MLB Player News

Ornelas started at third base and went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored in Friday's 3-0 win over the Rays.

Ornelas entered the starting lineup with Josh Smith (hamstring) unavailable. Smith has been the primary fill-in at third base for the injured Josh Jung (wrist), whose return has hit a delay. It was the same injury that forced Smith to miss four games in June, and Ornelas could be in line for starts over the weekend. Since getting called up from Triple-A Round Rock, Ornelas is 3-for-8 with a walk, two doubles, an RBI and a run scored over five games.

Keith went 2-for-5 with two home runs and three total RBI in Friday's 5-4 win over the Reds.

Keith hit a solo blast in the third inning, then followed that up with a two-run shot in the fifth. The 22-year-old now has seven home runs this season, with four of them coming in the last 10 games. During that stretch, he's batting .286 with a .945 OPS. Keith seems to be delivering on his prospect potential after a slow start to the year, and he could be a difference maker in fantasy leagues the rest of the way if he keeps this up.

X-rays on Altuve's left hand came back negative following his removal from Friday's game versus Minnesota, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

Altuve made an early exit from Friday's game in the eighth inning after taking a pitch off his hand, but he managed to escape the incident with only a bruise. It's possible he sits out a game or two in order to give his hand a chance to properly recover, but an extended absence isn't likely. The 34-year-old is slashing .387/.457/.516 with a homer and five RBI over his last seven games.

Altuve was removed from Friday's game against the Twins after getting by a pitch, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Altuve took a 94 mph sinker off his left hand/wrist during the eighth inning of Friday's contest and was taken out of the game after conferring with a trainer. He'll presumably undergo imaging in the clubhouse, and the Astros should offer an update on his status after the game.

Torres exited Friday's game against the Red Sox due to right groin tightness.

Torres suffered a similar injury to his right groin a few weeks ago, and he seems to have aggravated the issue while legging out an infield single during Friday's contest. The Yankees don't have any plans in place to take him in for imaging at the moment, which suggests the team doesn't believe his latest flareup is anything too severe. However, it remains possible the 27-year-old sits out Saturday's contest as a precaution.

Torres was removed from Friday's game versus Boston with an apparent leg injury, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Torres came up limping after beating out an infield single in the fourth inning, and he was immediately replaced on first base by Oswaldo Cabrera. Torres missed a few games in June due to a groin issue. The details of his latest injury will come once the Yankees are able to take a closer look at him.

Massey isn't in the Royals' lineup Friday against the Rockies.

Massey owns an .836 OPS in 32 plate appearances against left-handers this season, but he'll step out of the lineup Friday as the Royals load their lineup with right-handed bats versus southpaw Kyle Freeland. Salvador Perez will serve as the DH while Massey rests, allowing Freddy Fermin to start at catcher.

Polanco is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Toronto.

Polanco is absent from the starting nine for a second consecutive game, as Dylan Moore fills second base and bats eighth Friday. Polanco is slashing .195/.284/.292 across 208 plate appearances this season.

Frazier (thumb) has returned from his rehab assignment and was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Friday.

Frazier required only one rehab game with Double-A Northwest Arkansas, where he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout, before being cleared to return. Frazier is slashing .211/.297/.299 across 165 plate appearances with the Royals and should mix in at third base and in right field.

Massey went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Thursday's 10-8 loss to the Rays.

Massey started at second base for the first time since he returned from the injured list June 24. Prior to Thursday's game, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reported that the Royals' plan is to get Massey some playing time in the field before the All-Star break. He had previously been limited to designated hitter as the team eases him back in following another back injury. With Massey approaching full health, Maikel Garcia may shift back to third base more frequently, while Nick Loftin and CJ Alexander are in line for reduced roles. Massey is slashing .273/.289/.516 with eight homers, 25 RBI, 21 runs scored and no stolen bases over 137 plate appearances this season.