MLB Player News

Barreto went 3-for-4 with five RBI from a pair of home runs in Triple-A Nashville's win over Memphis on Sunday.

Barreto has been positively tearing the cover off the ball for the Sounds over the last two weeks. The versatile prospect has six multi-hit efforts during that span, including nine extra-base hits (five doubles, four homers) and nine RBI. His season line at Triple-A is up to an impressive .304/.388/.609, and it's hard to argue he needs further work in the minors at this point. He should get a promotion to the majors whenever the A's can find a way to get him regular playing time, but Jed Lowrie's bat and Marcus Semien's glove are currently standing in the way.

Altuve went 1-for-4 with a triple in Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Altuve completed his season cycle, hitting his first triple of 2018. His power numbers are down through the first five weeks of the season. He entered Sunday's contest with a .417 slugging percentage, down 130 points from where finished last season, and a .093 ISO (.201 in 2017).

Merrifield went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and three stolen bases Sunday against the Tigers.

Merrifield nearly doubled his stolen base total in one game, as he now has seven for the season. All three of his swipes came against Matthew Boyd, including two that came on one plate appearance. His stolen base production will be key to his value going forward, as the poor Royals lineup surrounding him will likely limit his runs and RBI.

Torres went 1-for-4 with a walkoff three-run home run to send the Yankees to a 7-4 victory over Cleveland on Sunday.

The Yankees struggled against Indians starter Mike Clevinger for much of the afternoon but were able to get to the bullpen for five earned runs, which Torres capped off with a three-run blast off Dan Otero to end the contest. The talented 21-year-old is now slashing a solid .333/.365/.458 through 48 at-bats this season.

Semien went 1-for-4 with an RBI single, a walk and a run in a win over the Orioles on Friday.

Semien gave the Athletics some breathing room with an eighth-inning single that plated Jonathan Lucroy. It was the shortstop's first RBI since April 23, an eight-game drought that represented his longest such stretch of the season. Despite the recent lack of timely hitting, Semien has remained productive, reaching safely in 10 of his last 12 games.

Merrifield is out of the lineup against Detroit on Saturday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Merrifield will receive a typical day off following nine straight starts while Ryan Goins draws the assignment at second base. Expect to see Merrifield back in the lineup for Sunday's series finale.

Torres went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Friday's 7-6 win over Cleveland.

The blast was the first of his big-league career, making him the youngest Yankee to homer since John Ellis in 1969. Torres now has an impressive .333/.367/.467 slash line through his first 13 MLB games.

Solarte went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored in the second game of a doubleheader Thursday against the Indians.

Solarte had a huge day at the plate, going a combined 8-for-10 with two home runs, seven RBI and four runs scored. The performances raised his average from .238 to .287 and accounted for nearly one-third of his runs driven for the season. After hitting an uninspiring .218 through 87 at-bats, Solarte has turned it on with four multi-hit games across his past six games.

Ngoepe was designated for assignment Thursday Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Just hours after being optioned down to Triple-A, Ngoepe is now without a spot on the 40-man roster after the Blue Jays made a flurry of moves between games in Thursday's doubleheader. Reliever Luis Santos had his contract selected and he will take Ngoepe's spot. Ngoepe had seen inconsistent playing time in the weeks leading up to his demotion and he had just one hit in 18 at-bats. He'll now be subject to waivers, but could return to the Blue Jays' organization if he goes unclaimed.

Ngoepe was sent down to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday.

Ngoepe only appeared in one game since re-joining the big-league team at the beginning of this week, but didn't record an at-bat, instead serving as a pinch-runner and scoring one run against the Twins on Tuesday. He will continue to receive everyday at-bats at the Triple-A level instead of being utilized as a reserve for the Blue Jays.