MLB Player News

Mayfield is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros.

Mayfield drew starts in the infield over the past three contests and went a collective 4-for-12 to extend his hitting streak to seven games dating back to Opening Day. Despite his solid production at the plate when called upon this season, Mayfield looks set to remain in a utility role. Third baseman Anthony Rendon is healthy again after a recent bout with an illness, and Tyler Wade and Andrew Velazquez appear to be manager Joe Maddon's preferred options in the middle infield over Mayfield.

The Astros placed Altuve (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Though general manager James Click relayed earlier Wednesday that imaging conducted on Altuve's strained left hamstring didn't reveal anything overly concerning, the 31-year-old will still be deactivated for at least the next week and a half while he waits for his left leg to fully heal. Click suggested a minimum-length IL stay could be in play for Altuve, but that will likely be contingent on the seven-time All-Star being able to run the bases and field his position without any discomfort within the next few days. The Astros will likely lean on a combination of Aledmys Diaz and Niko Goodrum to pick up starts at the keystone while Altuve is on the mend.

Arraez isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Royals.

Arraez will be idle for the second time in the last three games since left-hander Daniel Lynch is starting for Kansas City on Wednesday. Ryan Jeffers will serve as the designated hitter and bat eighth.

Altuve (hamstring) will remain out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Altuve's absence from the lineup for the second day in a row was fully expected after general manager James Click told SportsTalk 790 Houston earlier Wednesday that the 2017 American League MVP could require a brief stint on the injured list, even though an MRI on his strained left hamstring Tuesday revealed "really good results." Aledmys Diaz filled in for Altuve in Tuesday's 7-2 loss, and he and Niko Goodrum will likely end up seeing most of the work at the keystone if Altuve is forced to the IL.

Andrus went 2-for-2 with two walks and a run in a win over the Orioles on Tuesday.

The veteran shortstop was a thorn in the side of Orioles pitching in the low-scoring affair, snapping out of an 0-for-12 funk in the process. Andrus had gotten off to a hot start at the plate prior to his aforementioned four-game slide, and perhaps Tuesday's busy night will kickstart another stretch of success with the bat.

Astros general manager James Click said Altuve could require a minimum-length stay on the injured list, even though the MRI he underwent on his strained left hamstring Tuesday revealed "really good results," SportsTalk 790 Houston reports.

The Astros may wait a day or two to see what kind of improvement, if any, Altuve makes, but a brief stay on the IL may be what's best for the 31-year-old as he looks to avoid an aggravation of the hamstring injury that would sideline him for an even longer period of time. Aledmys Diaz filled in at second base for Altuve in Tuesday's 7-2 loss to the Angels and looks to be first in line to replace the 2017 American League MVP, though utility man Niko Goodrum could also be an option to see added playing time.

The Guardians placed Miller on COVID-19 injured list Wednesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Along with Miller, pitchers Cal Quantrill and Anthony Castro were placed on the COVID-19 injured list. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return, but Miller looks as though he'll be unavailable for both games of Wednesday's doubleheader with the White Sox, at a minimum.

Gimenez is out of the lineup for the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the White Sox, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

With southpaw Dallas Keuchel on the mound for Chicago for the matinee game, the lefty-hitting Gimenez will bow out of the starting nine, as is usually the case when the Guardians face left-handed pitching. The Guardians called up prospect Gabriel Arias from Triple-A Columbus and will install him as the starting second baseman and No. 7 hitter for the front end of the doubleheader in Gimenez's stead. Arias is up with the club as the 29th man for the twin bill, so he's expected to head back to Columbus after Wednesday's games and isn't believed to be a threat to Gimenez's starting role.

Miller is out of the lineup for the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the White Sox, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Miller will take a seat after seven straight starts, with his hot start to the campaign allowing him to usurp Bobby Bradley as the Guardians' preferred option at first base. Josh Naylor has since returned from the injured list and could be a factor at first base on days he doesn't play the corner outfield, but Miller's ability to play second base and designated hitter should afford him multiple avenues to holding down a full-time role so long as he's productive at the plate.

Lopez went 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles, a walk and an RBI in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Twins.

Lopez hit second in this contest after often hitting in the bottom third of the order to start the year. The move up was partially due to Carlos Santana's (undisclosed) absence from the lineup, but Lopez has also earned more at-bats. He's batting .385 with three doubles, two RBI and three runs scored through nine games, while both Whit Merrifield and Bobby Witt are sporting .139 batting averages. Lopez's solid contact skills at the plate and strong defense at second base will keep him as a fixture in the lineup, though fantasy managers would see more of a benefit if he stays closer to the top of the order.