MLB Player News

Ibanez isn't starting Tuesday against the Royals.

An 0-for-24 stretch at the plate over Ibanez's last six games will force him to the bench for Tuesday's contest. Nick Maton and Zach McKinstry will take over at second and third base, respectively.

Rosario went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Monday's 3-0 win over the White Sox.

Rosario had one of the Guardians' four hits in the contest, but he couldn't come home after his first-inning single and steal. The shortstop has hit a rough patch, going 5-for-33 (.152) over his last eight contests. He's slashing .247/.282/.341 with a home run, eight steals, 10 RBI and 21 runs scored through 41 contests. Despite the poor hitting, he's remained in the No. 2 spot in the order on a near-everyday basis.

Dubon went 1-for-4 with a solo home run, two walks and two runs scored Monday against the Brewers.

Dubon has started only one of Houston's last five games due to the return of Jose Altuve. However, Altuve received a rest day Monday, giving Dubon the chance to man second base and bat lead off. He took advantage by popping a leadoff home run in the fifth inning -- his first of the season. Dubon has maintained a capable 108 wRC+ and .326 wOBA across 162 plate appearances this season, but for now, he lacks consistent playing time.

Caballero went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Monday's 11-2 win over the Athletics.

Caballero's two homers this season have come in his last two games. He made it a 5-0 lead for the Mariners with his second-inning blast. Prior to finding his power swing, he'd gone 3-for-17 across his previous eight games. The infielder is slashing .276/.371/.431 with 10 RBI, 11 runs scored and six stolen bases through 70 plate appearances in his first taste of the big leagues. He'll need to keep hitting to fend off Kolten Wong for the starting job at second base.

Merrifield went 4-for-4 with a two-run homer in Monday's loss to Tampa Bay.

Merrifield was perfect at the plate Monday, highlighted by his two-run shot to put Toronto on the board in the fourth inning. He was stuck in a 9-for-43 (.209) slump since his last multi-hit game May 7. Merrifield is now slashing .287/.339/.387 with 11 extra-base hits and 19 RBI through 41 games.

Arroyo (hamstring) is expected to head out on a rehab assignment Friday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Arroyo was originally on track to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, but the Red Sox will give him a few more days to rest and recover. He has an outside shot to rejoin the big club before May comes to a close.

Valdez (undisclosed) has returned to the Red Sox' lineup for Monday's game against the Angels, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Valdez was lifted from Sunday's game versus the Padres with an undisclosed issue, but whatever it was no longer appears to be of concern. He's at second base and batting seventh against Jaime Barria.

Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas by the Athletics on Monday.

Diaz earned regular starts at second base for a while, but he's seen that playing time dip of late as he slumped at the plate. The 22-year-old will try to get back on track at Las Vegas and earn another opportunity.

Espinal was placed on the 10-day injured list by the Blue Jays on Monday with a right hamstring inflammation, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

There had been hope Espinal would avoid the IL and the fact that the Jays are calling it inflammation and not a strain would seem to suggest they're just being extra cautious. Otto Lopez is up to take Espinal's roster spot.

The Royals activated Lopez (appendectomy) from the 10-day injured list Monday.

Lopez has been out of commission all month following an appendectomy. Now that he's healthy again, Lopez will likely see at least semi-regular starts at either second or third base, but other than a modicum of speed, the 29-year-old offers little else to get excited about from a fantasy perspective.