MLB Rumors

The Phillies continue to scuffle offensively. They had into Tuesday's game at Miami averaging 3.49 runs per game, which is the fourth-worst mark in the majors.

The Phillies also rank in the bottom 10 of the league in batting average (.244) and slugging percentage (.379). Yet, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro is confident his struggling squad will turn it around.

"I don’t have a crystal ball that says it will and it hasn’t shown the consistency that would make you think it will. But there are reasons they have those numbers on the back of their baseball cards," Amaro told The Philadelphia Inquirer. "I think when it’s all said and done, we will have more productive numbers than we do right now as a group. But it is concerning that we haven’t had more consistency at this stage of the season."

Amaro said he has looked at ways to improve the lineup.

"It’s not like we haven’t looked into ways to improve our club," he said. "Because of the nature of what’s happening across the league, you don’t see a whole lot of movement. I don’t think a lot of teams feel like they know what they have yet, so you’re not seeing anything more than waiver-wire claims."

Orioles outfielder Adam Jones will DH Tuesday against the Yankees. 

Jones will still hit cleanup for the team. He'll faceoff against Phil Hughes. Chris Dickerson will start for Jones in center. Jones is hitting .319/.354/.492 in 185 at-bats this year. 

Indians designated hitter/first baseman Jason Giambi is in the team's starting lineup Tuesday.

Nick Swisher is not in the team's lineup for family reasons, and will be replaced by Mark Reynolds, opening a spot for Giambi. Giambi will DH and hit seventh against Tigers pitcher Max Scherzer. 

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. expressed optimism Tuesday first baseman Ryan Howard isn't dealing with a major knee injury, despite it being the same leg he suffered a torn Achilles tendon.

"I think we have to be concerned any time our guys have any issues, but I don’t think it’s something that is so daunting that we’re panicking about it," Amaro told The Philadelphia Inquirer. "It’s something we have to be aware of and make sure he does his proper rehab to address it and make sure he’s OK. If there is a meniscus issue, it is repairable and there are some things he can do that can help alleviate some of the stuff he had."

Indians outfielder Nick Swisher is not in the team's lineup Tuesday against the Tigers.

Swisher is out of the lineup for "family reasons." There's no indication if this issue will cause Swisher to miss multiple games. He's hitting .274/.382/.493 in 146 at-bats. He's been replaced by Mark Reynolds. 

Reds shortstop Zack Cozart returned to the starting lineup Tuesday against the Mets after missing two games with an illness. Cozart heads into Tuesday's game batting .203 with one home run and eight RBI in 14 May games.

Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen made it back into the starting lineup Tuesday against the Cubs after sitting out one game with a knee injury. McCutchen is batting .368 (25 for 68) with a .603 slugging percentage in his last 17 games.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve has dropped Scott Boras as his agent, according to MLB.com.

Altuve rejoined Scott Pucino and Wil Polidor of Octagon, where he left about a year ago for Boras. Altuve is still under team control through the 2017 season, so he won't be a free agent anytime soon. He won't be arbitration-eligible until 2015. Altuve is hitting .327/.361/.430 in 165 at-bats. 

As expected, Cubs reliever Michael Bowden was designated for assignment Tuesday to clear a roster spot for Matt Garza, who was activated off the disabed list. Bowden is put on waivers after going 1-2 with a 3.78 ERA in 14 relief outings.

Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes is fine with being a platoon player, according to the Boston Globe.

Gomes admitted it's easier to "evaluate" himself in a full-time role, but he's OK with being a part-time player as long as it helps the team. "To me, it’s valuable to just win. I know everybody wants to win. If I play and we win, I don’t really care what else happens," Gomes said. He said you have to "grind and fight" as a platoon player, and be willing to "get hit in the neck if you have to."

Gomes is hitting .190/.347/.316 in 79 at-bats. He's seen an equal amount of at-bats against both righties and lefties, but is starting to be used primarily against left-handers.