MLB Player News

Altuve went 3-for-4 with a walk, double, run scored and four RBI Thursday against the Mariners.

To no one's surprise, Altuve has been getting on base at an excellent rate to begin the season, as he's now hitting .342/.398/.392 in 79 at-bats. However, in that same span, he has failed to hit a home run and has only one stolen base on one attempt. To live up to his lofty draft price, those stats will have to increase but his pedigree and track record suggest his lack of production in those areas won't last long.

Estrada (hip) was activated from the disabled list at High-A Tampa on Wednesday, Dan Martin of the New York Post reports.

The 22-year-old had been out since suffering a gunshot wound in February. The injury did little to hamper him in his season debut, as he went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a pair of runs scored. It's interesting that he was activated by High-A Tampa since he was expected to open the season at Triple-A, though Estrada could get to that level soon if he continues to hit like this.

Merrifield went 1-for-3 with a home run, two RBI, two runs and a pair of walks in Wednesday's loss to the Blue Jays.

Not much went right for the Royals on Wednesday, but Merrifield was a bit of a bright spot in reaching base three times and leaving the yard for the first time this year. Following a season in which he hit .288 with 19 home runs and 34 steals, owners certainly were hoping for more than what they've gotten so far out of the 29-year-old. He's struck out at least once in seven straight contests now -- and 10 of the last 11 -- so if he's able to put the ball in play more often or work more walks like he was able to Wednesday, the results may start to turn.

Frazier went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI in Wednesday's 10-2 win over the Rockies.

He hit leadoff and got the start in right field, breaking out of a 3-for-23 slump over his prior 12 games. Frazier should be in line for at least semi-regular playing time while Josh Harrison (hand) is on the mend, but heating up at the plate would certainly help his outlook for at-bats.

Torres (back) will man the hot corner and bat second for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday.

Torres took a seat during Tuesday's contest after exiting Monday's game with back stiffness but appears to be ready for action following a little time off. Through 11 games with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Torres is hitting .366 with a .923 OPS and 10 RBI.

Solarte went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and four RBI in Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Royals.

Solarte also knocked a two-run single as the Blue Jays cruised to an 11-3 win. The 30-year-old followed it up with an 0-for-5 showing in Game 2 of Tuesday's twin bill, but he's still hitting a solid .280 with a .913 OPS. Solarte owns a career .747 OPS over five major-league seasons, so he likely won't sustain his hot start, but he's a decent stopgap until Josh Donaldson (shoulder) is healthy.

Motter was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday.

Motter was sent down in order to clear room for spot starter Ariel Miranda. The utility man's performances haven't merited a demotion, as he hit .267/.353/.467 over 17 plate appearances, but he's a fringe player with options remaining, so he ended up being the odd man out. He could be shuttling back and forth along Interstate 5 a lot this season. His 10 homers and 12 steals in 390 career plate appearances make him an intriguing budget power-speed option during his stays with the Mariners, though his .198 career batting average gives him a pretty low floor.

Torres is day-to-day with mid-back tightness, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Torres was pulled early from Monday's game with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He'll sit out Tuesday as well but is expected to be back in the lineup Wednesday. His hot start (.366/.386/.537 through 11 games) is fueling speculation about a promotion to the big leagues, though the Yankees haven't given any indication that a promotion is imminent.

Frazier is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Rockies.

Frazier seemed to be in line for regular playing time at second base after Josh Harrison (hand) was placed on the disabled list, but he'll head to the bench despite the Pirates facing a right-handed starter. Sean Rodriguez will man the keystone in his stead Tuesday.

Motter went 2-for-3 in a 2-1 win over the Astros on Monday.

Motter drew a second straight start at first base and followed up his home run Sunday with his first multi-hit effort of the season. The versatile 28-year-old projects to continue seeing steady playing time as long as Ryon Healy (ankle) remains sidelined, and his ability to fill in at multiple other positions should afford him additional opportunities.