MLB Player News

Biggio went 2-for-2 with a solo home run, two walks and two total runs scored in Friday's 9-4 win over the Brewers.

Biggio padded the Blue Jays' lead with his seventh-inning solo shot. While he's struggled to produce at the plate, there's been signs of life lately for the infielder, as he's gone 5-for-7 across his last three games with both of his homers on the year in that span. He's lifted his slash line to .220/.373/.390 with 10 RBI, 14 runs scored and a stolen base through 103 plate appearances, though he'll have to sustain this small hot streak to regain a regular role in the lineup.

Arroyo went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and an additional RBI during Friday's 6-3 win at Cleveland.

Arroyo rejoined the lineup Friday after spending the past week-plus on the COVID-19 injured list, and he came up with the bases loaded in his first plate appearance only to be hit by a pitch. The 27-year-old then delivered a two-run homer during the seventh inning to give the Red Sox the lead for good. Arroyo started at shortstop Friday with Xander Bogaerts receiving a rest day, but he's likely to see more time in the outfield while Enrique Hernandez (hip) remains on the injured list.

Hoerner went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in Friday's 3-0 win over the Cardinals.

Hoerner opened the scoring with a long ball off Cardinals starter Andre Pallante in the second inning, and that was ultimately all the Cubs needed. This continued a solid June for Hoerner, who is hitting .292 (21-for-72), though he hadn't homered since May 26. The infielder has a .286/.320/.411 slash line with four homers, 22 RBI, 19 runs scored, six stolen bases, six doubles and three triples across 56 contests overall.

Polanco (back) is expected to resume participating in baseball activities Friday, and manager Rocco Baldelli hopes the second baseman will be activated from the 10-day injured list during the upcoming series in Cleveland, which begins Monday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old was eligible to return from the injured list Thursday, and it appears his activation is on the horizon. Polanco may not require a minor-league rehab assignment before being reinstated if his return to baseball activities goes well this weekend.

Estrada is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Reds, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Estrada started the past 15 games and will head to the bench Friday after posting a .231/.310/.385 slash line during that stretch. Donovan Walton will start at the keystone and bat eighth for San Francisco.

Lopez will sit Friday against Oakland, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Lopez finds himself on the bench for the third time in five games. All three absences, including Friday's game against Cole Irvin, have come against lefties, so it looks like he may be slipping into the strong side of a platoon. Whit Merrifield will be the second baseman Friday while Emmanuel Rivera starts at third.

Drury isn't starting Friday's game against the Giants.

Drury will get his first day off since June 8 after he went 6-for-17 with a double, a run, an RBI and two strikeouts over the last four games. Donovan Solano is starting at the hot corner and batting second Friday.

Mathias was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

Mathias provided infield depth for the Brewers over the last few weeks but saw sporadic playing time. He's hit just .125 with a homer, four RBI, two runs and a stolen base over six major-league games this year and should see more consistent at-bats in the minors. Mike Brosseau (ankle) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Friday.

Arroyo was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Friday.

Arroyo will return to the team ahead of their three game series against the Guardians, rejoining the squad after being placed on the COVID-19 IL on June 15. The 27-year-old has struggled in the month of June, going 2-for-16 with a double, an RBI, two runs and two stolen bases over 16 at-bats in seven games. With the Red Sox next series being in Toronto, Arroyo may be asked to step into a larger role due to the unvaccinated status of some of his teammates.

McNeil (hamstring) is not in the starting lineup for Friday's matchup with the Marlins, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

McNeil was expected to have a shot at returning Friday, but he will miss his third consecutive game. Dominic Smith will start again at designated hitter and bat eighth in the series opener. McNeil remains day-to-day and will be available off the bench if needed Friday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.