MLB Player News

Merrifield went 0-for-2 with two walks, an RBI, a run scored and three stolen bases in Saturday's 5-2 win over Atlanta.

The 34-year-old got off to a slow start on the basepaths this season, but Merrifield seems to have figured out that stealing is easier than ever in 2023. He's now 11-for-12 on stolen base attempts through 32 games, including seven pilfers in the last seven contests thanks to a pair of three-steal performances. His .284 batting average and .341 OBP would also be his best marks since 2019, but he isn't yet showing much power, swatting just one homer with a .388 SLG.

Polanco went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 11-1 rout of the Cubs.

He took Hayden Wesneski deep in the fifth inning, one of five Minnesota homers on the day. Polanco snapped a 12-game homer drought with the performance, and he's still struggling to find his timing after his delayed start to the season. Through 20 games, he's slashing .259/.276/.424 with three home runs, 12 RBI and a 2:22 BB:K.

Semien went 1-for-3 with one RBI, one run scored and two steals in Saturday's win over the Athletics.

Semien ran wild in the first frame, leading off with a single to center and eventually swiping both second and third base to bump his season total up to seven steals. He was rewarded for the effort, as a Nathaniel Lowe single brought him around to score and get the Rangers on the board. As the leadoff man for MLB's top scoring offense, Semien remains an elite fantasy option, with the third most runs scored and fifth most RBI in MLB while making significant contributions in home runs and steals.

Arroyo (hamstring) took some swings during Kutter Crawford's (hamstring) live batting practice session Saturday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Arroyo has been out for a week with a strained right hamstring. He isn't expected to be ready to return when first eligible Wednesday but appears to be trending in the right direction.

Gonzalez (shoulder) was activated from the 10-day injured list Saturday.

Elvis Andrus was placed on the IL with an oblique strain, so there could be at-bats available at the keystone over the next couple weeks. However, Hanser Alberto is starting over Gonzalez on Saturday.

Andrus was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a strained left oblique.

Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) was activated in a corresponding move. Hanser Alberto, who is starting at second base Saturday, and Gonzalez will be tasked with the keystone duties in Andrus' absence.

Arroyo (hamstring) won't be ready to return from the injured list when first eligible May 17, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Manager Alex Cora said that Arroyo is progressing well, but it will probably take a few days longer than the minimum 10 days before he is activated. Pablo Reyes, whom the Red Sox just acquired from Oakland for cash, is starting at second base against southpaw Steven Matz on Saturday, while Enmanuel Valdez continues to handle the keystone against righties.

Valdez will sit Saturday against St. Louis, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Valdez hits the bench against lefty Steven Matz, with Pablo Reyes taking over at second base. Valdez has started against 11 consecutive righties and is hitting .311/.340/.511 in 47 plate appearances overall, but he's only gotten the call against two of the five lefties the Red Sox have faced since his late-April promotion.

Lowe will sit Saturday against the Yankees, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Lowe's off day comes against lefty Nestor Cortes. Lowe started against a southpaw on Opening Day but has sat against each of the eight lefties the Rays have faced since then. Lowe probably could have used a day off regardless of who was on the hill for the Yankees, as he's gone hitless in his last seven games and owns a .355 OPS over his last 17 contests. That slump contrasts strongly with the 1.045 OPS he recorded over his first 17 games of the year. Taylor Walls will take over at second base.

Andrus left Friday's game against the Athletics with an apparent injury, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Andrus was seen holding his side as he jogged back to the dugout and was unable to continue. Hanser Alberto took over at second base. Andrus should be considered day-to-day at this point.