MLB Player News

Torres went 2-for-4 with a double, a two-run homer and two additional runs scored in Tuesday's win over the Orioles.

Torres opened the scoring in the first inning Sunday with a two-run, 436-foot homer off Kyle Gibson before adding a two-out double in the seventh. The homer was Torres' first since June 18, as he's now up to 13 long balls on the year. Overall, the 26-year-old second baseman is now slashing .248/.325/.420 with 47 runs scored and 36 RBI across 354 plate appearances on the campaign.

Valdez (thumb) was activated from the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Valdez hurt his left thumb a couple weeks ago but is ready to return to game action. He had been hitting well before getting hurt and, if he can pick up where he left off, could position himself for a promotion at some point.

Altuve was scratched from Tuesday's lineup, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

It appeared as though Altuve injured something during pregame batting practice, as he was seen walking into the clubhouse with bench coach Joe Espada after tweaking something. The Astros are expected to provide an update on the star second baseman later Tuesday.

Lowe (back) was activated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lowe has been sidelined for the last month with a herniated disc in his back, an injury which he battled for a large chunk of last season, as well. However, he's ready to go now after playing five rehab contests. Lowe had posted a .696 OPS with nine home runs in his first 50 games before getting hurt.

Westburg (hand) is playing third base and batting seventh in his return to the lineup Tuesday, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Westburg missed Monday's contest after he was hit by a pitch on the left hand Sunday, but he's ready to roll now. The rookie infielder is sporting a .679 OPS across his first 22 major-league plate appearances.

Massey (hand) was activated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday.

Massey wound up missing a little more than two weeks with a left hand laceration. The infielder had slowed back down in June following a resurgent May, so hopefully he will be able to right the ship in July.

Julien is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Royals.

It marks the third game in a row that Julien begins on the bench, but unlike the first two contests, this time it will be with a right-hander on the hill and in the wake of Julien homering off the bench during Monday's win over Kansas City. Donovan Solano will cover second base Tuesday.

Semien went 0-for-5 with a stolen base in Monday's 12-11 loss to Houston.

Semien stole his second bag in three games following a 43-game stretch during which he did not attempt a theft. He's routinely been a double-digit stealer during his career and is now up to nine stolen bases over 85 games in 2023.

Julien went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Monday's 8-4 victory versus Kansas City.

Julien began the game on the bench with lefty Austin Cox starting for the Royals, but the rookie second baseman seized the opportunity when called upon to pinch hit in the eighth, launching a 413-foot solo homer to break a 3-3 tie. The long ball was his first since May 27, a span of 24 games, and it also resulted in just his second RBI over that span. Julien has had an up-and-down first big-league season, slashing .254/.336/.443 with five homers, 10 RBI, 16 runs and one steal over 141 plate appearances. He's posted a solid 10.6 percent walk rate but has also struck out in 34.0 percent of his trips to the plate.

Rosario went 2-for-5 with two RBI and a stolen base in Monday's 4-2 loss to Atlanta.

Rosario delivered a two-run single in the seventh inning, but that was the extent of the Guardians' scoring. The shortstop has multiple hits in three of his last four games, and he's batting .354 over his last 15 contests. That hot stretch has him up to a .261/.307/.347 slash line with one home run, 28 RBI, 38 runs scored and nine stolen bases through 77 games.