MLB Player News

Kemp went 2-for-4 with a triple and a run in a loss to the Angels on Sunday. He was also caught stealing on his only attempt.

Kemp operated out of the top of the order for the first time this season and generated his second multi-hit effort in the last three contests. The veteran has shown a propensity for hard contact during that small sample, recording a double, Sunday's triple and a solo home run, with the latter two qualifying as his first of the year in those respective categories. While he doesn't possess a true everyday role at present, Kemp's .392 on-base percentage and three steals in four attempts are a big part of what affords him some fantasy value in AL-only formats and deep mixed leagues, and his recent modest flurry of extra-base hits would certainly boost it even further if it persisted over a longer sample.

Chavis was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Monday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Chavis had been up since early May and hit well enough in a part-time role, recording a .758 OPS in 33 trips to the plate. His 0:13 BB:K told a very different story, however. He'll get regular at-bats at the Triple-A level, with Christian Arroyo (hand) expected to return from the injured list to take his big-league bench role.

Westburg was named the Low-A East Player of the Week on Monday after he went 10-for-19 with a home run, two doubles, three walks, two stolen bases, five runs and five RBI over his last five games for Delmarva.

The 22-year-old won the award one week after his Delmarva teammate, Gunnar Henderson, took home the honors. Westburg is slashing .400/.521/.636 with three home runs and four stolen bases over his first 15 games of the season with the affiliate.

Rosario went 4-for-5 with a double, a triple and two RBI in Sunday's loss against the Twins.

Rosario fell a home run short of hitting for the cycle, and this was also the third time he recorded two or more hits over his last five appearances. While the shortstop is not expected to record four hits on a regular basis, there's no question he's seeing the ball well of late, as he's hit .316 over his last 10 appearances.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Arroyo (hand) is likely to return from the 10-day injured list ahead of Tuesday's game against Atlanta, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Arroyo was included in the lineup Sunday for Triple-A Worcester in what was likely his fifth and final rehab game. He went 1-for-5 with a double and three strikeouts while playing all nine innings at second base, so he appears to have escaped the game without any setbacks to his bruised left hand. Once reinstated from the IL, Arroyo will likely serve as a utility infielder for Boston.

Andrus is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels.

Andrus started each of the past four games at shortstop, with a 2-for-15 showing over that stretch dropping his season average to .178. The 32-year-old has been one of the majors' least-productive regulars in 2021, and it won't be surprising if he soon loses hold of his everyday role in the middle infield to Chad Pinder, who enters Sunday's game with a .902 OPS.

Espinal will start at third base and bat seventh Sunday against the Rays.

Espinal will be in the lineup for the sixth time in seven games, and at this point, he appears to have emerged as the primary replacement at third base for the injured Cavan Biggio (neck). The 26-year-old should provide capable defense at the hot corner, but he hasn't offered much of an impact with the bat over his 114 career MLB plate appearances (73 wRC+).

Merrifield went 1-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Saturday's 7-5 win over Detroit.

Merrifield drew a leadoff walk in the first inning and scored on an Andrew Benintendi single. In the eighth, Merrifield reached on an infield single and stole second for his 13th stolen base of the year. The 32-year-old has added four home runs, 24 RBI, 27 runs scored and a .250/.321/.381 slash line in 193 plate appearances as Kansas City's main leadoff hitter.

Lowe is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The left-handed Lowe will head to the bench with southpaw Hyun Jin Ryu twirling for the Blue Jays. Mike Brosseau checks in for Lowe at second base.

Arraez (shoulder) will start at second base and bat leadoff Sunday in Cleveland.

Arraez emerged from Saturday's 5-3 loss with some right shoulder discomfort, but the issue won't be serious enough to keep him on the bench for Sunday's series finale. The 24-year-old is expected to see most of his reps in the corner outfield when the Twins are at full strength, but he'll man second base for the third game in a row while Jorge Polanco (ankle) is day-to-day.