MLB Player News

Astros manager A.J. Hinch dropped Altuve from his normal leadoff spot to second in the batting order for Tuesday's series opener against Baltimore, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

It's not a drastic change for an offense that is struggling to score runs, but Hinch's likely intent is to put Altuve in better position to drive in more runs. The three-time All-Star ranks is pacing the Astros with a .328 batting average and he ranks second on the team with 27 RBI.

Motter hit his second home run and knocked in three as part of a 2-for-3 game with a walk in Monday's loss to Miami.

Motter's early returns with the Rays continue to be excellent, as he has three extra-base hits and a .308/.400/.846 line through his first 15 plate appearances. He posted double-digit-homer seasons in the minor leagues in both 2014 and 2015, but Motter's still in a platoon situation with Brad Miller at shortstop. He's an intriguing option for DFS when the Rays are facing left-handed pitching thanks to his above-average power at shortstop.

Merrifield is in the lineup and batting second for Monday's game against the Twins, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports.

Merrifield is starting for Mike Moustakas likely to give him a rest after starting two consecutive days after being activated from the 15-day DL. Merrifield is 2-for-8 through three games for Kansas City this season.

Motter is in the lineup and batting seventh for Monday's game against the Marlins, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Motter is slashing .200/.273/.500 with one home run and two RBI in five games since being recalled from Triple-A in mid-May. He will get the start tonight against southpaw Wei-Yin Chen of the Marlins.

Polanco was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Monday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The Twins were in need of a roster spot following the activation of Eduardo Escobar off the disabled list, and Polanco proved to be the odd man out despite logging three doubles and a home run in limited playing time with the parent club. He'll likely get more playing time with the Triple-A squad, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the 22-year-old back up with Minnesota later in the season considering his solid hitting and defensive versatility across the infield.

Marte (thumb) was placed on the 15-day DL on Sunday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Marte suffered the thumb sprain Saturday, and although he was initially expected to miss a few games, a DL stint had not necessarily been in consideration. Now, the Mariners will make it official, calling up shortstop Chris Taylor to take his roster spot. While Taylor travels, the Mariners will award Shawn O'Malley the starting nod at shortstop Sunday.

Marte (thumb) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds, according to Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune.

Marte injured his thumb in Saturday's game in Cincinnati, and the setback is not initially believed to be serious. However, he will miss at least one game due to the setback, and sit out Sunday for the first time since April 20. Shawn O'Malley will get the start at shortstop in Marte's place.

Andrus went 1-for-4 with a solo homer Saturday at the Astros.

Andrus' first homer gave the Rangers a lead in the second inning that they'd never relinquish. He's now hit safely in seven straight games, and he's slashing .290/.338/.406.

Marte (thumb) is only expected to miss a few games after injuring his thumb Saturday against the Reds, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

X-rays have come back negative on Marte's thumb, so fortunately nothing is broke. He is still expected to miss a few games however, as the Mariners will likely be conservative. Shawn O'Malley should fill in for him at shortstop while he is out.

Marte exited Saturday's game with a sprained left thumb, but the Mariners have yet to announce the severity of the injury, Bob Dutton of the News Tribune reports.

Marte was replaced at shortstop by Shawn O'Malley after he appeared to jam his hand while stealing second base in the top of the fifth. There's still no word on whether Marte will need to miss additional time beyond Saturday, but if he does, O'Malley would likely continue to serve as his replacement at shortstop.