MLB Player News

Rangers manager Chris Woodward discussed the possibility of Andrus (back) being a utility infielder in 2021, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

The Rangers are stuck with Andrus' hefty contract through the end of the 2022 season, and they've signaled potential changes at middle infield. "That would be a challenge, especially since he's never played another position," Woodward said about a shift to utility infielder. "I think, honestly, the biggest thing will be the second base one, if that's where we go, just because it's a different -- it's on the other side of the field. Third base is very similar, you're just a little more pull." Anderson Tejeda has received all the starts at shortstop since Andrus landed on the injured list, although the jury is still out on his ability to make the jump from High-A to MLB as an everyday starter. Isiah Kiner-Falefa is an option, but that would leave a hole at third base. Woodward and the Rangers will need to figure it out next spring, but he is adamant that Andrus will need to earn the spot. There's also an impressive list of free-agent shortstops due after the 2021 season, including Javier Baez, Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager and Trevor Story, which could factor into the decision.

Altuve went 1-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Altuve split the gap in the sixth inning to plate George Springer then later scored the eventual game-winning run on a Kyle Tucker single. Altuve's run-producing force out in the third inning snapped a 15-game streak without an RBI. The veteran has back-to-back games with extra-base hits.

Haggerty (forearm) continues to rehab at the alternate training site in Tacoma, but a 2020 return has been ruled out, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Haggerty simply ran out of time for a return this season, as his forearm issues apparently aren't far enough along to make a return sometime during the final week of the season realistic. The 26-year-old was a solid utility option in his first tour of duty with the Mariners, slashing .260/.315/.400 with four doubles, one home run, six RBI, four stolen bases, four walks and seven runs across 13 games while logging at least one appearance at third base, both corner outfield spots and designated hitter.

Castro went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk in a 5-2 win over the Indians on Saturday.

Castro extended his hitting streak to seven games. The 26-year-old is coming on strong, slashing .355/.412/.484 over his past 15 games.

Arroyo was removed from Saturday's game against the Yankees with back spasms, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

The 25-year-old struck out in both of his plate appearances before exiting the contest with the injury. Arroyo should be considered day-to-day until the team updates his status.

Espinal was optioned to the Blue Jays' alternate training site Saturday.

Espinal carved out a role with the Blue Jays in late August, but he saw his playing time dwindle in recent games. He should get more consistent playing time at the alternate training site and could serve as depth if injuries occur in the team's infield.

Torres isn't starting Saturday's game against the Red Sox.

Torres returned to the lineup Thursday after nursing a minor quad injury, but he'll get a day off Saturday as the Yankees ease him back into action. Tyler Wade will start at shortstop in his stead.

Castro is starting at third base and batting fifth in Saturday's game against Cleveland.

Isaac Paredes will get a breather Saturday, which opens up third base for Castro. The versatile 26-year-old is slashing .281/.361/.375 through 16 games so far this season.

Arroyo went 3-for-5 with a home run, four RBI and a run scored in a 6-5 loss to the Yankees on Friday.

Arroyo got the scoring going in the fourth inning with a moonshot three-run homer over the Green Monster to give the Red Sox a 3-0 lead. The 25-year-old provided another clutch hit when he singled up the middle, bringing around Michael Chavis to score to even the game up at 5-5 in the 11th. Since being called up Sept. 8, Arroyo is hitting .303/.343/.606 with three home runs, eight RBI and five runs scored in 35 plate appearances.

Torres went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Thursday's 10-7 win over the Blue Jays.

In his first game back in the starting lineup after nursing a minor quad injury, Torres launched one of a club-record five homers in the fourth inning. The 23-year-old is slashing .259/.365/.407 through 34 games with a disappointing three homers and 14 RBI.