MLB Player News

Kennedy went 1-for-4 with a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's 7-5 loss to the Rays.

Getting the start at second base and batting seventh with Tampa Bay southpaw Tyler Alexander set for a bulk relief outing, Kennedy swiped his first career base in the majors while collecting his second hit since his promotion. The 25-year-old has supplied a homer and four RBI in four games, and he could spot in around the Tigers' injury-weakened infield more often than expected if he continues to produce.

Altuve went 1-for-5 with a solo home run Wednesday in a loss to the Cubs.

Altuve launched a solo blast off closer Hector Neris in the ninth inning to bring the Astros to within a run, but the team ultimately fell short. The long ball was Altuve's sixth of the season, though he has only eight RBI. The star second baseman is otherwise having a fantastic campaign, slashing .350/.412/.602 with 17 runs and three stolen bases.

Gelof was diagnosed with a left oblique strain Wednesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Gelof's injury was initially described as "left abdominal soreness" and caused him to be scratched from Oakland's lineup prior to Wednesday's game. However, his injury now appears to be more severe than initially thought, and it will likely cause him to land on the injured list. The A's haven't specified how long the 24-year-old may be out for, but Abraham Toro, who filled in for Gelof on Wednesday, will likely see consistent reps at second base in his absence.

Lopez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Twins.

Lopez will get a breather after starting each of the last nine games, with the last four coming as the White Sox's leadoff hitter. Danny Mendick will replace Lopez at the keystone and set the table for Chicago on Wednesday.

Keith is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays.

Keith will cede the keystone to Buddy Kennedy, marking the rookie's second absence from the lineup in four games. The 22-year-old has opened his big-league career with a .165/.224/.177 slash line through his first 85 plate appearances, and his ongoing struggles could be starting to cost him some playing time.

Massey is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.

The 26-year-old had started four of the first five games after being activated from the injured list, but he'll head to the bench Wednesday while Adam Frazier handles second base. Massey is 3-for-14 with two RBI since returning from a back injury.

Julien is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the White Sox.

The lefty-hitting Julien will retreat to the bench Wednesday while southpaw Garrett Crochet takes the bump for Chicago. Kyle Farmer will step in for Julien at second base and will bat eighth.

Angels manager Ron Washington said Wednesday that Drury is still feeling soreness from the left hamstring injury he sustained last week, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Drury is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Orioles for a third straight game, although Washington said the 31-year-old is available to pinch hit. The Angels are off Thursday, so Drury could be ready to return to the lineup Friday versus the Twins. Luis Rengifo will likely continue to play second base until Drury is ready to play the field again.

Drury is out of the lineup for Wednesday's contest versus the Orioles, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Drury missed three games last week with a hamstring injury before returning to play three straight contests over the weekend. However, he's now been absent from the lineup for all three games of the series against Baltimore, so it's fair to wonder whether the hamstring injury could be lingering or if he's simply being phased out amid his slow start to the season. Drury has struggled to a .547 OPS over 73 plate appearances thus far.

Stefanic (quadriceps) has been taking ground balls and batting practice, and he is scheduled to resume his running progression Tuesday, per MLB.com.

Stefanic landed on the injured list March 28 after straining his left quad in his first Cactus League contest in late February. The 28-year-old's progress toward a return was slowed by a setback in mid-March, but he appears to be back on the road to recovery. Stefanic could feasibly be ready to resume game action by the end of April, though he will likely need a minor-league rehab assignment given that he logged only one plate appearance in spring training.