MLB Player News

Rodriguez went 2-for-3 with a walk in Monday's 8-1 loss to the Astros.

Rodriguez, who batted fifth, and seventh-place hitter Josh Harrison combined for four of the team's five hits. In fact, the four hitters ahead of Rodriguez in the lineup went 0-for-14, so the 27-year-old infielder didn't have many opportunities to post counting stats. That said, Rodriguez has done nothing but hit lately, as he's now batting .301 with a 1.008 OPS.

Lopez will have his contract selected from Triple-A Omaha prior to Tuesday's game against the Rangers.

According to Rustin Dodd of The Athletic, Lopez will immediately step in as the Royals' primary second baseman. The addition of Lopez will move Whit Merrifield to the outfield on a more regular basis, while third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez will likely shift to a bench role as part of the domino effect of the roster shuffle. The promotion is warranted for Lopez, as the well-regarded prospect was slashing .353/.457/.500 with a trio of homers and nine stolen bases through 31 games with Triple-A Omaha this season. Jake Newberry was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Torres (elbow) is back in the lineup Monday against Baltimore.

Torres was hit in the elbow by a pitch Friday but remained in the game and started Saturday's contest. He was given the day off Sunday due to elbow soreness but won't need a second day to rest. He'll hit fifth and play shortstop against the Orioles.

Kemp started in left field and went 3-for-5 with a triple, an RBI and three runs scored in Sunday's 15-5 win over the Rangers.

Kemp was one of several hitting stars for the Astros on Sunday. The three-hit day was his first of the season and second multi-hit performance. This was just the fourth start in the last 15 games for Kemp, whose swing is feeling every bit of that inactivity. He pushed his average from .188 to .226 with the effort.

Castro was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Sunday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Castro will head back to the minor leagues after hitting .227 with a double in nine games since being promoted April 30. Josh Harrison (shoulder) is set to be activated from the injured list prior to Monday's matchup with the Astros and will take Castro's place on the 25-man roster.

Castro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The lefty-hitting Castro will sit with southpaw Martin Perez on the hill for Minnesota, but the 25-year-old looks like he may have a temporary hold on a large-side platoon role while Josh Harrison (shoulder) on the shelf. Castro had started six of the Tigers' previous eight games, with his last four appearances coming at second base. He's only managed five hits in 22 at-bats since his promotion from Triple-A Toledo, however, so Castro hasn't done enough yet to warrant much intrigue in the fantasy realm.

Torres is out of the lineup Sunday at Tampa Bay due to a sore right elbow, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Torres was hit by a pitch on the right elbow Friday but played all nine innings Saturday, though he was apparently a little sore when making throws from shortstop. The 22-year-old didn't have any issues while swinging a bat and went 2-for-4 with a double, but the team just wants to give him a day to rest up. Thairo Estrada is starting at shortstop for the Yankees in Sunday's series finale.

Torres is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rays, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Torres was drilled by a pitch in the right elbow during Friday's series opener, but he was able to fight through any discomfort and play the entirety of Saturday's 7-2 loss to the Mariners, finishing 2-for-4 with a double and a run. With the Yankees citing no injury behind Torres' absence, it's likely that he's just getting some maintenance for the day game after a night game. Thairo Estrada will start at shortstop in Torres' place.

Altuve (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

Altuve suffered the left hamstring strain in Friday's game and manager A.J. Hinch indicated earlier Saturday that a trip to the IL was likely. The strain was described as "slight," so the 29-year-old may be able to avoid an extended stay on the shelf. Aledmys Diaz -- who hit a grand slam Saturday night -- figures to be the primary fill-in at second base for the Astros in his absence.

Rodriguez went 2-for-3 with a walk and a pair of solo homers in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Twins.

Rodriguez hit his fourth homer of the season in the second inning against Michael Pineda. He got Pineda again for his fifth of the year in the fourth inning. He's now hitting .323/.368/.742 in 68 plate appearances.