MLB Player News

Altuve went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored in Friday's win over the Orioles.

Altuve got hot early Friday; he singled and scored in the first inning before knocking an RBI double in the second. He capped off his day with another RBI double and another run scored during Houston's nine-run sixth inning. Altuve has caught fire after a lackluster May, producing a .995 OPS with 11 RBI over his last 12 games. His season slash line now sits at .301/.351/.460 with 27 extra-base hits and 45 runs scored.

Manager Aaron Boone indicated after Friday's game that Torres (groin) was available off the bench, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Despite being available, Torres never entered the contest, leaving his status for Saturday's game in question. Jahmai Jones or Oswaldo Cabrera would likely enter the lineup if Torres remains on the bench.

Stefanic is starting at second base and batting eighth in Friday's game against the Dodgers, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Stefanic was inserted into Friday's lineup after Brandon Drury was scratched due to an illness. Since being recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on June 8, Stefanic has played in seven major-league games, going 6-for-22 with four RBI.

Drury was scratched from the Angels' lineup ahead of Friday's game against the Dodgers due to an illness, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

After being scratched from Wednesday's lineup, Drury was set to return to action Friday following the team's off day Thursday. His illness appears to have lingered, however. Michael Stefanic will start at second base and bat eighth against Dodgers right-hander Landon Knack, per Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register.

Drury (illness) is batting sixth and playing second base Friday against the Dodgers.

Drury was a late scratch Wednesday due to illness but after a team day off Thursday, he's feeling good enough to play. The second baseman is 1-for-6 since returning from the IL on Monday and owns a .469 OPS on the year.

Horwitz is not in the lineup for Friday's contest in Cleveland.

After starting five straight games following his promotion, Horwitz has now been on the bench three times in the last seven contests, including twice against right-handers. Orelvis Martinez is getting the call at second base Friday.

Torres (groin) was deemed day-to-day after his MRI came back clean Friday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Torres was lifted from Thursday's game as a precaution due to right groin discomfort, and an MRI confirmed that the injury isn't anything serious. Still, Torres may need a day or two for recovery, which could open up more work for Oswaldo Cabrera and Jahmai Jones.

Torres (groin) is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Atlanta.

Torres exited Thursday's game with right groin soreness and will get the night off Friday to recover. Oswaldo Cabrera will bat ninth and play second base.

Gelof went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in a loss to the Royals on Thursday.

Gelof temporarily tied the score with his two-run shot off Seth Lugo in the seventh inning. After a slow start to the season, the second baseman has perked up with the bat of late, going deep in each of his past three contests and driving in seven runs across his past four games. Gelof's strikeout woes have continued over that span, though, as he's fanned eight times to push his strikeout rate on the season up to an ugly 34.7 percent.

Gimenez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Mariners.

Gimenez entered the contest 0-for-13 over his last three games. The homer was his first since May 22, and it was his first extra-base hit since June 8. The second baseman is at a .257/.310/.357 slash line with five homers, 12 stolen bases, 37 RBI and 37 runs scored through 67 games this season.