MLB Player News

The Diamondbacks will focus on how best to deploy Marte during the offseason, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Arizona has enjoyed Marte's flexibility, moving him between second base and center field with occasional work at shortstop. The team is reconsidering that flexibility in light of three straight seasons of health and injury issues. In 2019, there was stress reaction in his back; in 2020, it was a left wrist injury; and in 2021, he's had two stints on the injured list with hamstring issues, one in each leg. Underneath it all, the Diamondbacks have wondered if moving him around the diamond -- and the unique actions needed to perform at multiple positions -- might have an adverse effect on the player. Having a healthy Marte would make a difference to the lineup and improve his trade value should Arizona consider moving the 27-year-old at some point during the final three years of his contract.

Rojas (finger) went 0-for-3 with an RBI for Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Rojas started at shortstop and played seven innings for the Aces. If there are no setbacks, Rojas could be reinstated in a matter of days. With Arizona giving ample opportunities to younger players, Rojas would likely see everyday work in the infield.

Mayfield went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, an additional RBI, a stolen base and a walk in a 4-3 extra-inning win over the Dodgers on Friday.

Mayfield took Dodgers starter David Price deep with a solo shot in the sixth inning. After the Angels took a one-run lead in the 10th, he tacked on an insurance run with a single to right field. Mayfield has slammed three homers over his past four games, going 7-for-14 with five RBI over that span. Prior to the hot stretch, he was batting .187 with four homers over 91 at-bats.

Kim isn't starting Friday's game against the Diamondbacks, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Kim has had increased playing time at shortstop recently with Fernando Tatis (shoulder) sidelined, but he'll be out of the lineup for a second straight game. Jake Cronenworth will start at shortstop while Eric Hosmer takes over at first base.

Ibanez isn't starting Friday's game against the Athletics.

Ibanez had drawn 13 consecutive starts, but he'll get a breather after going 4-for-17 with two home runs, four RBI, four runs and three strikeouts across the last five games. Yonny Hernandez will take over at the keystone and bat ninth.

Arauz was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Friday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

The 23-year-old will rejoin the Red Sox two days after being demoted with Jarren Duran (undisclosed) landing on the COVID-19 injured list. Duran hasn't tested positive for the virus at this point, so it could be a quick stay in the majors for Arauz if Duran continues to test negative.

Short is not in the starting lineup Friday against Cleveland, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Short will sit for the second time in four games as he continues to struggle through a 4-for-48 slump that dates back to July 18. Harold Castro will start at shortstop and bat third Friday.

Brujan has gone 13-for-39 (.333) with five doubles, six steals, seven RBI, seven runs and a 6:4 BB:K since being sent back to Triple-A Durham.

After he uncharacteristically struck out a bunch in his short cup of coffee with the Rays, Brujan's plate discipline has looked better than ever back at Durham. The over-the-fence power he showed earlier this year is still missing in action, but Brujan's main appeal has always been his excellent on-base ability and elite wheels -- a rare combo in today's game. Where he ultimately fits in for the Rays is an open question, but it's worth noting that Brujan (a second baseman by trade) has seen time at shortstop, third base and all three outfield positions this year. Fantasy-wise, he could certainly benefit from an offseason trade to another organization, as the Rays' roster and pipeline are fairly crowded at practically every single one of those positions. Nonetheless, whether it's in Tampa Bay or elsewhere, he should break in as a full-time major leaguer by next year.

Merrifield went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in Thursday's 3-2 win over the White Sox.

While the second baseman went hitless for the second time in three games, he made an impact in his lone time reaching base. Merrifield continues to be one of baseball's best speedsters with 29 stolen bases in 30 attempts this year. He's added a .272/.317/.394 slash line with eight home runs, 54 RBI, 58 runs scored and a pair of triples in 467 plate appearances as Kansas City's leadoff hitter.

India went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and an additional run scored in Thursday's 7-4 win over the Pirates.

India cranked a home run off Wil Crowe to begin the game in the first inning. He added a walk and scored in the second frame. The 24-year-old has reached base safely in his last 10 games. Over that stretch, he has four home runs, eight RBI and 11 runs scored. On the season, he is slashing .284/.404/.458 in 407 plate appearances. His 61 runs is second-most in all of baseball among rookies behind Randy Arozarena.