MLB Player News

Merrifield went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer and a steal in Wednesday's loss to the Rays.

He pretty much was the Kansas City offense in this one, with his 17th homer providing all the team's runs. Add those long balls to Merrifield's 26 steals and .283 average, and you're looking at fantastic fantasy value from a guy who went undrafted in most leagues this year. He'd been cold lately, going 4-for-25 (.160) over a six-game stretch, albeit with a pair of homers, but Merrifield's few slumps haven't tended to linger.

Andrus went 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs against the Astros on Wednesday.

There are a number of impressive hot streaks that can be picked out of Andrus' season, but these last five games have been something particularly special, as he's gone 13-for-23 (.565) with four doubles, a triple, three RBI and six runs scored. Andrus has seen his fence-clearing power dry up some -- he has just one homer in his last 25 games -- but he's been racking up hits like nobody's business.

Andrus went 4-for-5 with two doubles, a triple, an RBI and three runs in Tuesday's 12-2 rout of the Astros.

The veteran shortstop's sudden outburst of power has been quite something, as he's now set a new career high in doubles with 36 and he's already doubled his previous career high in homers with 16. Andrus has done all that while hitting for the best average of his career (.303) and stealing 20-plus bases for the ninth time in his nine seasons, leaving him with an unimpeachable five-category fantasy line.

Polanco went 2-for-3 with a pair of solo homers, a walk and a steal in Tuesday's 6-4 win over the White Sox.

Polanco launched a solo shot off James Shields in the third inning to make it a 3-0 game and took Aaron Bummer deep in the seventh for his team's final run. The switch-hitting shortstop is slashing just .256/.304/.408 for the year, but a recent hot streak has elevated him to third in the batting order. Polanco's hit safely in 12 of 13 games since Aug. 17 while producing six long balls, 10 runs scored, 17 RBI and three steals over that stretch.

Semien went 1-for-3 with three RBI from a fielder's choice and a two-run single in Sunday's 8-3 win over the Rangers. He also walked twice and scored once.

Semien has hit safely in 13 of his last 16 contests, a span during which he's also compiled four doubles, a triple, a home run and all 10 of his RBI for the month. The surge has boosted his season average 23 points to .258 since Aug. 1.

Altuve went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and another run scored in Sunday's 7-5 win over the Angels.

Altive did his damage early, taking Ricky Nolasco deep with a man on in the first inning. The diminutive second baseman reached the 20-homer mark for the second consecutive season with this effort and is on pace to top 100 runs for the second time in that span with 87 through 125 games played. He's slashing career highs across his triple slash at .356/.415/.565.

Andrus went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored in Saturday's 8-3 loss to the Athletics.

After submitting a pair of multi-hit performances to begin the series, Andrus' season average is back up to .298, which would represent the second-best mark of his career. A .334 BABIP has certainly helped Andrus, but since he's been hitting for more power than ever with a .470 slugging percentage, his strong batting average shouldn't be written off as a byproduct of extreme good fortune.

Altuve (neck) is starting at second base and batting third Saturday against the Angels.

Altuve was removed from Thursday's contest with neck discomfort, but he's good to go again after being held out of Friday's contest. The 27-year-old, who is slashing an impressive .380/.420/.593 with six homers and 11 stolen bases in 37 games since the All-Star break, will face Tyler Skaggs in his return to the starting lineup.

Altuve (neck) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Marwin Gonzalez will take over at second base in place of Altuve, who left Thursday's game with neck discomfort. He will be forced to miss at least one start as a result of the issue, but the Astros haven't given any indication that this is more than a day-to-day concern.

Espinosa was signed by the Rays prior to Friday's game against the Cardinals, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports.

Espinosa will provide versatility in the infield for Tampa Bay as he can help out at several positions off the bench with his new club. The 30-year-old was recently released by the Mariners, and Tampa Bay marks his third different major-league home this season after beginning 2017 with the Angels. Espinosa has slashed .164/.237/.279 with six home runs and 31 RBI in 85 games this season.