MLB Player News

Merrifield went 3-for-6 with a trio of doubles, three RBI and a pair of runs in Wednesday's 13-2 drubbing of the Tigers.

Merrifield came in on a little five-game skid without an extra-base hit, but he made up for that in impressive fashion. The sophomore second baseman continues to post a well-rounded line for his fantasy owners, and he's certainly part of the reason why the Royals are not yet out of the AL wild-card race.

Altuve is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mariners, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

It's a rare day off for Altuve, who will take a seat for just the third time since the All-Star break. The 27-year-old second baseman is in the midst of a monster year, slashing .351/.412/.557 with 21 homers and 31 stolen bases in 133 games, so look for him to return to the lineup following the Astros' off-day Thursday. Marwin Gonzalez is starting at the keystone in his stead.

Forsythe is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Forsythe will head to the bench for a breather after starting eight of the last nine games, going just 3-for-26 (.115) over that stretch. Chase Utley will take over at the keystone, batting seventh.

Frazier (hamstring) was able to run the bases prior to Wednesday's game and should be back in the lineup soon, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Frazier was placed on the 10-day DL on Aug. 28 with a right hamstring strain, but appears to be on the verge of returning to the big-league club. Head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk stated that he's completed all the necessary rehab work, according to Adam Berry of MLB.com, and it's expected that he will be back before this weekend's series against the Cardinals.

Alvarez was traded to Philadelphia for Juan Nicasio on Wednesday,

Alvarez was a top-20 prospect in the St. Louis system and has received his first taste of Double-A action this season. During 54 games with Springfield, the infielder slashed .247/.321/.382 with four home runs, 26 RBI and eight stolen bases. Moving forward, the 22-year-old should be able to compete at the Triple-A level with Lehigh Valley next season.

Rosario (finger) still can't swing a bat, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

He is out of Tuesday's lineup, and it doesn't sound like he'll be back in there in the coming days, considering he can't even swing a bat yet. Jose Reyes is starting at shortstop and leading off in his stead.

Rosario (finger) is out of Tuesday's lineup against the Phillies.

He will miss his second straight game with a bruised right index finger. X-rays came back negative, so Rosario should be considered day-to-day. Jose Reyes will start at shortstop and lead off.

Drury went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Monday's 13-0 win over the Dodgers.

As has been customary since Chris Owings was shut down with a fractured finger in late July, Drury picked up the start at the keystone with a lefty (Rich Hill) on the hill for the Dodgers, resulting in platoon mate Daniel Descalso riding the bench. Drury came through with his second home run in as many games and extended his hit streak to six contests in the process, which could give him a compelling case for drawing more frequent starts against right-handers, too. Descalso hasn't offered much of an impact at the plate since the beginning of August, producing a .234/.298/.377 slash line.

Marte is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers.

Despite knocking a solo homer in Sunday's win over the Rockies, Marte will head to the bench for a breather with southpaw Rich Hill taking the mound for the Dodgers. Kris Negron will start at shortstop in his stead.

Drury went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 5-1 win over the Rockies.

Drury picked up his second start of the three-game series Sunday, which was somewhat surprising given that the Rockies brought a right-hander (German Marquez) to the hill. Daniel Descalso has been occupying the larger portion of the platoon at second base lately, but his offensive struggles since the beginning of September may have opened the door for Drury to stake his claim to a larger role.