MLB Player News

Ballesteros will start at catcher and bat sixth in Thursday's game versus the Orioles.

Ballesteros' first two starts with the Angels came from the designated-hitter spot, but he'll get a turn behind the plate in Thursday's series finale. It will mark his ninth game at catcher this season, leaving him just one game shy of picking up eligibility at the position in many fantasy leagues.

Diaz is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game against Colorado, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.

After going 2-for-5 with a double, two runs scored, a walk and a stolen base in Tuesday's 9-7 win in 11 innings, Diaz will get some rest for a Wednesday matinee game. Jonathan Aranda will slot in as the Rays' designated hitter in Diaz's stead and will bat second.

Pederson is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's matchup against the Giants.

With left-hander Carson Whisenhunt toeing the slab for the Giants, Pederson will sit out Wednesday's series finale. Justin Foscue will replace Pederson as the designated hitter and bat fifth for Texas.

Lowe entered Tuesday's game as a pinch hitter and went 0-for-2 in a 6-2 loss to the Mets.

Lowe, who was acquired from the Reds on Monday, opened his first game with Cleveland on the bench against a left-handed starter. He pinch hit for Rhys Hoskins once a right-handed reliever entered the game and finished out the contest at first base. With the Guardians demoting Kyle Manzardo to Triple-A Columbus on Monday, Lowe is expected to serve as the primary first baseman against right-handed starters.

Diaz went 2-for-5 with a double, a walk, a stolen base and two runs scored in Tuesday's 9-7 extra-innings win over the Rockies.

Diaz notched his third multi-hit effort over his last seven games. The steal was just his third of the season, though two of them have come since the All-Star break. Diaz remains firmly in the leadoff role despite the relative lack of speed, as he continues to set the table well. He's batting .300 with an .831 OPS, 15 home runs, 64 RBI, 61 runs scored, 20 doubles and one triple over 109 contests this season.

Hicks went 2-for-5 with a grand slam, a double and a walk in Tuesday's 9-7 extra-innings win over the Rockies.

Hicks was dealt from Miami at the trade deadline and had a fantastic performance in his Rays debut. His grand slam came with two outs in the third inning, and he ended up with his fifth multi-hit effort in his last eight games when all was said and done. The catcher is batting .284 with an .808 OPS, 15 homers, 66 RBI, 55 runs scored, three stolen bases, 10 doubles and one triple over 102 contests this season. Hicks' steady bat should make him the favorite for starts at catcher over Nick Fortes, especially against right-handed pitchers.

Bell went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 8-2 loss to the Royals.

Bell provided one of Minnesota's few bright spots, taking Steven Cruz deep for a solo homer in the eighth inning. The blast was his 14th of the season and snapped a 21-game homer drought. While the power returned Tuesday, Bell has been relatively quiet since the All-Star break, batting .241 with three RBI and five runs scored across 15 games.

The Red Sox optioned Gonzalez to Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, Chris Henrique of BostonSportsJournal.com reports

Gonzalez will head back to the minors to help make room on the active roster for the additions Boston made prior to Monday's trade deadline. The 29-year-old utility man has seen his production take a hit this season, slashing just .185/.264/.308 with seven RBI and seven runs scored in 73 plate appearances with Boston.

Ballesteros will start at designated hitter and bat sixth in Tuesday's game against the Orioles.

Ballesteros was acquired from the Cubs in a trade Monday and will be thrown right into the lineup. That the left-handed-hitting Ballesteros is getting a start versus a lefty in Cade Povich is an encouraging sign that the Angels plan to give him everyday reps down the stretch. Ballesteros is a career .249/.328/.408 hitter with a 10.8 percent walk rate and 19.9 percent strikeout so far in the majors.

The Orioles acquired Hinds from the Marlins for cash considerations Monday and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday.

Between stops in the big leagues with the Reds and Marlins this season, Hinds has gone just 4-for-35 (.114 average) at the dish. The 25-year-old could get a look with Baltimore later this season, but for now, he'll play regularly at Norfolk.