MLB Player News

Chavis will start at second base and bat leadoff Thursday against the Athletics, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Chavis will be filling in for Marwin Gonzalez in the series finale, but it's Bobby Dalbec who likely has to worry about Chavis stealing his spot in the everyday lineup. Dalbec was benched for the past two games in favor of Chavis, who went 2-for-7 with three strikeouts while stepping in at first base.

Torres won't play in Thursday's game against the Rays out of "an abundance of caution" while the MLB and MLBPA joint committee continue to review the results of his COVID-19 tests, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

The Yankees already have seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 among their coaching and support staff, but no players have been added to the COVID-19 injured list at this point. New York is hopeful to gain clarity on Torres' situation by the end of the day, which could allow the shortstop to return to action Friday in Baltimore if he's confirmed to have tested negative.

Altuve went 1-for-5 with a leadoff home run in the Astros' 9-1 win Wednesday over the Angels.

Altuve cranked the first pitch of the game from Andrew Heaney off the foul post for his fourth home run. He has a current eight-game hitting streak after a rough stretch in the final week of April. The 31-year old has three home runs, five RBI and six runs during his streak. He is slashing .286/.325/.438 in 123 plate appearances.

Rosario went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI in Wednesday's 2-1 extra-inning win over the Cubs.

Rosario hit a game-tying RBI double in the sixth inning and a walkoff RBI single in the 10th to drive home both runs for Cleveland. The 25-year-old has recorded multiple hits in three of the seven games he's played this month, but he's 0-for-15 in the other four contests. Overall, Rosario has a .211/.279/.347 slash line with two home runs, nine RBI, 14 runs scored and a stolen base through 104 plate appearances. His versatility has led to playing time at both shortstop and in center field.

Torres is not in the lineup Wednesday as a precaution while awaiting COVID-19 test results, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

The 24-year-old previously tested positive for the virus and is fully vaccinated, so he should be back with the team within a day or two, assuming he continues to test negative. Tyler Wade will start at shortstop in Torres' place Wednesday.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wednesday that Hernandez (hamstring) could begin a minor-league rehab assignment at Triple-A Worcester by the end of the week, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Hernandez was placed on the 10-day injured list May 7 due to a right hamstring strain, but he's not expected to be sidelined much more than the minimum amount of time. While Hernandez has been on the shelf, Marwin Gonzalez has taken over as the Red Sox's primary leadoff hitter.

Castro is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Royals.

Castro had started three of the past four games for Detroit, producing eight hits -- all singles -- in 14 at-bats over that stretch. The 27-year-old still looks set to remain in a utility role for the time being, but he could get a longer trial in an everyday role if primary second baseman Willi Castro (.570 OPS) continues to languish.

Lopez went 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored in Tuesday's 8-7 loss to Detroit.

Lopez walked and scored on a Jorge Soler three-run home run in the eighth inning. In the ninth, Lopez hit a single and scored on Soler's three-RBI double. The 26-year-old Lopez hadn't produced multiple hits in a game since April 20. He's slashing .220/.327/.308 with no home runs, two stolen bases, seven RBI and 17 runs scored in 111 plate appearances. With only four hits in his last 35 at-bats, Lopez has gone fairly cold at the plate.

Gimenez went 0-for-2 but was hit by a pitch, stole a base and scored a run in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Cubs.

Gimenez got aboard after he was plunked by Cubs starter Adbert Alzolay in the fifth inning. He then stole second and scored on a Cesar Hernandez two-run homer. Through 80 plate appearances, Gimenez has two home runs, four stolen bases, five RBI and nine runs scored. He'll likely remain in a platoon role with Amed Rosario at shortstop for the foreseeable future.

Polanco went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Tuesday against the White Sox.

Polanco took Dylan Cease yard in the second inning to record his third home run of the season. After logging only three extra-base hits in his first 19 games, Polanco now has five doubles, one triple and three home runs across his last 10 contests. His overall line has steadily improved to .246/.313/.404 with 15 RBI and 16 runs scored across 128 plate appearances.