MLB Player News

Barreto went 3-for-4 with five RBI from a pair of home runs in Triple-A Nashville's win over Memphis on Sunday.

Barreto has been positively tearing the cover off the ball for the Sounds over the last two weeks. The versatile prospect has six multi-hit efforts during that span, including nine extra-base hits (five doubles, four homers) and nine RBI. His season line at Triple-A is up to an impressive .304/.388/.609, and it's hard to argue he needs further work in the minors at this point. He should get a promotion to the majors whenever the A's can find a way to get him regular playing time, but Jed Lowrie's bat and Marcus Semien's glove are currently standing in the way.

Altuve went 1-for-4 with a triple in Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Altuve completed his season cycle, hitting his first triple of 2018. His power numbers are down through the first five weeks of the season. He entered Sunday's contest with a .417 slugging percentage, down 130 points from where finished last season, and a .093 ISO (.201 in 2017).

Frazier went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Sunday against the Brewers.

Frazier has seen consistent playing time since Josh Harrison (hand) went down but has mostly struggled. His home run Sunday was his first extra-base hit since April 26 and first home run since April 12. He has frequently manned the leadoff spot for the Pirates, but that hasn't led to useful numbers as he has scored only 11 runs and is 0-for-2 in stolen base attempts. Fantasy owners have to hope that his past two games are an indication of a turnaround: He has four hits in his last six at-bats with a walk.

Merrifield went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and three stolen bases Sunday against the Tigers.

Merrifield nearly doubled his stolen base total in one game, as he now has seven for the season. All three of his swipes came against Matthew Boyd, including two that came on one plate appearance. His stolen base production will be key to his value going forward, as the poor Royals lineup surrounding him will likely limit his runs and RBI.

Dubon strained his left knee during Saturday's assignment for Triple-A Colorado Springs and is headed to Milwaukee for further examination, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Dubon injured his knee during Saturday night's minor-league game after getting caught in a rundown. He'll be reevaluated in Milwaukee to determine if he'll be required to miss an extended period of time. The 23-year-old shortstop has been tearing it up at Colorado Springs through 26 games this season, putting together a solid .337/.343/.567 line.

Torres went 1-for-4 with a walkoff three-run home run to send the Yankees to a 7-4 victory over Cleveland on Sunday.

The Yankees struggled against Indians starter Mike Clevinger for much of the afternoon but were able to get to the bullpen for five earned runs, which Torres capped off with a three-run blast off Dan Otero to end the contest. The talented 21-year-old is now slashing a solid .333/.365/.458 through 48 at-bats this season.

Espinosa signed a minor-league deal with the Dodgers, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The Dodgers are in need of middle infield help following the season-ending injury to Corey Seager (elbow), and Espinosa will be their latest attempt at a short-term solution. The veteran was cut loose by the Blue Jays after posting a .232 batting average in 13 minor-league games this season but could be the next man up in L.A. if more infield help is needed. According to Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com, the Dodgers have only one position player (Rob Segedin) on the 40-man roster that isn't in the majors or on the disabled list, stressing the need to find an emergency option. Espinosa will immediately take the field for Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Hernandez is out of the lineup Saturday against the Padres.

Hernandez started five of the past six games, slotting in at a different position in each game. He'll likely continue to have an increased workload the rest of the way with Corey Seager out for the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Semien went 1-for-4 with an RBI single, a walk and a run in a win over the Orioles on Friday.

Semien gave the Athletics some breathing room with an eighth-inning single that plated Jonathan Lucroy. It was the shortstop's first RBI since April 23, an eight-game drought that represented his longest such stretch of the season. Despite the recent lack of timely hitting, Semien has remained productive, reaching safely in 10 of his last 12 games.

Merrifield is out of the lineup against Detroit on Saturday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Merrifield will receive a typical day off following nine straight starts while Ryan Goins draws the assignment at second base. Expect to see Merrifield back in the lineup for Sunday's series finale.