MLB Player News

Arauz (illness) was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list and optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday.

Arauz landed on the COVID-19 IL nearly two weeks ago, but he's now back to full health. The 23-year-old was initially sent down before his placement on the IL, so it's not surprising to see him head to Worcester. The infielder has slashed .234/.318/.356 with six home runs, 28 RBI, 27 runs and two stolen bases across 61 minor-league appearances this season.

Kemp isn't starting Thursday's game against the Mariners.

Kemp has gone 0-for-12 with two runs and five walks across his last six appearances, and he'll head to the bench for the third time in the last four contests. Mark Canha will shift to left field while Chad Pinder starts in right.

Altuve went 1-for-5 with a double, a walk, two runs and two RBI in a 9-5 victory versus the Angels on Wednesday.

Altuve was hitless through his first five plate appearances before he came through with a clutch two-run double in the 12th inning that helped lead the Astros to an extra-innings win. The second baseman has collected multiple RBI in two straight games and in three of his past five contests. During his current 10-game hitting streak, he is slashing .350/.435/.600 with two homers, eight RBI, six walks, a stolen base and 14 runs.

Jones was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old was demoted to Triple-A last week but will quickly rejoin the Orioles with Ramon Urias (groin) heading to the injured list. Jones is hitting .164/.207/.218 with three doubles, three RBI, five runs and a stolen base in 18 games this season.

Arraez went 1-for-3 with three walks and two runs Wednesday in the Twins' 9-5 win over the Cubs.

Arraez had reached base just once in 16 plate appearances over the Twins' prior four games, but he kept the Minnesota offense humming atop the order Tuesday. He'll stick in the leadoff role for the third game in a row in Wednesday's series finale while starting at second base for a resting Jorge Polanco.

Polanco is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

Polanco has fallen into an 0-for-13 slump at the dish while striking out seven times in the last three games, so he'll be extended a mental break in the series finale. Luis Arraez checks in at second base for Polanco, who should rejoin the lineup Thursday against the Blue Jays.

Altuve went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run and an additional run scored in Tuesday's 10-5 win over the Angels.

After resting Monday, Altuve slammed a two-run homer off Oliver Ortega in the fifth inning to extend the Astros' lead. In addition, he scored in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by Carlos Correa. He has at least one hit in 14 of his last 15 games. The 31-year-old is slashing .280/.354/.489 with 29 long balls, 78 RBI and 109 runs scored in 632 plate appearances this season.

Hernandez went 1-for-3 with a walk, a solo home run and a second run scored in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Mets.

Hernandez did it with both the stick -- he swatted his 18th homer -- and his arm when he threw out Pete Alonso at home plate, which prevented the Mets from taking a 3-0 lead. He's been active during Boston's six-game winning streak, getting on base 10 times over 27 plate appearances and scoring seven runs.

Ibanez started at first base and went 3-for-4 with a double in Tuesday's 7-1 loss to the Yankees.

Ibanez continues to show a lively bat despite moving around the diamond. He's 7-for-15 in four games since coming off the injured list while seeing time at first base, second base and designated hitter.

Mayfield went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Tuesday's 10-5 loss to the Astros.

Mayfield went deep off Jose Urquidy in the second inning to put the Angels on the board. In addition, he walked in the sixth frame. It is just the second time he got on base twice in his last nine games. The 30-year-old is slashing .211/.277/.432 with 10 long balls, 26 RBI and 25 runs scored in 240 plate appearances this season.