1. Smith has endured a tough season between Texas and Toronto, but his versatility around the diamond will likely afford him occasional opportunities with the Blue Jays down the stretch.

Bazzana is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Royals.

The lefty-hitting Bazzana has slashed .188/.295/.232 in 129 plate appearances against same-side pitching this season and has fallen into a platoon role lately as a result. That trend will continue Saturday with the 2024 No. 1 overall pick sitting against southpaw Daniel Lynch as Angel Genao starts at the keystone for Cleveland.

Valdez isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals.

Valdez will get a day off after going 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts during the series opener Friday. His absence will allow Jake Mangum to start in right field while batting sixth.

The Cardinals designated Ferguson for assignment Saturday.

Ferguson joined the Cardinals at the trade deadline, but he'll now lose his place on both the active and 40-man rosters after giving up eight earned runs in just 8.1 innings with his new team. Brycen Mautz will come up from Memphis to fill the void in St. Louis' bullpen.

Pasquantino is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Guardians.

Salvador Perez will start at first base while Carter Jensen serves as the DH and Luke Maile works behind the plate against left-hander Foster Griffin. Pasquantino has gone 14-for-40 (.350) with three homers, eight RBI and even a stolen base in 11 games since he returned from a wrist injury, but he's still batting just .177/.255/.260 against lefty pitching for the season.