MLB Player News

Merrifield is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros, Maria Torres of The Kansas City Star reports.

This was described as a rest day by Torres -- nothing to suggest the left knee is still an issue. Merrifield hasn't homered since May 14 and is well off his power pace from a season ago, but he continues to hit for average and run, with his 16 steals ranking second in the American League. Adalberto Mondesi will get the start at second base in Merrifield's absence Sunday as Rosell Herrera leads off.

Andrus is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins.

It seems the Rangers are just being cautious and easing Andrus back into regular action coming off the lengthy disabled list stint. He's 2-for-21 in five games out of the two hole since his reinstatement, but he's also walked three times. Jurickson Profar will step in at shortstop in the series finale.

Rosario is not in the lineup Sunday against the Dodgers, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The young shortstop had hit in eight straight games before going hitless Saturday. Jose Reyes will start in his place Sunday. Rosario will reportedly sit for a few days as a breather, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

Hernandez went 0-for-3 with a walk, a pair of RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Mets.

Hernandez received his second consecutive start at shortstop (and fourth over the past four games), filling in for the injured Chris Taylor (hamstring). The latter doesn't expect to require a trip to the disabled list, but Hernandez figures to gain playing time for however long Taylor remains sidelined. The 26-year-old is batting just .223 on the year, but he is producing an isolated power mark above .200 for the second consecutive season while serving a super-utility role for the Dodgers.

Albies went 4-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI in Saturday's 7-5 loss to the Orioles.

After hitting .131 (8-for-61) through the first 14 games in June, Albies appears to have shaken off his slump, going 9-for-23 (.391) over his last five contests. The 21-year-old still isn't running, however -- he's gone 34 games since his last stolen base -- and he's only had one unsuccessful attempt during that stretch, a disappointing performance for a player who went 29-for-32 on the basepaths between the majors and Triple-A Gwinnett in 2017.

Forsythe is out of the lineup Saturday against the Mets, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Forsythe will remain on the pine for a second straight game as Chase Utley is set to make his first start since returning from the disabled list (thumb). Over 43 games this year, Forsythe is hitting .234 with a .639 OPS.

Frazier was sent down to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday.

Frazier was cast off the active roster in order to make room for Corey Dickerson, who was activated from the Family Medical Emergency Leave list prior to Saturday's game. In 58 games with the Pirates this year, Frazier hit .239 with a .678 OPS. He will continue to serve as organizational depth moving forward.

Marte is out of the lineup against Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Marte will receive a breather following six straight starts as Daniel Descalso gets the nod at second base and Nick Ahmed at shortstop for Saturday's tilt. Through 20 games in June, Marte is hitting .324/.373/.706 with five home runs and 18 RBI.

Torres is not in the lineup against the Rays on Saturday, Mike Mazzeo of the New York Daily News reports.

Torres will receive a rare day off following 18 straight starts as Neil Walker draws the assignment at second base. Over that 18-game span, Torres is hitting .222 with a .782 OPS. Expect him back in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale.

Polanco (suspension, finger) will embark on a rehab assignment with High-A Fort Myers on Sunday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Polanco will serve as the team's designated hitter during Sunday's game and then take cuts off Ervin Santana (finger) yet again during the Miracle's scheduled off day Monday. If all goes well, Polanco will then start at shortstop Tuesday with Fort Myers. Polanco will need to be activated from his suspension July 2 or he will have to land on the disabled list.