MLB Player News

Gimenez is not in Saturday's lineup against the Yankees.

The lefty-hitting middle infielder appears to be in a strict platoon, as he has not started against a lefty this season, and that won't change with Nestor Cortes on the hill for New York. Ernie Clement will start at the keystone and bat seventh.

Ibanez went 1-for-3 with a walk, a solo home run and a second run scored in Friday's 8-1 win over Oakland.

Ibanez was part of a five-run uprising in the second inning, swatting his first home run of the season. Through 12 games, the righty-hitting infielder is slashing .214/.233/.333, which leaves some doubt as to whether he'll remain the season-long starter at third base. Ibanez, who showed some pop in a limited role last season, still has much to prove.

Espinal went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's 4-3 win over the Astros.

He went back-to-back with Bradley Zimmer in the fifth inning off Justin Verlander to erase a 3-1 deficit, setting the stage for some ninth-inning heroics by Matt Chapman and Vladimir Guerrero. Espinal's defense has apparently won him the starting job at second base, but his .214/.292/.357 slash line through 14 games doesn't do much to excite.

Gimenez went 1-for-2 with a walk, an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored in Thursday's 6-3 win over the White Sox.

Gimenez posted 19 stolen bases across his first 117 major-league games over the last two years. It's been a slower start this season, as he had to settle for a part-time role at second base out of the gate. The infielder is slashing .318/.333/.545 with a home run, a triple, four RBI, three runs scored and one steal through 24 plate appearances. Gimenez should see regular playing time while Yu Chang and Owen Miller are both on the COVID-19 injured list.

Espinal is not in Thursday's lineup against the Red Sox, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

The light-hitting infielder is batting .216 with zero home runs and two steals through 37 at-bats. Gosuke Katoh is getting his first big-league start as the Jays' second baseman.

Polanco will sit Thursday against the Royals, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Polanco started the first 12 games of the season but will get a rest for the afternoon contest which caps the team's six-game road trip. Luis Arraez will fill in for him at second base.

Lopez will lead off for the first time this season Thursday against the Twins, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Bobby Witt was bumped down to seventh in the order, so Lopez will take the leadoff spot against righty Joe Ryan while Whit Merrifield hits second. Lopez is hitting .367/.406/.467 with zero home runs and zero steals this season.

Torres is on the bench for Thursday's game against Detroit.

Torres was on the bench for Opening Day before starting nine straight games, though he's now returned to the bench for two of the last three contests. He certainly hasn't hit as though he deserves an everyday role, as he's slashing .143/.205/.286 through 40 plate appearances. DJ LeMahieu starts at second base Thursday.

Arroyo is starting in right field and batting ninth Thursday against the Blue Jays.

This is his fifth start of the season in right field, which is enough to gain outfield eligibility in some formats. He'll start for Enrique Hernandez, who is getting the day off, while Jackie Bradley slides over to center field. Arroyo is hitting .182 with one run and two RBI through eight games.

Hernandez will get his first day off of the season Thursday against the Blue Jays.

Trevor Story will ascend to the leadoff spot while Jackie Bradley shifts to center field and Christian Arroyo starts in right field. Hernandez is hitting .157/.246/.333 with one home run and a 12:6 K:BB in 51 at-bats.