MLB Player News

Merrifield went 1-for-3 with two walks in Saturday's 3-0 loss to the Yankees.

Merrifield hadn't gotten on base multiple times in a game since April 12 as he's struggled to begin the season. The versatile veteran is slashing just .141/.190/.179 with three stolen bases, four RBI, four runs scored and three doubles in 19 contests. He's been bumped from the leadoff spot for Nicky Lopez, though neither of them are doing much to impress with the bat. With Adalberto Mondesi (knee) likely out for the season, Merrifield should serve as the everyday second baseman. His strong defense is enough to keep him in the lineup, allowing him the opportunity to play through a slump on offense.

Arroyo (calf) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles.

Following Saturday's 2-1 loss, Arroyo relayed that he was dealing with tightness in his left calf, but the extent of the injury isn't yet fully known. The issue is significant enough to send him to the bench Sunday, though Arroyo may have been in line to fill his typical utility role anyway with J.D. Martinez (adductor) returning from a three-game absence. Arroyo had filled in for Martinez as Boston's designated hitter the past two days, going 1-for-7 with a home run and two RBI between those starts.

Ibanez batted sixth and went 1-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base in Saturday's 3-1 win over Atlanta.

Ibanez had been mired in the lower third of the order before a stretch of consistent hitting resulted in him moving up. He extended his hitting streak to five games and swiped his second bag of the season. Ibanez is a fixture at third base against right-handed starters while Charlie Culberson starts against lefties.

Arroyo is dealing with tightness in his left calf, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Arroyo's injury is not considered serious, and the Red Sox are planning to evaluate him again Sunday. With a team off day Monday, don't be surprised if he gets at least a day to rest.

Acuna (hamstring) is rehabbing in extended spring training and should return to High-A Hickory late next week, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Acuna strained his hamstring in Hickory's season opener and was originally supposed to miss at least two weeks. It looks as though he'll miss approximately three weeks instead, but he's trending in the right direction and shouldn't have his development set back significantly.

Andrus, who went 1-for-4 with a hit-by-pitch and two runs in Friday's loss to the Guardians, is hitting .185 (5-for-27) with three walks, eight strikeouts and three runs overall across the last eight games.

The veteran shortstop opened the season on a tear at the plate by posting a .364 average across his first six games, but he's mostly been in a deep funk since then. Andrus did struggle for most of the first two months of last season before picking up some steam, as he was slashing .207/.262/.264 as late as June 10 before picking up the pace by hitting .266 over his final 85 games.

Kemp went 1-for-2 with an RBI double and two runs in a loss to the Guardians on Friday.

The veteran leadoff man made some noise out of the top of the order and scored multiple runs for the second time this season. Kemp has hit safely in three of his last four games and is carrying a solid .262 average and .355 on-base percentage through his first 76 plate appearances.

Frazier isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Marlins.

Frazier is in the midst of a five-game hitting streak in which he's gone 5-for-21 with a double, five runs, four RBI, two walks and three strikeouts. Abraham Toro will start at the keystone and lead off Saturday.

Rosario isn't starting Saturday's game against Oakland.

Rosario has gone 1-for-13 with two runs and two strikeouts in his last three appearances, and he'll be out of the lineup for a second straight game. Andres Gimenez will shift to shortstop while Ernie Clement starts at second base.

Arraez isn't starting Saturday's game against the Rays, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Arraez has started against just two southpaws this year, and he'll get a breather with left-hander Shane McClanahan starting for the Rays on Saturday. Gary Sanchez will serve as the designated hitter while Ryan Jeffers starts behind the dish.