MLB Player News

Kemp started in left field and went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Rangers.

The Astros promoted prospect Kyle Tucker and planned on giving him a shot to take the everyday job in left field, but that hasn't worked out. With the rookie hitting just .143 (6-for-42), Kemp has emerged as a logical candidate to get most of the starts in left. That could change if the Astros decide to trade for an outfielder ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. Another wrinkle is Marwin Gonzalez likely getting time in left field once shortstop Carlos Correa (back) is ready.

Solarte is out of the lineup Sunday against the White Sox.

Solarte has been stuck in a 5-for-43 rut at the dish over his last 10 games, so he'll be given a breather as the newly acquired Brandon Drury picks up a second straight start at third base. In the event manager John Gibbons elects to open up a permanent lineup spot for Drury, Solarte would still have a fairly clear path to everyday at-bats at shortstop or second base as part of a double-play tandem with Lourdes Gurriel.

Andrus is out of the lineup Sunday against the Astros.

Andrus will give way to Jurickson Profar at shortstop as the Rangers look to give the veteran some rest for the day after the night game. After hitting just .214 over his first 22 games back from the disabled list following an extended absence due to a fractured elbow, Andrus has caught fire at the plate since the All-Star break, slashing .375/.422/.575 with two home runs and two steals.

The Athletics recalled Barreto from Triple-A Nashville ahead of Sunday's game against the Rockies.

Barreto joins the Athletics for his fifth stint of the season with the big club in need of infield depth after Chad Pinder (elbow) was moved to the disabled list. It's expected that Barreto will be ticketed for a reserve role after managing a lowly .246 on-base percentage through his first 134 plate appearances in the majors.

The Astros placed Altuve (knee) on the 10-day disabled list Sunday, Christian Boutwell of MLB.com reports.

The DL move had been expected since Saturday after Altuve's right knee failed to show dramatic improvement over the last couple of days. With the Astros now making the transaction official, Tyler White was formally recalled from Triple-A Fresno to take Altuve's spot on the active roster.

Rodriguez, who is starting at third base and batting sixth Sunday, has been dealing with a sore groin the past few days, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Rodriguez hasn't started since Wednesday, but as a player who's been in and out of the lineup this year, the issue didn't really come to light. In any case, it seems like it was a minor issue, as the 26-year-old will return to action Sunday. On the season, Rodriguez is slashing a subpar .164/.208/.164 in 23 games.

McNeil will draw his third consecutive start Sunday against the Pirates.

Ever since the Mets dealt Asdrubal Cabrera to the Phillies on Friday, it's been McNeil that has picked up most of the playing time at second base. He's 2-for-8 at the dish with three walks since picking up that role, and should at least see an opportunity to hang on to it with the floundering Mets. Prior to his callup, McNeil owned a 1.027 OPS at the Triple-A level and a 1.029 OPS in Double-A, so the power potential certainly exists.

Frazier will start at second base and hit leadoff Sunday against the Mets.

Frazier delivered a 3-for-4 performance in the table-setting role Saturday, so he'll get another look atop the lineup in the series finale as Pittsburgh looks to continue its climb up the NL Central standings. With Josh Harrison offering lackluster production at second base since returning from the disabled list in late May, Frazier may have a real shot at sticking as the club's primary option at the keystone if he continues to wield a hot bat.

Hernandez went 1-for-5 with a run scored in Saturday's win over the Braves.

Yasiel Puig (oblique) returned from the disabled list Saturday, pushing Matt Kemp over to left field and creating a likely platoon in center between Joc Pederson and Hernandez. The latter got the start against a southpaw, but Pederson figures to see the majority of starts against righties. Hernandez's ability to play all over the field should keep him in the lineup for a handful of starts per week, but his recent run of playing time -- he's started 15 of the last 20 games -- will take a hit now that the Dodgers' outfield is back at full strength.

Altuve (knee) is headed to the 10-day disabled list, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

He left Wednesday's game with knee discomfort, and after holding him out Friday and Saturday, the Astros opted to put him on the DL. Earlier in the week, it seemed like the injury was minor and it would only cost him a couple games, but apparently that wasn't quite the case, though the Astros could just be exercising some caution with their star second baseman. Marwin Gonzalez and Tony Kemp will serve as the top two options at the keystone for Houston in the meantime. Altuve is eligible to return on Aug. 5. Amazingly, this is the first DL stint of his career.