MLB Player News

Short (forearm) will bat ninth and play shortstop Saturday against the White Sox.

Short hadn't seen the field since getting hit by a pitch Wednesday against the Yankees, though he doesn't have an everyday role at the moment, so his absence may not have been injury-related. He hasn't done much to stake a claim for more at-bats down the stretch, posting a .442 OPS in the last month and a .645 OPS on the year.

Frazier will sit Saturday against southpaw Chris Sale and the Red Sox.

Frazier has filled a strict platoon role in the second half, as the only two lefties he's started against have been openers. The Orioles have shifted Jordan Westburg to second base and inserted Jorge Mateo at shortstop against most southpaws over the last few months, and they'll go with the same setup Saturday.

Merrifield will sit Saturday against Kansas City.

Merrifield hits the bench after going 0-for-4 in each of his last four games. Davis Schneider starts at second base Saturday while Daulton Varsho starts in left field, the two spots Merrifield has split his time between this season.

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.