MLB Player News

Kemp is not in the lineup Sunday versus the Padres.

Kemp will end up starting in only one game of the three-game series against the Padres. However, he did record an at-bat Sept. 15 when he did not start. A lefty started that game for the Padres, and their primary pitcher today seems to be lefty Ken Waldichuk with righty Joe Boyle as the opener. Esteury Ruiz will play in the left fielder's place.

Westburg remains out of the lineup Sunday versus the Rays.

Westburg is slashing .323/.382/.581 in 34 plate appearances since the calendar flipped to September, but he'll sit for a second straight game against a right-hander. Ramon Urias is playing third base and Adam Frazier is at second.

Merrifield is out of the lineup Sunday against the Red Sox.

Daulton Varsho, Kevin Kiermaier and Cavan Biggio will start across the outfield for the Blue Jays as Davis Schneider handles second base. Merrifield went 1-for-5 with a walk and an RBI in Toronto's win Saturday versus Boston.

Kemp went 2-for-3 with a stolen base in Saturday's loss to the Padres while also drawing a walk.

Kemp singled in each of his first two at-bats but was left stranded on each occasion as Oakland fell behind early. He later walked and swiped a bag, marking his third steal in his last seven games. It was also Kemp's first multi-hit game since Aug. 25, and he's still batting just .194 this month with one homer, three RBI and three runs scored following Saturday's performance.

Ibanez went 1-for-3 with a stolen base in Saturday's 5-4 extra-inning win over the Angels.

Ibanez extended his hitting streak to five games, a span in which he's gone 7-for-16 (.438). The 30-year-old's steal was his first of the season, as he remains not much of a speed threat. For the year, he's slashing .257/.297/.437 with 11 home runs, 32 RBI, 37 runs scored, 21 doubles and a triple through 100 contests while filling a versatile role defensively.

Short went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run, two walks and a stolen base in Saturday's 5-4 extra-inning win over the Angels.

Short had gone 0-for-11 across his previous seven games, though he had a steal in that span. The infielder made his impact early Saturday, with his homer coming in the second inning. He's up to a career-high seven long balls while adding 33 RBI, 16 runs scored, five steals, nine doubles and a .215/.299/.361 slash line over 234 plate appearances in a part-time role.

Caballero is not in Saturday's starting lineup against the Dodgers.

Even with lefty Clayton Kershaw on the mound, Caballero will find himself on the bench. Dylan Moore will start at second base in his place while Sam Haggerty will play in left field.

Sosa is not in Saturday's lineup against the Twins.

Sosa had a hold on the second base job for the second half of August but has been sharing time at the position since the start of September. Elvis Andrus will be in the lineup for the fifth time in the last seven games.

Westburg will be on the bench for Saturday's game against the Rays, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Westburg started four straight games after missing a pair due to soreness, but his 2-for-11 showing in those our contests suggests he might need another rest. He'll get one Saturday, with Gunnar Henderson shifting to shortstop and Ramon Urias starting at the hot corner.

Massey went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 4-2 win over the Astros.

Massey has gone 4-for-13 with three homers and six RBI over his last three games. His blast Friday provided an insurance run in the eighth inning. The late power surge has him up to 14 long balls on the year to go with a .224/.270/.380 slash line, 52 RBI, 39 runs scored and six stolen bases through 117 contests. While he had started to lose time to Nick Loftin, Massey's improved hitting has helped him stay in the lineup more regularly.