MLB Player News

Urias, who left Tuesday's game against the Mariners with a pulled left hamstring, is likely done for the season, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Manager Andy Green sounded fairly certain after the game that Urias' season is over, per Acee. The talented middle infielder pulled up in the eighth inning on the way to first base while trying to beat out a grounder and was helped off the field. He tweaked a hamstring in April and while that injury only cost him three games, this was apparently a pretty severe strain. Urias finishes the season with two home runs, one steal, a .208/.264/.354 slash line and 10:3 K:BB in 53 MLB plate appearances after posting a 127 wRC+ as the youngest qualified hitter in the Pacific Coast League. He won't turn 22 until next June and figures to compete for an everyday role with the big club in spring training.

Merrifield went 2-for-4 with an RBI, two runs and two stolen bases in Tuesday's win over the White Sox.

Merrifield stole second in the fifth inning and proceeded to steal third on a double-steal to give him 33 stolen bases on the year. Merrifield now ranks second in the majors in steals and his .303 batting average and 74 runs both rank within the top 10 among MLB second basemen. He also leads his team in doubles (36) and on-base percentage (.366) to round out what has been another highly productive season.

Urias was helped off the field in the eighth inning of Tuesday's game against the Mariners with an undisclosed left leg injury, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

He took an awkward step down the first base line in an effort to beat out a grounder and pulled up grabbing the back of his left leg. The fact he needed to be helped off the field obviously isn't a good sign. He was 1-for-4 with a strikeout before exiting.

Kemp went 2-for-2 with a walk and a two-run home run in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Tigers.

Kemp continued his hot hitting and is 8-for-21 (.381 average) with a home run and four RBI in July. The current health of the Astros' outfield leaves the 26-year-old without a true starting role, but he has played well enough as a fill-in to secure semi-regular opportunities.

Solarte is not starting Tuesday in Boston.

Solarte started in his first game back from an oblique injury but won't get to start two in a row. Devon Travis will start at second base, with Aledmys Diaz remaining the third baseman.

Frazier collected two hits for the second straight game Monday, going 2-for-5 with an RBI single.

He made his first start in right field since early August, allowing Josh Harrison (hamstring) to play second base for the first time in September. Frazier is the early favorite to start at second base in 2019, but he will likely remain in right field the rest of this season with Gregory Polanco (knee) ruled out for the remainder of the campaign. Since his recall July 25, Frazier is slashing .350/.400/.593 with 15 doubles, five homers and 21 RBI in 135 plate appearances.

Albies went 2-for-4 with a double, a triple and two runs scored in Monday's win over the Giants.

Albies' second half has been a far cry from his brilliant first half, as even with Monday's production factored in he's still batting just .253/.294/.353 since the All-Star break (170 at-bats). Those struggles have resulted in Albies falling to the bottom third of the batting order recently, but his season stats remain beyond impressive for a 21-year-old and he's shown improvement from the right side of the plate, providing a silver lining during this rough stretch.

Altuve banged his knee while attempting to turn a double play in Monday's win over the Tigers, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. He stayed in the game and finished 1-for-4.

Altuve had spent nearly a month on the disabled list earlier this season with soreness in the same knee, so there was some concern following the play. The second baseman said he was a little sore, but is confident he can play Tuesday.

Merrifield went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Monday's win over the White Sox.

Merrifield led off the first with his 12th home run of the season. He had been slumping lately with just three hits in his last 27 at-bats, but hopefully the homer will snap him out of his slump. He remains one of the best second basemen in baseball with his .302 average and 31 steals.

Marte is on the bench Monday against the Rockies.

Marte has been struggling against right-handed pitching of late and will sit for the third time in four games. He'll give way to Daniel Descalso, who looks to have at least temporarily secured the larger portion of the timeshare at the keystone.