MLB Player News

Schneider went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Friday's 7-3 win over the Red Sox.

Called up from Triple-A Buffalo earlier in the day, Schneider got the start at second base and hit seventh in his debut and wasted no time making an impact, driving the third pitch he saw in the big leagues -- an 83.8 mph cutter from James Paxton -- deep over the Green Monster in the second inning. Schneider's numbers at Buffalo were impressive, and if he keeps hitting he could work his way into a short-side platoon role for the Jays, taking over at the keystone while Whit Merrifield spells one of the team's lefty-swinging outfielders. Santiago Espinal can also handle that role, but his .599 OPS on the season doesn't present a tough hurdle for Schneider to clear.

Merrifield went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Friday's 7-3 win over the Red Sox.

The Blue Jays hit five homers on the night, and Merrifield got things started by driving the first pitch he saw from James Paxton down the left-field line and into the seats atop the Green Monster. The 34-year-old has 10 homers on the season but five of them have come since the All-Star break, and Merrifield is slashing a scorching .354/.361/.570 during that stretch with two steals, 13 RBI and 14 runs in 20 games.

Ibanez is not in Saturday's lineup against the Rays.

Ibanez is a part-time player for the Tigers, with three of his last four starts coming against left-handed pitchers. He heads to the bench with Aaron Civale on the mound for the Rays. Matt Vierling shifts to third base, allowing Miguel Cabrera to start at designated hitter while Kerry Carpenter mans right field.

Westburg went 2-for-3 with two walks, a three-run home run and a second run scored in Friday's 10-3 win over the Mets.

Getting the start at second base and batting fifth, the rookie took Reed Garrett deep in the seventh inning to help put the game out of reach. Westburg hasn't yet been able to carve out an everyday spot in a loaded O's lineup, but the 24-year-old is doing his part at the plate to demonstrate he deserves one, batting .324 (12-for-37) over his last 13 games with his first two career home runs and stolen bases.

Drury (shoulder) went 1-for-4 in Friday's 9-7 loss to the Mariners.

Drury played the full game at second base after missing over a month with a shoulder injury. It was unclear what kind of playing time he would see upon his return, but with Zach Neto (back) going on the injured list, Drury has a chance to take over second base with Luis Rengifo moving to shortstop. Drury has had a productive season, slashing .276/.322/.497 with 14 home runs, 45 RBI, 36 runs scored, 17 doubles and two triples over 76 contests.

Rengifo went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk and an additional run scored in Friday's 9-7 loss to the Mariners.

Rengifo logged his seventh multi-hit effort in his last 13 games, a span in which he's batting .315 (17-for-54) with nine extra-base hits. It looked like his path to everyday playing time would close with Brandon Drury (shoulder) returning from the injured list Friday, but Zach Neto (back) was placed on the IL as the corresponding move. With Neto sidelined, Rengifo will likely take over the starting shortstop job in the interim and retain the leadoff gig. Rengifo is slashing just .230/.318/.397 on the year with 11 homers, 34 RBI, 42 runs scored and five stolen bases through 96 contests, but he's been hot enough lately to warrant a look outside of AL-only formats.

Caballero went 1-for-2 with a stolen base in Friday's 9-7 win over the Angels.

Caballero's at-bats remain limited, but he's gone 3-for-13 (.231) with four steals over his last eight games. The second baseman had a window to gain playing time after Kolten Wong was designated for assignment, but it's been Josh Rojas and Dylan Moore who have instead picked up most of the extra work at the keystone. Caballero is slashing .227/.352/.326 with 19 steals, three home runs, 21 RBI and 27 runs scored over 210 plate appearances.

Gimenez went 3-for-4 with a homer, two doubles, two runs scored and two RBI in Friday's win over the White Sox.

Gimenez put the Guardians on top with his two-run shot in the fifth inning. It was his 10th long ball of the year and first since July 24. Gimenez has gone 14-for-71 (.197) in 19 games since the All-Star break, dropping his season slash line to .239/.309/.387 through 421 plate appearances.

Rojas is out of the lineup Friday against the Angels.

Jose Caballero will start at second base and bat ninth as the Mariners take on left-hander Reid Detmers. The lefty-swinging Rojas has gone 0-for-6 with two strikeouts since Seattle acquired him from the Diamondbacks at Tuesday's trade deadline.

Drury (shoulder) was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Angels manager Phil Nevin had indicated that Drury would remain on his minor-league rehab assignment through the weekend, but that was before the 30-year-old infielder connected for a long two-run homer at Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday night. He is playing second base and batting fifth Friday against the Mariners following a month-long absence due to left shoulder inflammation.