MLB Player News

Dubon is making his outfield debut in the Arizona Fall League, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

All of Dubon's 123 minor-league games this past year were at shortstop, but the Red Sox, understanding the infield logjam with Xander Bogaerts at that position in Boston, are looking for Dubon to learn a new position. He's considered one of Boston's top prospects after hitting a combined .323/.379/.461/.840 in stops at High-A Salem and Double-A Portland.

Merrifield is among the candidates being considered for the Royals' second base job in 2017, the Kansas City Star reports.

The Royals will likely face significant financial restrictions in their bid to upgrade the roster this winter, leaving second base as a position where internal options may have an open competition for the starting job in spring training. In addition to Merrifield, the Royals are considering Cheslor Cuthbert, Christian Colon, and Raul Mondesi for the job. Merrifield hit .283/.323/.392 with two homers and eight steals in 81 games, but he seems better suited for a part-time role as he'll turn 28 in January.

Franklin is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rangers.

The versatile Franklin has kept himself in the lineup for much of the final month of the season because of his ability to play multiple positions. However, he'll hit the bench in Game 162 after falling into a 3-for-20 slump at the plate dating back to Sept. 15.

Marte is not in Sunday's lineup against Oakland, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Over the last two games, Marte has gone 0-for-6 with two strikeouts. Shawn O'Malley will start at shortstop for Seattle's final game of the season while Marte heads to the bench.

Andrus is out of the lineup Saturday against the Rays.

Andrus will be afforded a breather as Jurickson Profar steps in at short after the Rangers clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win Friday. The 28-year-old finished September on a five-game hitting streak, pushing his average above .300 and his OPS above .800. He turned in just a .666 OPS last year and never posted a mark above .727 in any of his first seven major league seasons.

Forsythe is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rangers, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

Forsythe's batting average has fallen from .281 on Sept. 15 to .266 as of Friday, so manager Kevin Cash decided to hold him out Friday. Juniel Querecuto will get the start at second base in Forsythe's place.

Franklin (hamstring) is starting at DH and hitting sixth Wednesday against the White Sox, MLB.com's Bill Chastain reports.

Franklin wanted to make it back before the end of the season, and he will get his wish Wednesday. The fact that he is at DH and not in the field speaks to the fact that he's probably not at 100 percent health, but Franklin has hit well enough this season (.280/.341/.463) to justify a start at DH, especially relative to his teammates. He has started at six positions this year, with left field representing the only position he has logged double-digit starts (17).

Franklin (hamstring) hopes to return before Sunday's game against the Rangers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Franklin is dealing with a sore hamstring but hopes that he'll be ready to play before the Rays' season finale Sunday. If Franklin is able to return, look for him to appear in the Tampa Bay outfield or at their DH spot.

Merrifield got his first career start at first base Sunday and went 3-for-5 with a double, a triple, a stolen base, two runs scored and an RBI in a win over the Tigers.

He's now hitting .329/.365/.443 in 79 September at-bats, and Merrifield's bat and defensive versatility will likely make him the Royals' top utility player in 2017.

Andrus is not in the lineup Sunday against the A's.

Andrus' fantastic showing at the plate continued Saturday, as he went 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI. However, he'll have Sunday off as Hanser Alberto gets the nod at shortstop.