MLB Player News

Merrifield went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Friday's 7-3 win over the Red Sox.

The Blue Jays hit five homers on the night, and Merrifield got things started by driving the first pitch he saw from James Paxton down the left-field line and into the seats atop the Green Monster. The 34-year-old has 10 homers on the season but five of them have come since the All-Star break, and Merrifield is slashing a scorching .354/.361/.570 during that stretch with two steals, 13 RBI and 14 runs in 20 games.

Ibanez is not in Saturday's lineup against the Rays.

Ibanez is a part-time player for the Tigers, with three of his last four starts coming against left-handed pitchers. He heads to the bench with Aaron Civale on the mound for the Rays. Matt Vierling shifts to third base, allowing Miguel Cabrera to start at designated hitter while Kerry Carpenter mans right field.

Westburg went 2-for-3 with two walks, a three-run home run and a second run scored in Friday's 10-3 win over the Mets.

Getting the start at second base and batting fifth, the rookie took Reed Garrett deep in the seventh inning to help put the game out of reach. Westburg hasn't yet been able to carve out an everyday spot in a loaded O's lineup, but the 24-year-old is doing his part at the plate to demonstrate he deserves one, batting .324 (12-for-37) over his last 13 games with his first two career home runs and stolen bases.

India (foot) is expected to be activated Tuesday against the Marlins, MLB.com reports.

India, who is dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, recently initiated baseball activities following a brief stretch of rest. Tuesday is his first day eligible to return from the 10-day injured list.

Kim went 2-for-4 with a walk and two stolen bases in Friday's 10-5 loss to the Dodgers.

Kim has shown no hesitation with six stolen bases during his 10-game hitting streak, a span in which he's batting .471 (16-for-34). The infielder's impressive stretch has him up to 24 thefts this season, and he's maintained a .287/.382/.458 slash line with 15 home runs, 41 RBI and 60 runs scored over 105 contests. With both willingness and ample opportunity to run, Kim has emerged as a strong leadoff hitter for the Padres in his third major-league campaign.

Rosario went 1-for-4 with two RBI and a stolen base in Friday's 10-5 win over the Padres.

Rosario was at shortstop Friday after making his last three starts at second base, all against southpaws. He's gone 7-for-21 (.333) with a home run, seven RBI and one steal through six games with the Dodgers since he was traded from the Guardians. Rosario is at a .268/.309/.379 slash line with four homers, 10 steals, 47 RBI and 54 runs scored through 100 contests in 2023.

Drury (shoulder) went 1-for-4 in Friday's 9-7 loss to the Mariners.

Drury played the full game at second base after missing over a month with a shoulder injury. It was unclear what kind of playing time he would see upon his return, but with Zach Neto (back) going on the injured list, Drury has a chance to take over second base with Luis Rengifo moving to shortstop. Drury has had a productive season, slashing .276/.322/.497 with 14 home runs, 45 RBI, 36 runs scored, 17 doubles and two triples over 76 contests.

Rengifo went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk and an additional run scored in Friday's 9-7 loss to the Mariners.

Rengifo logged his seventh multi-hit effort in his last 13 games, a span in which he's batting .315 (17-for-54) with nine extra-base hits. It looked like his path to everyday playing time would close with Brandon Drury (shoulder) returning from the injured list Friday, but Zach Neto (back) was placed on the IL as the corresponding move. With Neto sidelined, Rengifo will likely take over the starting shortstop job in the interim and retain the leadoff gig. Rengifo is slashing just .230/.318/.397 on the year with 11 homers, 34 RBI, 42 runs scored and five stolen bases through 96 contests, but he's been hot enough lately to warrant a look outside of AL-only formats.

Caballero went 1-for-2 with a stolen base in Friday's 9-7 win over the Angels.

Caballero's at-bats remain limited, but he's gone 3-for-13 (.231) with four steals over his last eight games. The second baseman had a window to gain playing time after Kolten Wong was designated for assignment, but it's been Josh Rojas and Dylan Moore who have instead picked up most of the extra work at the keystone. Caballero is slashing .227/.352/.326 with 19 steals, three home runs, 21 RBI and 27 runs scored over 210 plate appearances.

Gorman went 3-for-5 with a pair of solo home runs in Friday's 9-4 loss to the Rockies.

Gorman missed the prior game with a bruised foot he sustained Wednesday, but he returned with a vengeance, popping a pair of homers for the second time in his last eight contests. The second baseman is up to 24 long balls, 67 RBI, 47 runs scored, six stolen bases and a .245/.331/.512 slash line through 97 games this season. With Brendan Donovan (elbow) done for the year, Gorman will likely take on an everyday role at second base rather than sitting versus most southpaws.