MLB Player News

Polanco went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's win over the Orioles.

Polanco's solo shot tied the game at three in the bottom of the ninth inning. Jose Miranda hit a walk-off single later in the inning to give the Twins the win. Since returning from the IL, Polanco has gone 3-for-16 with two home runs and five strikeouts. The second baseman has a .241 batting average to go along with nine homers on the season.

Merrifield went 2-for-4 with an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored in Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Tigers.

Merrifield has notched six of his 13 stolen bases this year in his last 14 games, showing a renewed commitment to running. In that span, he's gone 15-for-55 (.273), lifting his season slash line to .233/.282/.317 across 76 contests. He's added three home runs, 33 RBI and 38 runs scored as the Royals' everyday leadoff hitter. Given the recent progress at the plate and fearlessness on the basepaths, Merrifield's looking more reliable in fantasy now than he was even two weeks ago, though he still shouldn't be counted on for power.

Altuve went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, two doubles, three total runs and a stolen base in Saturday's 9-1 victory against the Angels.

Altuve was a big part of Houston's offense in the win, doubling and scoring in each of the first two innings before knocking a solo home run in the sixth. Of the second baseman's past nine hits, seven -- four doubles and three homers -- have gone for extra bases. Altuve has also been running more of late, tallying three thefts over his past six games. With six steals on the season, he has already surpassed the five he totaled in 2021.

Marte went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in Saturday's 11-7 loss to the Rockies.

Marte went 0-for-8 in his previous two games, and his homer Saturday was his first extra-base hit in eight contests since he returned from a hamstring injury. The 28-year-old is expected to remain as the designated hitter, as he's been kept out of the field since his return. The second baseman is slashing .264/.351/.424 with five homers, 24 RBI, 37 runs scored, four stolen bases and 23 doubles in 285 plate appearances. Given how cautious Arizona has been with the star infielder, it would be surprising to see him test his luck on the basepaths much in the near future.

Rodgers went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run and a walk in Saturday's 11-7 win over the Diamondbacks.

Rodgers' lone hit of the contest was a big one in the first inning, giving the Rockies a 4-0 lead. He's hit safely in 10 of his last 12 games, going 17-for-48 (.354) in that span with two homers, 12 RBI and six runs scored. The 25-year-old infielder's surge has stabilized his slash line at .264/.316/.438 through 288 plate appearances. He's added eight homers, 40 RBI, 38 runs scored, 18 doubles and two triples, and he should continue to start regularly at second base.

Rosario went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in a 6-1 loss to the Yankees in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader.

Rosario went 0-for-3 with a walk in the matinee, but he was able to spot the Guardians an early lead with his first-inning blast in the nightcap. He did go without a hit in consecutive contests for the first time since May 5-7, an impressive stretch that's seen him emerge as a reliable bat in the No. 2 spot in the order. The 26-year-old is slashing .287/.322/.397 with three homers, 23 RBI, 40 runs scored and nine stolen bases through 298 plate appearances. All three of his long balls have come since June 15, so it looks like his power is trending in the right direction, though his playing style is more contact-oriented.

Rojas is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rockies.

Rojas hasn't been a platoon player since his return, and in fact he has some reverse splits so far this year, but he will sit Saturday against lefty Austin Gomber. Jake Hager will man the hot corner for Arizona. After a three-hit game Friday, Rojas is now batting .260/.326/.385 with four homers and five stolen bases in 46 games this season.

Gimenez isn't starting the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Yankees.

Gimenez started at second base in Saturday's matinee and went 1-for-3 with a double, a run, a walk and a strikeout. He'll take a seat while Owen Miller starts at the keystone and bats sixth.

Torres isn't starting the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Guardians.

Torres was productive during the first game in the twin bill, as he went 3-for-4 with three RBI, a run and a walk. However, he'll get a breather while DJ LeMahieu shifts to second base with Joey Gallo entering the lineup in right field.

Estrada was scratched from the lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox due to an illness, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Estrada was slated to start at second base Saturday, but Jason Vosler will step in at the keystone and bat seventh. It's not yet clear whether Estrada will be available off the bench, but he should tentatively be considered day-to-day.