MLB Player News

Polanco (ankle) returns to the lineup Wednesday against Detroit, batting seventh and playing shortstop.

Polanco missed Tuesday's game with a sore ankle, though the issue was evidently a very minor one. Even with the Twins having already clinched a playing berth, the team evidently sees no reason to have him sit for the second straight day.

Arroyo (back) will bat ninth as the second baseman Wednesday against the Orioles, Steve Hewitt of the Boston Herald reports.

Arroyo was sidelined for Boston's last two games with back spasms. He's good to go now, however, and will look to build on his .895 OPS in his first 10 games in a Red Sox uniform over the final few days of the year.

Rengifo will start at second base and will bat ninth Wednesday against the Padres.

Rengifo will be rewarded with a second straight start after going 2-for-3 with an RBI and two stolen bases in Tuesday's 4-2 win. With Andrelton Simmons informing the Angels on Tuesday that he was opting out of the season, Rengifo should get the opportunity to play regularly in the middle infield over Los Angeles' final four games.

Arauz drew the start at second base and went 2-for-3 with a run scored in Tuesday's 8-3 win over Baltimore.

Arauz made his second straight start and has appeared in three consecutive games. Christian Arroyo is dealing with a back injury, so this an opportunity for the 22-year-old to see regular at-bats. After a promising start this season, Arauz has been overmatched during the current month, going 3-for-20 with 10 strikeouts since the start of September.

Rengifo went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two stolen bases Tuesday in a win over San Diego.

Rengifo stole second base after singling in both the second and sixth innings, then plated a run on a sacrifice in the eighth. The swipes were a mild surprise given that he entered the contest with only three career steals in six attempts.

Torres went 3-for-5 with a double, a run and two RBI during Tuesday's 12-1 win over Toronto.

The 23-year-old entered with a .981 OPS in September and continued his strong run at the plate in Tuesday's blowout. Torres has a .262/.375/.402 slash line with three homers, 17 runs and 16 RBI in 38 games this season.

Polanco is sitting out Tuesday's game against the Tigers with ankle soreness, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

It's unclear when the 27-year-old picked up the injury, but he's receiving the day off Tuesday as a result. Neal indicates the Twins hope he'll be back in the lineup Wednesday, but it also wouldn't be surprising to see them give him additional rest in front of Thursday's scheduled off day.

Polanco isn't starting Tuesday against the Tigers.

Polanco recorded hits in each of the past two contests, but he's struck out seven times over the last four games. He'll retreat to the bench as Ehire Adrianza starts at shortstop.

Arraez (knee) suffered a minor ankle sprain at the Twins' alternate training site Monday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Although Arraez experienced a minor setback in his recovery, his timeline is only expected to be delayed by a few days. He should be included in the Twins' 40-man postseason pool. Once he's healthy, he should resume his role as the starting second baseman, but Marwin Gonzalez should continue to fill in while Arraez is unavailable.

Arroyo (back) isn't starting Tuesday against the Orioles, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Arroyo will miss a second consecutive game with back spasms even though the Red Sox got a day off Monday. Jonathan Arauz is starting at second base Tuesday.