MLB Player News
-
Andy Ibanez 2B | ATH
Tigers' Andy Ibanez: Leads offense in win
Ibanez went 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Phillies.
Ibanez continued a strong June, as he's now batting .314 this month with six RBI and six runs scored across 15 games. The utility player is batting a solid .284 overall, and while he's not providing a ton of power, he has been a solid bat for the Tigers. Ibanez's biggest question moving forward is playing time, though Detroit figures to find creative ways to get him into the lineup even if he's not locked into a regular starting role.
-
Brandon Drury 1B | CHW
Angels' Brandon Drury: Sitting again Tuesday
Drury (illness) is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Athletics, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.
Drury was scratched from the lineup Friday against the Dodgers due to the illness, and his absence will extend to four games Tuesday. The 31-year-old was reportedly available to pinch hit Monday but wasn't utilized off the bench. Drury should continue to be considered day-to-day while Luis Guillorme receives a start at second base.
-
Michael Stefanic 2B | TOR
Angels' Michael Stefanic: Optioned to Salt Lake
The Angels optioned Stefanic to Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday.
Stefanic will be squeezed off the big-league roster Tuesday following the return of Miguel Sano (knee) from the injured list. The 28-year-old Stefanic has struggled to establish himself at the plate in 10 MLB games this season, going just 6-for-31 (.194) with four RBI, though he has been able to find success in the minors. He could be a candidate to return later this summer if the Angels run into any more problems with their infield depth.
-
Brandon Lowe 2B | PIT
Rays' Brandon Lowe: Still out of lineup
Lowe (toe) isn't in the starting nine for Tuesday's game against Seattle.
Lowe will be on the bench for the third consecutive game after suffering a broken right pinky toe Saturday. While he's expected to avoid the IL and was available to pinch hit Sunday, it's slightly concerning he hasn't appeared since sustaining the injury. Jose Caballero will bat third and play second base Tuesday.
-
Colt Keith 3B | DET
Tigers' Colt Keith: Receiving breather
Keith is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against Philadelphia.
Keith had made 10 consecutive starts at second base, but he'll get the day off Tuesday against Ranger Suarez and the Phillies. Instead, Andy Ibanez will bat second and slot in at the keystone. During the 10-game stretch, Keith went 14-for-39 (.359) with a pair of homers and a stolen base.
-
Jorge Polanco 2B | NYM
Mariners' Jorge Polanco: Struggles in return from IL
Polanco (hamstring), reinstated from the injured list earlier in the day, went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in a loss to the Rays on Monday.
Polanco finished up his rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma by belting three home runs and compiling six RBI over his final two games, but that prodigious bat was nowhere to be found in his return to the big leagues Monday. The veteran disappointingly reverted to the struggles that have defined most of his season, and following Monday's trio of punchouts, Polanco now sports a career-worst 31.9 percent strikeout rate.
-
Michael Massey 2B | KC
Royals' Michael Massey: DH only for now
Massey will be available only as a designated hitter for the time being as he returns from a back injury, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Massey was activated from the 10-day injured list Monday after missing time with a low-back ligament sprain, which was the second time this season he's missed time with a back issue. While the 26-year-old is feeling good physically, he needs some time before he's ready to play second base again. The Royals shifted Maikel Garcia over to second base and started CJ Alexander at third base Monday. Nick Loftin should also see plenty of reps at second base on days Garcia plays third, a position more familiar to him.
-
Levi Jordan 2B | CIN
Reds' Levi Jordan: Makes MLB debut
Jordan started in right field went 1-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Monday's 11-5 win over the Pirates.
Jordan made his MLB debut after having his contract selected from Triple-A Louisville earlier in the day. He took the open roster spot created when the Reds placed TJ Friedl (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list. The 28-year-old Jordan played multiple positions in the minors, but Monday's start in right field was his first ever at that position. It's likely he sees most of his at-bats against left-handers.
-
Nico Hoerner 2B | CHC
Cubs' Nico Hoerner: Swipes bag in loss
Hoerner went 2-for-4 with a walk, one stolen base and one run scored in Monday's 5-4 loss to the Giants.
Hoerner hasn't hit all that well in June (.194), but he's logged six steals over 19 contests this month. The infielder is up to 12 thefts on 14 attempts for the season, providing speed atop the Cubs' lineup. He's added a .241/.331/.327 slash line with two home runs, 18 RBI, 36 runs scored, 14 doubles and a triple over 70 contests.