MLB Player News

Ibanez batted seventh and went 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's 7-3 win over Atlanta.

Ibanez started at designated hitter while Charlie Culberson served as the third baseman against a left-hander. Ibanez has hit safely in six consecutive games to go with his second stolen base in as many contests.

Arraez and the Twins avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.13 million contract Sunday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

After a hot start to the season, Arraez has been in a slump recently, as he's gone 1-for-15 over the last four games. However, the 25-year-old won't require an arbiter to reach an agreement with Minnesota. In spite of his recent cold spell at the plate, Arraez is hitting .299 with a homer, seven RBI and six runs over 21 games in 2022.

Stefanic, who hadn't played at Triple-A Salt Lake since April 21 due to an unspecified injury, returned to the lineup for Sunday's 9-4 loss to Round Rock. He started at second base and went 0-for-2 with two walks.

Stefanic doesn't possess a spot on the Angels' 40-man roster, but since he's not a young prospect at 26 years old, the organization likely won't hesitate to promote him if his performance at Triple-A warrants a call-up. He's turned in a .781 OPS through his first 14 games, making him a solidly above-average contributor in the Pacific Coast League.

Houston general manager James Click confirmed that Altuve (hamstring) will likely be activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Monday's game against the Mariners, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. "All indications are we should be good to go," Click said.

Altuve made what was likely his second and final rehab appearance at Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday, playing eight innings at second base while going 1-for-3 with a double, a walk and a run scored. Assuming Altuve reports no setbacks with his hamstring when he returns to Houston for re-evaluation, he'll likely be plugged back in as the Astros' everyday second baseman and leadoff hitter as the team prepares for a seven-game week.

Polanco went 4-for-5 with two doubles, four RBI and a run scored during Sunday's 9-3 win over the Rays.

Polanco entered the contest with only two hits over his previous five games, but he erupted for four hits to power Minnesota's offense during the series finale in Tampa Bay. It's been a slow start to 2022 for the 28-year-old, and he now has a .195/.303/.338 slash line with two home runs, 12 RBI and nine runs through 21 games.

Clement is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics.

Clement started each of the last three games at either second or third base, going 1-for-11 over that stretch. Though he's out of the lineup Sunday, Clement has indirectly benefited from the absence of Amed Rosario (wrist), who is also on the bench after missing the previous two contests. The Guardians believe Rosario's injury isn't a long-term concern, so Clement's playing time should begin to trend down once Rosario checks back into the lineup.

Rosario is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics with what manager Terry Francona has said is a sore left wrist, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Rosario will be on the bench for a third straight game due to the issue, which Francona said has been bothering the 26-year-old off and on since the start of spring training. Francona indicated Saturday that the Guardians are hopeful the issue won't sideline Rosario for too long, but a trip to the injured list could grow more likely for the shortstop if he doesn't show improvement following Monday's off day.

The Angels recalled Mayfield from Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Though he was optioned to Salt Lake on Friday, Mayfield is eligible to rejoin the Angels on short notice after the team placed Matt Duffy on the COVID-19 injured list prior to Sunday's game against the White Sox. Mayfield should be up with the Angels for the duration of Duffy's absence, but the former is unlikely to see meaningful at-bats while all of Anthony Rendon, David Fletcher, Andrew Velazquez and Tyler Wade are ahead of him in the pecking order for playing time at second base, third base or shortstop.

Merrifield went 1-for-3 with two walks in Saturday's 3-0 loss to the Yankees.

Merrifield hadn't gotten on base multiple times in a game since April 12 as he's struggled to begin the season. The versatile veteran is slashing just .141/.190/.179 with three stolen bases, four RBI, four runs scored and three doubles in 19 contests. He's been bumped from the leadoff spot for Nicky Lopez, though neither of them are doing much to impress with the bat. With Adalberto Mondesi (knee) likely out for the season, Merrifield should serve as the everyday second baseman. His strong defense is enough to keep him in the lineup, allowing him the opportunity to play through a slump on offense.

Arroyo (calf) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles.

Following Saturday's 2-1 loss, Arroyo relayed that he was dealing with tightness in his left calf, but the extent of the injury isn't yet fully known. The issue is significant enough to send him to the bench Sunday, though Arroyo may have been in line to fill his typical utility role anyway with J.D. Martinez (adductor) returning from a three-game absence. Arroyo had filled in for Martinez as Boston's designated hitter the past two days, going 1-for-7 with a home run and two RBI between those starts.