MLB Player News

Grisham will start in center field and bat leadoff in Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.

Grisham has produced a .949 OPS so far this month, and manager Aaron Boone will reward him by including him in the lineup as the leadoff man for a third consecutive matchup with a right-handed pitcher (Chris Bassitt). The outfielder had seemingly moved into more of a part-time role against righties in recent weeks, but Grisham could see more opportunities while Jasson Dominguez -- who has gone 0-for-16 with six strikeouts in his last four games -- continues to slump.

Loperfido is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees.

The left-handed-hitting Loperfido had been included in the lineup in both of the previous two contests, but he'll head to the bench Wednesday while southpaw Max Fried toes the rubber for the Yankees. Loperfido will likely see his opportunities to play against right-handed pitching take a hit once Daulton Varsho (hamstring) potentially returns from the injured list later this week.

Anthony is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Phillies.

After starting in each of Boston's last seven games, the left-handed-hitting Anthony will retreat to the bench Wednesday while the Phillies send southpaw Jesus Luzardo to the hill for the series finale. Boston will use Masataka Yoshida at designated hitter and will roll out a starting outfield of Rob Refsnyder, Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu from left to right.

Soler was removed in the bottom of the third inning of Wednesday's game against the Mets due to back tightness.

A bout with back soreness forced Soler to the injured list June 20, and the Angels had been giving him more frequent days off since he was activated July 1. The extra maintenance apparently hasn't fully resolved the issue, as Soler's back acted up again Wednesday and resulted him being removed from the contest after just one plate appearance. Chris Taylor started at third base but took over in right field once Soler exited the game.

Bader is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Dodgers.

Though he'll be on the bench for the series finale, Bader seems to have at least temporarily reclaimed a near-everyday role in the outfield while utility man Willi Castro has been spelling the struggling Brooks Lee in the infield more frequently of late. Bader had started each of the last six games -- five in left field, one in center field -- while going 5-for-21 with a home run, a double, two walks, three RBI and three runs. Set to become a free agent this winter, Bader could be a trade chip ahead of the July 31 deadline while the 49-52 Twins find themselves on the periphery of the American League wild-card race.

Hummel will start in left field and bat seventh in Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Though he'll be included in the lineup Wednesday while Jose Altuve gets a breather for a day game after a night game, Hummel has faded into more of a part-time role in recent weeks. He's picking up his fourth start in nine games while the likes of Chas McCormick and Taylor Trammell have been prioritized ahead of him in the outfield.

Soler was removed from Wednesday's game against the Mets in the third inning with an undisclosed injury, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Soler has been dealing with a back issue recently, so it's possible that injury is still lingering and flared up on him. He struck out in his lone plate appearance before exiting. The Angels should have more on Soler's condition shortly.

Smith is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game in Arizona.

Smith had started each of the previous 37 contests for the Astros but will get a day of rest in Wednesday's series finale. Chas McCormick will play right field and bat eighth in Smith's stead.

Altuve is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game in Arizona.

Altuve had started every game since June 10 but will get a breather in the final game of the Astros' road trip. Houston will roll out Cooper Hummel in left field as it tries to complete a series sweep.

The Royals placed Loftin on the 7-day injured list Wednesday due to a concussion.

Loftin played the entirety of Tuesday's 6-0 loss to the Cubs, but he was tagged hard on a play at third base during the contest and exhibited concussion symptoms after the game, according to Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City. He will be eligible to return in a week, but as is the case with all players dealing with concussions, the timeline for his activation is uncertain.