Still no timeline for Abel return

Mullins has occasionally hit eighth against lefties, but this is just the second time this season he’s hit this low against a righty; he hit ninth against one on May 29. Mullins is batting just .207/.285/.353 on 422 plate appearances. He’d probably be a backup by now if Jacob Melton had been able to stay healthy in Triple-A.

He’s sitting even after going 3-for-5 with a homer last night. It’s unclear if this is easing Lawlar in as he returns from the IL or if sitting him against righties is just part of the plan. Things are also complicated by Nolan Arenado being locked into the DH spot at the moment. Lawlar has mixed-league upside while healthy, but he’s probably not a great bet here for the final five weeks.

The previous four games were all versus lefties, but the D-backs are facing a righty today and Kepler still isn’t playing. One wonders if he might get released once Lourdes Gurriel Jr. returns. He’s hitting just .216/.282/.333 in 124 plate appearances, and he won’t be eligible to play in the postseason after his steroid suspension.

Peña missed two starts after leaving Wednesday’s game with a hand injury suffered on a HBP.

It looks like Lee might have overtaken Javier Báez on the depth chart for now, as Báez has now sat against the last two righties the Tigers have faced. Lee went seven straight games without starting earlier this month, but he’s gone 8-for-19 with a 2/4 K/BB over the last two weeks.

Smith is working his way back from a neck issue that put him on the injured list back in mid-June. The 31-year-old backstop is being brought along at a glacial pace to avoid any setbacks, but figures to make it back to Los Angeles at some point in early September.

It’s a routine day off for Basallo with Carlos Narváez handling the catching duties in this one. He’s gone 1-for-10 in three games since returning from the injured list earlier this week. It may take him a little time to knock off the rust, but he should be an impactful fantasy contributor playing almost everyday for the final five weeks of the season, especially since the Orioles have turned things around from an offensive standpoint.

Pereira told reporters X-rays came back negative for any fractures after being hit by a pitch on the left hand during Friday’s contest. The 25-year-old outfielder has a chance at avoiding a trip to the injured list if he’s able to return to game action at some point in the coming days.

There hasn’t been any reporting to indicate that Winn is dealing with any physical issues, as the Cardinals continue rolling with JJ Wetherholt at shortstop with José Fermín at second base in this one.

Bericoto gets his opportunity atop San Francisco’s lineup to face lefty Patrick Sandoval after Drew Gilbert spent a couple days in that spot earlier this week. The hard-hitting 24-year-old has homered four times in 31 games during his rookie campaign, but lacks the on-base skillset of a traditional top-of-the-order table-setter. Still, he figures to get some chances against left-handed starters down the home stretch.