MLB Player News

Lowe isn't in the lineup Wednesday for Game 4 of the ALCS against the Astros.

Lowe has been in a bit of a slump to begin the series, as he's gone 1-for-13 with one run, one walk and five strikeouts. He'll get a breather Wednesday as the Rays hold a 3-0 lead in the ALCS. Mike Brosseau will start at second base in his absence.

Polanco underwent surgery to remove a mild bone spur and a small bone chip on his right ankle Monday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Reports emerged in early October that the shortstop had played hurt throughout the season, which could help explain his uninspiring .258/.304/.354 slash line. As it turns out, the injury was bad enough to require surgery. The procedure isn't expected to set Polanco back too much, though, as he'll start physical therapy in a week and should be ready for spring training.

Altuve went 2-for-5 with a solo home run Sunday in the Astros' 2-1 loss to the Rays in Game 1 of the ALCS.

Altuve staked Houston to an early lead with his leadoff blast of Blake Snell, but the Astros weren't able to muster much offense the rest of the way in the series opener. The second baseman endured a rough regular season, but his bat is heating up at the right time for Houston. He'll now left the yard in three consecutive postseason contests.

Torres went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run, a second run scored, a stolen base and a walk during Thursday's Game 4 win over Tampa Bay.

The 23-year-old was 2-for-10 with three walks and five strikeouts through the first three games of the series, but he broke out to power the Yankees' offense in Game 4. Torres has a .450/.593/.750 slash line with two homers in 27 plate appearances this postseason.

Altuve went 3-for-5 with a solo home run and a single during Wednesday's loss to the Athletics in Game 3 of the ALDS.

Altuve launched a 440-foot solo homer in the first inning off Jesus Luzardo. The veteran is now hitting 5-for-12 with three RBI against Oakland heading into a potential series-clinching Game 4.

Semien went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a single and a walk during Wednesday's win over the Astros in Game 3 of the ALDS.

Semien launched his solo blast in the fifth inning off Jose Urquidy, playing a role in keeping the Athletics' season alive. Semien's slashed a pedestrian .223/.305/.374 during the regular season, but he's come alive in the playoffs with a .391 average (9-for-23) with a double, two homers, three RBI, three walks and five runs across six contests.

Mayfield was dropped from the Astros' roster ahead of the division series against the Athletics, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Mayfield did not play a part in either wild-card game against the Twins, so it's no surprise that he was deemed surplus to requirements heading into the next round. The Astros will add a reliever, Luis Garcia, in his place.

Polanco's ankle bothered him throughout the season more than previously reported, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Polanco was healthy enough to start 53 games at shortstop, but he was playing at less than full strength for much of the year. That could help explain why his slash line fell from .295/.356/.485 in 2019 to .258/.304/.354 this season and gives some reason to believe he'll bounce back in 2021.

Torres went 4-for-4 with a two-run homer while knocking in three Tuesday to help defeat the Indians in Game 1 of the Wild Card Round.

Torres hit a two-run homer off Shane Bieber in the fifth inning, resulting in Bieber being pulled from the game. The 23-year-old proceeded to record three other hits and a walk, contributing to the Yankees' domination of Cleveland. Torres slashed .243/.356/.368 in the 2020 regular season as he provided a spark for the Yankees while hitting seventh in the lineup.

Espinal will join the Blue Jays for the AL Wild Card Round against Tampa Bay.

Espinal appeared in 27 games for the Blue Jays in his rookie season but didn't do much at the plate, hitting .267/.308/.333. He'll be a bench option for this series.