MLB Player News

Duran started at shortstop and went 1-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's 5-2 win over the Yankees.

Duran got the start against a right-hander (Clarke Schmidt), which is normally a spot for Josh Smith, as the duo continue to fill-in for Corey Seager (hamstring) at shortstop. Texas manager Bruce Bochy's decision to veer from the pattern could be based on offense. Since Seager's injury, Duran is batting .325 (13-for-40) with four extra-base hits and eight RBI, while Smith is hitting .125 (4-for-32) with one RBI.

Pena went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's loss against the Phillies.

Pena's 402-foot shot to right-center in the first inning was Houston's only run of the game. Last year's World Series MVP is now on a four-game hit streak as he looks to recapture his elite October form. The shortstop is slashing .240/.301/.452 through 26 games played.

Witt went 1-for-5 with a double, an RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored in Friday's 8-6 loss to the Twins.

The steal was Witt's first since he swiped three bags April 12 versus the Rangers. The shortstop has gone 4-for-22 (.182) over his last five games, causing his season slash line to drop to .241/.281/.426 over 114 plate appearances. He's at least been solid with the counting stats, racking up four home runs, six steals, 10 RBI and 15 runs scored through 27 contests.

Adames went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 2-1 win over the Angels.

Adames smoked a Tyler Anderson fastball 411 feet to give the Brewers an early 1-0 lead. The homer snapped an 0-for-10 stretch for the Milwaukee shortstop. Adames is now slashing .247/.357/.452 on the season.

Pena went 1-for-4 with a home run in Friday's 3-1 loss against Philadelphia.

Pena launched a solo shot off an Aaron Nola fastball in the first inning. But that was the sole source of offense on the night for the Astros. Houston's shortstop was slashing .200/.273/.388 on April 21. Recently Pena has turned it on. In the last six games, he's raised his slash line to .240/.301/.452.

Williams was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City by the Dodgers on Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

The move clears room for Max Muncy, who returned from the paternity list Friday. Williams will likely bounce between the majors and Triple-A all season depending on the Dodgers' roster needs.

DeJong is starting at shortstop again Friday versus the Dodgers.

That's now three straight starts at short for DeJong, and he has been in the Cardinals' starting lineup for five of a possible six games since his activation from the injured list last Saturday. The 29-year-old former All-Star has gone 8-for-17 (.471) with two home runs and two doubles. Tommy Edman is on the bench Friday at Dodger Stadium.

Edman is not in the lineup Friday against the Dodgers.

The hot-hitting Paul DeJong will handle shortstop duties and bat ninth versus the Dodgers and right-hander Dustin May. Brendan Donovan is starting at second base and batting eighth.

Diaz is not in the starting lineup for Friday's contest against the Reds.

Diaz went just 1-for-11 in a series against the Angels to drop his batting average to .143, and he's in danger of losing more playing time to some of the younger options on the Athletics. Jordan Diaz will play second base with Kevin Smith handling shortstop duties for Friday's battle against Cincinnati.

Volpe isn't in the Yankees' lineup Friday against the Rangers.

Currently in the middle of a four-game hitting streak, Volpe will get a breather for Friday's contest. Oswald Peraza will take Volpe's place at shortstop and bat fifth.