MLB Player News

Semien went 1-for-5 with a home run, two runs scored and two RBI in Saturday's 16-3 win over the Phillies.

The second baseman got the rout started by driving the second pitch he saw from Zack Wheeler over the wall in right-center field in the first inning. Semien's 26 homers in 2022 were a bit of a disappointment after his 45-homer campaign the year before, but he made up for it with a career-high 25 steals. With one home run and one steal through the first two games of 2023, the 32-year-old could be a threat to deliver a 30-30 season.

Lowe left Saturday's game against the Tigers with a right toe contusion, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Whitaker reports that it's his big toe that suffered the bruise. The infielder was removed from the contest in favor of Isaac Paredes in what appeared to be a maintenance move after the Rays built up a 8-0 lead, but the Rays announced the injury designation shortly after. For now, Lowe should be considered day-to-day with a good chance of missing Sunday's game and returning for the series against the Nationals.

Ortiz (concussion) is playing in Florida and is expected to join Triple-A Norfolk for the affiliate's home opener Tuesday, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

Ortiz sustained a concussion during a Grapefruit League game, which wiped out much of his chance to audition for a major-league roster spot. The 24-year-old should be expected to see significant playing time at Norfolk this season, and a strong showing could get him to the majors before the end of the campaign.

Merrifield will sit Saturday against the Cardinals.

Merrifield got the start at second base on Opening Day, but it will be Cavan Biggio who takes over in the second game of the year. Merrifield stumbled to a .250/.298/.375 line last season and turned 34 in January, so there's no guarantee he continues to earn everyday at-bats.

Massey will be on the bench Saturday against the Twins.

Massey batted sixth and played second base in the season opener but finished the day 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts. Nicky Lopez will take over at the keystone in the second game of the year.

Gimenez went 2-for-4 with a walk, three runs scored and a stolen base in Friday's 9-4 win over the Mariners.

The second baseman's first pilfer of the season came on the front half of a double-steal with Myles Straw in the fourth inning, setting up Steven Kwan for a two-run double that put Cleveland in the lead for good. The Guardians went 3-for-3 on the basepaths in total against Cal Raleigh and Mariners pitching, and given their speed up and down the lineup, they could be one of the clubs that benefits most from MLB's rule changes to boost the running game. Gimenez stole 20 bases in 2022, but his 94th percentile sprint speed last year per Statcast suggests he could top that total easily if given the chance.

Rosario went 2-for-6 with an RBI and his first stolen base of the season in Friday's 9-4 win over the Mariners.

Cleveland went 3-for-3 on the basepaths in total against Cal Raleigh and Seattle's pitchers, and given the Guardians' speed up and down the lineup, they could be one of the clubs that benefits most from MLB's rule changes to boost the running game. Rosario has hit second in each of the first two games of 2023, and a consistent spot in the lineup between Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez can only help his fantasy production.

Andrus went 1-for-4 with a stolen base Friday against the Astros.

After hitting eighth Opening Day, Andrus hit at the bottom of the White Sox's order Friday. He reached base on an infield single in the fifth inning and then proceeded to swipe second base -- his first steal of the season -- before being stranded. Andrus is locked into the starting second base role in Chicago, and he should be a source of moderate production in both home runs and stolen bases.

Hensley went 2-for-3 with an RBI, a walk and a stolen base during Friday's win against the White Sox.

The 27-year-old made his season debut after Mauricio Dubon started at second base Thursday. Hensley impressed by reaching base three times, including in the eighth inning on a 101.8 mph single. He posted a 1.027 OPS in a small MLB sample last season and looks to be paving the way for regular playing time, at least until Jose Altuve (thumb) returns.

Julien (ankle) went 1-for-4 with a home run Friday for Triple-A St. Paul.

Julien hurt his ankle late in spring training but it doesn't seem to be an issue to begin the regular season. Julien begins the minor-league season where he left off in the spring, as he homered in his first game for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic and also hit three home runs in big-league spring training with a 1.114 OPS. A strong start at Triple-A could see him called up earlier rather than later this season, especially if Jorge Polanco's knee injury becomes a long-term issue.