MLB Player News

Julien will hit the bench Saturday against the Mets.

Julien has only started five games against southpaws all season, so it's no surprise to see him on the bench here against David Peterson. While he's crushed righties to the tune of an .885 OPS, his .452 OPS in a tiny sample of 42 plate appearances against lefties means he's unlikely to advance beyond a platoon role any time soon. Kyle Farmer enters the lineup, starting at third base while Royce Lewis rests his legs in Julien's usual designated hitter spot.

Rengifo will undergo additional testing on his injured biceps in the next few days, Doug Padilla of The Orange Country Register reports.

Rengifo was injured while taking a practice swing in the on-deck circle during Thursday's game, and he was subsequently diagnosed with a biceps injury. The utility man said Friday that he was feeling better, though he was wearing a brace on his left elbow, and Angels manager Phil Nevin stated that his prognosis "doesn't look great." The injury comes at a particularly unfortunate time for Rengifo, as he was in the midst of his best offensive stretch of the campaign, riding a 14-game hitting streak during which he slashed .446/.476/.804 with five homers, 14 RBI, nine runs and a stolen base.

Kemp isn't in Oakland's lineup Friday against the Rangers.

Lefty Jordan Montgomery will toe the slab for Texas to begin Friday's contest, so Kemp will stay put in the Athletics' dugout. Aledmys Diaz will take over as Oakland's left fielder and bat fourth.

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

Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi will start on the mound for the Jays, meaning Massey will be on the bench to begin the game. Nick Loftin will man second base.

Rojas isn't in the Mariners' lineup Friday against Tampa Bay.

Rojas will take a seat Friday after going 3-for-15 with two runs scored through the first week of September. Dylan Moore will fill in at second base and bat ninth while Rojas sits.

Sosa isn't in the White Sox's lineup Friday against Detroit.

Sosa will get a breather Friday after going 2-for-14 through four games to begin September. Elvis Andrus will man the keystone and bat seventh while Sosa rests.

Westburg isn't in the Orioles' lineup Friday against Boston, Danielle Allentuck of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Westburg will sit down for the second straight game Friday despite being on a five-game hitting streak. Adam Frazier will draw the start at second base while Ramon Urias mans the hot corner.

Torres went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and an additional run scored in Thursday's 10-3 loss to the Tigers.

Torres reached 25 home runs for the first time since 2019, when he tallied 38 long balls. The 26-year-old infielder has been swinging a hot bat lately, posting a robust .429/.529/1.071 slash line over his last nine games with three doubles, five home runs, nine RBI, 10 runs and a steal across 34 plate appearances during the torrid stretch.

Ibanez went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Thursday's 10-3 win over the Yankees.

Ibanez drove in a run on a sacrifice fly in the third inning, then plated two more with a home run in the eighth, his 10th long ball of the season. The utility player came into 2023 with just eight total home runs at the MLB level across two seasons, so the double-digit output has been a bit of a surprise.

Rengifo exited Thursday's game with a strained left bicep, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Rengifo was forced to leave the game after suffering the injury in the on deck circle in the first inning. Randal Grichuk entered the game as a pinch hitter, and Rengifo's likely absence should benefit both Grichuk and Trey Cabbage.