MLB Player News

Lowe (oblique) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Lowe will take a seat for the second day in a row after he was scratched from the lineup ahead of Saturday's 2-1 win when he felt his right oblique tighten up while taking swings in the batting cage prior to the game. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Lowe said he doesn't expect to require a stint on the injured list due to the oblique issue, though the Rays' plans for him could change if he's unable to return to the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Yankees following Monday's team off day.

Thomas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels.

Thomas will hit the bench after he started in each of the Athletics' last four games while going 7-for-14 with two home runs, one double, one stolen base, seven RBI and five runs. JJ Bleday will enter the lineup in place of Thomas on Sunday, but the latter player should be able to hold down a near-everyday role in the Athletics outfield until Denzel Clarke (hip) is ready to return from the injured list.

Abreu was removed from Sunday's game against the Marlins due to right calf tightness, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Abreu started in right field and went 2-for-3 with a walk, a two-run home run -- his 22nd of the campaign -- and an additional run scored before departing Sunday's contest in advance of the eighth inning. The 26-year-old should be considered day-to-day heading into Monday's series opener versus Baltimore.

Melton will start in center field and bat eighth in Sunday's game against the Orioles, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Melton will stick in the starting nine for the fourth time in five games. Though he may have the opportunity to handle a strong-side platoon role in center field until Jake Meyers (calf) returns from the injured list, Melton is slashing just .200/.250/.244 with a 39.6 percent strikeout rate over his first 48 big-league plate appearances.

Smith is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Smith will hit the bench after starting three straight contests in right field. Jesus Sanchez will handle right field Sunday while Taylor Trammell gets the nod in left.

Carlson is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros.

Carlson will head to the bench after starting five straight games and going 7-for-16 with two home runs, one triple, three walks, four RBI and four runs during that stretch. With Colton Cowser (concussion) returning from the injured list Sunday and Dylan Beavers likely to get an extended audition as an everyday player, Carlson may have to compete with Jeremiah Jackson for regular at-bats at the other spot in the Baltimore outfield. Both Carlson and Jackson may be at risk of losing out on opportunities once Tyler O'Neill (wrist) returns from the IL, however.

Outman will start in left field and bat ninth in Sunday's game against the Tigers.

Outman will be awarded a second straight start despite going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Saturday's 8-5 loss. With Alan Roden (thumb) getting shut down for the season, Outman could be in line for an extended trial in a strong-side platoon role.

Isbel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox.

Isbel will get a breather after starting the last three contests and going 2-for-8 with a pair of walks. John Rave will replace Isbel in center field and bat eighth Sunday.

Taylor is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals.

After collecting four straight starts from Aug. 6 through 9, Taylor has now been included in the lineup just twice in the White Sox's last seven games. The recent returns of Chase Meidroth and Miguel Vargas from the injured list have pushed Brooks Baldwin to the outfield, leaving fewer opportunities for Taylor.

Robert is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals.

In what appears to be a rest day, Robert will hit the bench for the first time since July 26, breaking a streak of 18 consecutive starts. Brooks Baldwin will spell Robert in center field and bat ninth.