MLB Player News

Andrus isn't starting Saturday against the Angels.

Andrus started in the last five games and went 4-for-16 with two doubles, a run, an RBI, a walk and three strikeouts. He'll get a breather while Nick Allen starts at shortstop and bats ninth.

Donovan isn't starting Saturday against the Pirates, John Denton of MLB.com

The 25-year-old has started exclusively against right-handed pitchers since joining the major-league club, and he'll take a seat with southpaw Jose Quintana on the mound Saturday. Nolan Gorman made his major-league debut at second base Friday, so Donovan will likely see most of his playing time in left field going forward.

Gorman isn't starting Saturday against the Pirates, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Gorman made his major-league debut in Friday's series opener against Pittsburgh, and he went 1-for-3 with a run and a walk. However, he'll get a breather with left-hander Jose Quintana on the mound Saturday. Tommy Edman will shift to second base while Edmundo Sosa (ankle) returns to the lineup at shortstop.

Rojas was removed from Saturday's game against the Cubs after being hit by a pitch on his left hand in the top of the first inning, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Rojas swung when he was hit by a pitch, so he struck out during his lone plate appearance Saturday and was replaced defensively in the bottom of the first. The severity of the 27-year-old's injury isn't yet clear, but he should tentatively be considered day-to-day. If Rojas misses additional time, Yonny Hernandez should see increased work at the hot corner.

Altuve isn't starting Saturday's game against the Rangers.

Altuve started in the last six games and hit .346 with two home runs, three doubles, five runs and three RBI. Aledmys Diaz will take over at the keystone and bat seventh Saturday.

Hoerner (ankle) will run the bases Saturday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Hoerner was cleared for baseball activities this week, but Saturday's workout will mark the first time he's run the bases since sustaining his ankle injury. The 25-year-old has been on the injured list for nearly a week, and it's possible he'll require a minor-league rehab assignment prior to rejoining the Cubs.

Marte is starting Saturday against the Cubs.

Marte has dealt with a sore hand recently, and he was out of the lineup for three of the last four games. However, he'll start at the keystone and bat third during Saturday's matchup, and he's also expected to start Sunday. Since the start of May, the 28-year-old has hit .365 with a home run, a triple, seven doubles, 11 runs, five RBI and a stolen base over 16 games.

Hernandez moved from center field to shortstop in the eighth inning Friday after Xander Bogaerts exited Boston's 7-3 win over the Mariners with a back injury.

Hernandez filled in because Christian Arroyo was unavailable; Arroyo started in right field but was replaced by a superior defender in Jackie Bradley to start of the seventh inning. If Bogaerts is required to miss any time, Arroyo will likely fill in while Hernandez maintains his primary role as the team's starting center fielder.

Marte is expected to play Saturday and Sunday against the Cubs, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Eyebrows were raised when the Diamondbacks gave Marte the day off Friday. He had missed games Tuesday and Wednesday with a sore left hand but returned to play Thursday. Apparently, the club was being cautious in not wanting the second baseman to make back-to-back starts after having just returned from injury.

Merrifield went 2-for-3 with a sacrifice fly, a walk and a run scored in Friday's 6-4 loss to the Twins.

Merrifield saw a 10-game hitting streak end Thursday versus the White Sox, but he was right back at it Friday. The versatile 33-year-old's surge has lifted his slash line to .206/.243/.277 with two home runs, 17 RBI, 15 runs scored and six stolen bases through 38 contests this season. He'll continue to see time at both second base and in the outfield, especially with Michael Taylor (illness) missing from his usual spot in center field.