MLB Player News

Whitlock (oblique) struck out five and allowed two hits and one walk over 4.2 scoreless innings Wednesday in his rehab start with Triple-A Worcester.

Whitlock pumped in 40 of his 61 pitches for strikes and induced 12 swings and misses, looking as strong as ever while pitching in a game for the first time since April 16. Even though he didn't get fully stretched out for a traditional starter's workload Wednesday, Whitlock could return from the 15-day injured list to make his next appearance out of the Red Sox rotation. If the Red Sox decide he won't require an additional rehab appearance, Whitlock would likely start with the big club either Monday or Tuesday at Tampa Bay.

Martinez is an option to start Thursday's game against the Dodgers in place of Nick Lodolo (groin), Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Martinez would be pitching on three days' rest after he had a 1.1-inning relief appearance on May 12. He remains relatively stretched out, though, having made four starts for the Reds this season, with the last one coming on April 30. Martinez wouldn't have a full workload at his disposal Thursday, but he looks to be the favorite to take the ball for the Reds that day.

The Mariners optioned Haggerty to Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday.

Haggerty hasn't been playing much and has done little in the opportunities he has received this season, recording one hit in 15 at-bats. Dominic Canzone (shoulder) was reinstated from the injured list and will take over Haggerty's spot on the 26-man active roster.

The Mariners reinstated Canzone (shoulder) from the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

The Mariners weren't expected to bring Canzone back from the IL until this weekend, but he'll end up joining the club for its series finale with the Royals after he checked out fine following his third rehab game with Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday. Prior to landing on the shelf April 15 with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, Canzone had taken hold of a strong-side platoon role in left field. Those duties have largely fallen to Luke Raley during his absence, and though Raley has enjoyed a hot run at the plate of late, Canzone will step into the starting lineup in his first game back with the team. He'll man left field and bat seventh Wednesday against the Royals.

Merrill is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Rockies.

The Rockies are sending southpaw Austin Gomber to the hill, so Padres manager Mike Shildt decided it would be a good day to give the left-handed hitting Merrill a breather. Jose Azocar will patrol center field Wednesday.

Stephenson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

He'll get a breather for Wednesday's afternoon game after starting behind the plate both of the past two days while going 4-for-9 with two doubles and three runs. Luke Maile will get the starting nod behind the plate in the series finale.

Arraez is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rockies.

It's Arraez's second day off since he was acquired from the Marlins earlier this month. The Padres are going with Manny Machado in the designated hitter spot while Donovan Solano covers third base. Jurickson Profar will bat leadoff.

Taylor is slashing .253/.421/.440 with three home runs and nine steals in 27 games for High-A Bowling Green.

The Rays' first-round pick in last year's draft, Taylor has been at least 40 percent better than the average hitter in each league he has played in thus far. He has shown a very patient approach, with a 26.4 percent strikeout rate and a 23.1 percent walk rate. Taylor has an excellent batted-ball profile, with a 23.7 percent groundball rate, 7.1 percent infield-flyball rate, 21.3 percent Oppo% and a 36.1 percent hard-hit rate. In other words, he's hitting the ball hard and in the air with great frequency. Taylor has started 16 games at shortstop and 11 games at third base, and he should be able to move around the diamond as needed.

De La Cruz is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game in Arizona.

For the first time all season, De La Cruz will exit the starting nine for what looks to be a routine maintenance day before the Reds continue their road trip Thursday in Los Angeles. Santiago Espinal will step in at shortstop in place of De La Cruz, who has slowed down a bit at the plate of late with two hits and six strikeouts in 14 at-bats over his last three games.

The Reds recalled Moll from Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday.

Moll has made five scoreless appearances during his time with the big club this season. He will provide manager David Bell with another left-hander in the bullpen.