MLB Player News

Smith isn't in the Red Sox's lineup for Thursday's game against the Tigers, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Smith failed to record a hit in 12 plate appearances during Boston's previous series against Baltimore, so he'll get a chance to clear his head Thursday. Garrett Cooper will get the nod at first base and bat sixth.

Alonso (hand) is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Diamondbacks.

Alonso managed to avoid any fractures after exiting Wednesday's game versus the Dodgers following a hit by pitch on the right hand. However, he is dealing with a painful bone bruise that will cause him to miss at least one start. Mark Vientos will handle first base Thursday, with Brett Baty covering third base.

Singleton isn't in the Astros' lineup for Thursday's game against the Mariners, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Singleton went 1-for-11 with five strikeouts through the first three games of Houston's series with the Mariners, so he'll get a day to regroup Thursday. Jose Abreu will draw a start at first base instead, batting eighth.

Hoskins (hamstring) could be activated as soon as this weekend's series versus the White Sox, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Hoskins has ramped up his running in recent days and is nearly ready to play in games. It's possible the Brewers will ask him to play a few rehab games with Single-A Wisconsin this weekend, and if that happens, it will set Hoskins up for a return Monday at his old stomping grounds in Philadelphia. Hoskins has missed the last two weeks of action with a right hamstring strain.

Alonso is day-to-day after a CT scan confirmed he didn't suffer a fracture when he was hit by a pitch in the right hand during Wednesday's 10-3 loss to the Dodgers, Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports.

X-rays and now a CT scan have both come back negative, as Alonso has managed to avoid a serious injury and is dealing with a bone bruise to his right hand. It's possible he could still miss a game or two if he remains sore, but the veteran first baseman looks poised to avoid a stint on the 10-day injured list.

Pasquantino (shin) will start at designated hitter and will bat third in Thursday's game against the Twins.

After exiting early in Tuesday's 4-2 loss when Byron Buxton's knee collided with his left shin, Pasquantino sat out Wednesday's 6-1 win. The day off appears to be all Pasquantino needed for the pain in his lower leg to subside, so he'll rejoin the starting nine in a non-defensive role for the series finale. Salvador Perez will get a day off behind the plate and will start at Pasquantino's usual spot at first base.

Bell went 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored in Wednesday's win over the Padres.

Facing one of his former clubs, Bell racked up his second straight three-hit performance. The 31-year-old first baseman has been on a tear to close out May, slashing .340/.358/.500 over the last 12 games with five doubles, a homer and eight RBI. Bell's .689 OPS on the season is still below his usual level of production -- his lowest mark over a full campaign is .744, set last year -- but he's quickly closing the gap.

Soderstrom is out of the lineup for Thursday's contest in Tampa Bay.

Soderstrom has now started just two of the last eight games for the Athletics and is hitless across his last six contests, so the 22-year-old would seem to be in danger of a demotion. Aledmys Diaz will get the nod at first base for Oakland on Thursday.

Davis is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest in Tampa Bay.

Davis is on the bench for a second straight day. The Rays are using a right-handed opener in Shawn Armstrong, so it's possible Davis enters mid-game if Tampa Bay eventually turns to a lefty. Davis has a .776 OPS against southpaws this season versus just a .581 OPS versus righties. Aledmys Diaz will start at first base Thursday.

X-rays on Alonso's right hand came back negative Wednesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets won't be able to confirm whether or not Alonso avoided a fracture until the results of his CT scan come back Thursday, but a clean X-ray is certainly an encouraging sign. The 29-year-old remains day-to-day after getting hit in the hand by a 93-mph fastball during Wednesday's contest.