MLB Player News

Lowe (back) went 2-for-4 with a walk and three runs scored Saturday in the Rays' 6-4 extra-inning loss to the Orioles.

After missing the past two months due to a stress reaction in his lower back, Lowe returned from the 60-day injured list Saturday and slotted in as the No. 2 hitter. The 28-year-old made an immediate splash in his return, coming around to score on a pair of wild pitches and on Yandy Diaz's base hit in the 10th inning. The lefty-hitting Lowe could find himself on the bench versus left-handed pitching, but he'll likely maintain a prominent spot in the lineup against righties now that he's healthy again.

Villar drew a walk in all three of his plate appearances in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Brewers.

Villar's run as the Giants' everyday third baseman looks to be over after Evan Longoria (oblique) returned from the injured list Saturday, but the rookie was able to stick in the starting nine at second base. He continued to turn in productive plate appearances for the Giants, as his on-base percentage now sits at a stellar .420 through his first 13 big-league games on the heels of the three-walk night. Though the presence of Longoria closes off regular work for Villar at one position, expect manager Gabe Kapler to find time to rotate the 25-year-old at third base, second base and designated hitter while he continues to excel at the dish.

Clement has gone 7-for-22 (.318) through nine games in July.

Clement hit safely in five straight games before going 0-for-1 off the bench against the Tigers on Saturday. Andres Gimenez (foot) left the contest in the fifth inning, and if he misses time, Clement could see a corresponding uptick in opportunities. The 26-year-old utility man is slashing just .211/.271/.234 with five RBI, 14 runs scored and three doubles through 141 plate appearances. Owen Miller could also pick up time at the keystone, which makes it unclear if Clement will see that much of a boost if Gimenez if out beyond the All-Star break.

Kim went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Diamondbacks.

Kim has hit safely in five straight games since he returned from a thumb injury. In that span, he's gone 7-for-20 (.350) with three doubles, four RBI, two runs scored and a steal. The shortstop owns a .243/.330/.364 slash line with five home runs, five steals, 31 RBI, 35 runs scored, 15 doubles and two triples in 83 contests overall. Kim's starting role at shortstop will likely be safe to begin the second half of the campaign, but he could see reduced playing time once Fernando Tatis (wrist) is ready to make his season debut.

Arraez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 6-3 victory over the White Sox.

Known primarily for his outstanding contact skills, Arraez is showing more pop than ever before this season. He now has a career-high five home runs after managing only two last year, and Arraez's slugging percentage (.451) is up more than 70 points from a year ago (.376).

India went 1-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run in Saturday's 11-3 loss to the Cardinals.

The 25-year-old led off the game with a long ball, but it was all downhill for the Reds after that. His season has been marred by injuries, most notably hamstring trouble, though India is showing signs of life at the plate. He's 13-for-43 (.302 average) with three doubles and two home runs in his last 10 games.

Polanco went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Saturday's 6-3 win over the White Sox.

Polanco's homer was his sixth of July, bringing his total to 14 this season. He's slugging .638 this month and could be in store for another big second half. The middle infielder slashed .287/.329/.585 for Minnesota after the All-Star break last season.

Gimenez was removed from Saturday's game against the Tigers prior to the fifth inning due to an apparent foot injury, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Gimenez was hit by a pitch on his foot in the bottom of the fourth inning and remained in the game to run the bases, but he was replaced defensively in the top of the fifth. The 23-year-old was named the starting second baseman for the National League All-Star team earlier Saturday, and he went 0-for-2 with a run and a strikeout to begin Saturday's game. It's not yet clear whether his foot issue will impact his availability for Sunday's series finale against Detroit or the All-Star Game.

Urias isn't starting Saturday against the Giants.

Urias is getting a rare day off after he went 2-for-16 with an RBI, two walks and eight strikeouts over the last four games. Jace Peterson is taking over at the hot corner and batting sixth.

Torres isn't starting Saturday against Boston.

Torres started the last four games and went 6-for-17 with a homer, two doubles, five runs, three RBI, two walks and five strikeouts. DJ LeMahieu is shifting to second base while Matt Carpenter enters the lineup in right field.