MLB Player News

Merrifield went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run Friday night against the Dodgers.

Merrifield clubbed his first long ball of spring training in the fifth inning, putting the Royals out in front 4-3. The 30-year-old hit for average in 2018 (.304) but his power numbers noticeably declined from his 2017 season. He belted 12 homers and 60 RBI through 158 games last year compared to 19 home runs and 78 RBI in 145 contests in 2017.

Mathias (head) appears to be just fine after getting hit in the helmet with a pitch Friday against San Francisco, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

It's always alarming when a player gets plunked on or around their head, although Mathias managed to walk away unscathed. He's expected to be fine moving forward, although the Indians may monitor him closely as a precaution.

Mathias exited Friday's game against the Giants after being hit by a pitch in the helmet, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

The details surrounding Mathias' status are unclear at this point, so he'll be considered day-to-day until further evaluation takes place.

Andrus went 2-for-3 with a grand slam Friday against the Rockies.

Andrus belted his first home run of camp in the third inning, giving Texas an early lead. He's off to a strong start at the dish this spring, as he's now 7-for-14 with a home run, five RBI and two runs scored. Andrus will open up the 2019 campaign as the everyday starter at shortstop and will aim to stay healthy after playing a career-low 97 games in 2018.

Mendick is considered day-to-day after getting hit by a pitch in his right wrist Thursday against the Angels, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Mendick didn't require X-rays after departing the contest and simply has a bruise, which is positive news for the White Sox. He'll be evaluated on a daily basis moving forward.

Mendick departed Friday's spring game against the Angels after being struck by a pitch in his right hand, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

More details surrounding the injury likely won't surface until the team runs further tests. He was having a strong day at the dish prior to the injury, collecting two hits and an RBI in three at-bats.

Semien went 2-for-4 with a double, a solo home run and a second run scored in a 5-1 Cactus League win over the Giants on Thursday.

The veteran shortstop was just 4-for-18 this spring entering Thursday's contest, but he broke out with an encouraging performance. Semien is playing 2019 on a one-year, $5.9 million deal and will be looking to prove himself worthy of a lucrative multi-year contract. The 28-year-old bounced back from an injury-marred 2017 last season to play in 159 games and log a career-high 703 plate appearances, delivering the second-highest RBI total (70) of his career while setting new high-water marks in doubles (35), runs (89) and steals (14).

Altuve (side) is not in Friday's lineup against the Cardinals.

He was scratched from Thursday's contest with side soreness, which the team says is a minor issue. The Astros acknowledged he might not play Friday but still expect him back sometime this weekend.

Altuve (side soreness) could have played Thursday if it were a regular-season game, according to manager AJ Hinch, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

He was apparently a little sore after batting practice, so the Astros didn't hesitate to scratch him and plug in Tony Kemp. Friday was going to be Altuve's scheduled day off, but he may be able to play in that game. Otherwise the Astros expect him back at some point this weekend.

The Astros scratched Altuve from their lineup for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins due to "general left side soreness," Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

It's only a minor concern for Altuve, who is being viewed as day-to-day. Nick Tanielu was added to Houston's lineup as the second baseman while Tony Kemp moved up to the two hole, the spot in the order Altuve is expected to occupy once the regular season arrives.