MLB Player News

Merrifield went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer and was caught stealing during Saturday's 11-5 loss to the White Sox.

The 31-year-old was in the midst of a mini-slump as he was 0-for-9 over the past two games, but he got things going again Saturday. Merrifield is 12-for-37 with three home runs, three doubles, eight runs, nine RBI and one stolen base through nine games in 2020.

Lopez was removed from Saturday's game against the White Sox with a shin contusion, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

The 25-year-old sustained the injury when he was slid into while turning a double play, but it doesn't appear to be too serious. Lopez went 0-for-2 before leaving the contest and is day-to-day.

Kemp is not in the lineup for Saturday's game at Seattle.

Kemp is 0-for-7 with two runs, a stolen base and two walks through nine plate appearances, and he'll hit the bench with southpaw Yusei Kikuchi on the mound for the Mariners. Chad Pinder will receive the start at second base for the A's.

Lowe is not in the lineup against lefty Wade LeBlanc and the Orioles on Saturday.

The Rays have now faced three lefties this season, and Lowe has started against just one of them. Joey Wendle, who also bats left-handed, will start at second base in his absence.

Rojas was optioned to the Diamondbacks' alternate training site Saturday.

Rojas had logged just one at-bat over Arizona's first eight games this season, but Andy Young was called up to take his place in a corresponding move Saturday. Given Rojas' struggles at the plate during camp and lack of usage to begin the season, it's unlikely that he'll have a role with the major-league club unless injuries pile up.

Dubon isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rangers.

Dubon provided a nice boost to the Giants' offense with a multi-hit performance Friday, but he'll take a seat Saturday for the third time in the past four games. Donovan Solano is starting at second base and batting third.

Hernandez is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks.

After starting the season with seven consecutive starts, Hernandez will sit for the second straight game against Arizona. Max Muncy will shift to second base with Matt Beaty starting at first base and batting ninth.

Albies (wrist) is starting Saturday against the Mets and batting second.

Although Albies was held out of the lineup Friday with a stiff right wrist, he appeared as a pinch hitter and went 0-for-1. Given the brevity of his absence, the 23-year-old should be available going forward.

Kemp went 0-for-2 with a walk, a stolen base and a run in a loss to the Mariners on Friday.

The speedster drew the start at second base and operated out of the bottom of the order, and his wheels helped provide some of the only highlights of the night for the Athletics. Kemp has started three games thus far at the keystone and is still in search of his first hit, but he has now drawn a pair of free passes and scored two runs overall.

Diaz opted out of the 2020 season Saturday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Diaz was considering opting out amid the Marlins' COVID-19 outbreak, but he was officially placed on the restricted list Saturday. He becomes the 15th player to opt out during the shortened 2020 campaign in which many players have concerns about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Once the Marlins resume play, Jonathan Villar and Sean Rodriguez should handle most of the duties at second base.