MLB Player News

Altuve went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in Monday's loss against the Angels.

Altuve is enjoying a strong start to the season as the Astros' leadoff hitter, hitting safely in each of his first five appearances and recording two multi-hit games during that span. He's gone two games without a walk and has yet to launch a homer in 2021, but there's no question he's started the campaign on a strong note, making a major impact at the top of the order for the Astros. In fact, he currently leads the majors in runs with nine.

Lopez went 2-for-3 with a run scored in Monday's 3-0 win over Cleveland.

Lopez showed some speed to get aboard with an infield single in the second inning. He came around to score on Whit Merrifield's two-run homer. The 26-year-old Lopez has served as Kansas City's primary shortstop with Adalberto Mondesi (oblique) out to begin the season. Lopez is hitting .429 with two runs scored and an RBI in four games, although he'll likely return to a bench role when Mondesi is able to play again.

Rosario went 1-for-2 with a walk in Monday's 3-0 loss to Kansas City.

Rosario was one of two Cleveland batters to reach base twice in this one, though he was unable to cross the plate in what turned out to be a shutout for the visiting Royals. He's now 3-for-8 with a walk and two runs scored in four games.

Merrifield went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in Monday's 3-0 victory over Cleveland.

Merrifield left the yard in the top of the second inning, clubbing a two-run homer over the fence in left. He would later plate a run on a sacrifice fly. The 32-year-old right fielder is 8-for-16 at the dish and has already racked up three homers and nine RBI through his first four contests of the 2021 season.

Biggio went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, two walks and three runs scored Monday against the Rangers.

Biggio belted his first homer of the young season in the top of the second, increasing Toronto's lead to four. He also managed to reach base on a pair of walks, crossing the plate a total of three times on the day. Monday's performance was a welcome sight for the 25-year-old, who entered the contest 1-for-12 over his first three games of the 2021 season.

Semien went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Monday's 6-2 victory over the Rangers.

Semien increased his club's lead to three in the top of the second with a two-run blast to left field. The 30-year-old shortstop is now 4-for-18 with two home runs, two steals, four RBI and one walk early in his 2021 campaign (four games).

Arraez left Monday's game against the Tigers with gastrointestinal discomfort, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Arraez was removed from Monday's contest in the second inning due to an illness that isn't related to COVID-19. The 23-year-old went 1-for-1 with a walk and two runs prior to his departure. Arraez should be considered day-to-day and is unlikely to miss significant time.

Arraez was removed in the second inning of Monday's game against the Tigers with an apparent injury, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. He went 1-for-1 with a walk and a pair of runs before departing.

Though he didn't swing the bat while drawing a five-pitch walk in the second inning, Arraez appeared to injure himself at some point during the plate appearance. After being examined by manager Rocco Baldelli and a team trainer, Arraez took his base and stayed in the game, but the Twins subbed him out in favor of Willians Astudillo in the next half inning. Expect the club to provide an explanation for Arraez's removal later Monday.

Rosario will start at shortstop and bat sixth Monday against the Royals.

Rosario will pick up his second straight start after going 1-for-4 with a run scored in Sunday's 9-3 win over Detroit. The 25-year-old could be part of a platoon at shortstop with the lefty-hitting Andres Gimenez, as both of Rosario's starts have now come against southpaws (Tarik Skubal on Sunday, Danny Duffy on Monday).

Gimenez is not in the lineup for Monday's game against Kansas City.

Gimenez will sit against southpaw Danny Duffy, just as he did against the left-handed Tarik Skubal on Sunday. He may not be quite in a strict platoon, as he did get the Opening Day start at shortstop against lefty Matthew Boyd, but the early indications are that he's something less than an everyday player. Amed Rosario will start for the second game in a row in his place.