MLB Player News

Arraez went 3-for-3 with a double, a pair of walks and a run scored in Sunday's 8-2 win over the Brewers.

Arraez got on base in each of his plate appearances. In the sixth inning, he drew a walk, moved to second on an error, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on Max Kepler's two-run single. Arraez has posted an on-base percentage of .600 through the first three games of the year. That mark will come down, but he got aboard at a .364 clip in 2020. He's not speedy, but hitting leadoff should help Arraez post a decent run total over the course of the campaign.

Kemp is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Kemp has started only one of the Athletics' first four games, as he appears to have fallen behind Jed Lowrie on the depth chart. Lowrie's lengthy injury history means that he probably can't be trusted to stay on the field for the entirety of the 2021 season, so Kemp should see playing time open up at some point down the road.

Castro is starting at first base and batting seventh in Sunday's game against Cleveland.

Castro will be making his first start of the season in Sunday's series finale. New Detroit manager A.J. Hinch has preached the need for versatility, so Castro figures to pick up starts all over the field this year. He'll get first base Sunday with Miguel Cabrera out of the lineup after experiencing cramps in Saturday's game.

Gimenez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Gimenez will cede shortstop duties to another former Mets organization mate in Amed Rosario, who is making his first career start for Cleveland. Due to his superior glovework, Gimenez is expected to serve as Cleveland's primary shortstop this season, though he could see more frequent rest days if his early struggles at the plate continue for a prolonged period. Gimenez has recorded one hit in eight at-bats through Cleveland's first two games.

Merrifield went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, four RBI and two runs scored in Saturday's 11-4 win over the Rangers.

Merrifield helped the Royals' comeback by knocking in a run on a fielder's choice in the fifth inning. He added a two-run single in the sixth and a solo shot in the eighth to complete a strong performance. The second baseman isn't the biggest power threat, but he's already gone yard twice in two games. Merrifield has added six RBI and four runs scored while feasting on the Rangers' pitching over the first weekend of the season.

Arraez went 1-for-4 with an RBI in Saturday's win over the Brewers.

Arraez reached base just once in his second straight game as the Twins' leadoff hitter, but he made the most of his only knock, plating the insurance run when he scored Andrelton Simmons with an RBI single in the top of the eighth. Arraez should remain as Minnesota's leadoff hitter and his ability to get on-base makes him a decent fit for the role even if he doesn't have the prototypical speed of a leadoff hitter.

Semien went 2-for-4 with a homer, a walk, a pair of RBI and a pair of steals in Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Semien hit a solo shot in the fifth inning, driving Corey Kluber from the game. He later hit an RBI groundout in the seventh inning. His two steals were perhaps the most encouraging part of his day, as he stole just four last season.

Lowe is not starting Saturday against the Marlins.

Lowe had a strong season last year, homering 14 times in 56 games while producing a career-high .916 OPS, and he's started this season well, going 2-for-7 with a double. He's still a Ray, though, so he'll continue to find himself a victim of the team's heavy rotation policy. Most of his off days this season will likely come against southpaws, but he'll sit Saturday even with righty Elieser Hernandez on the mound for the Marlins. Mike Brosseau will get his first start of the season in his absence.

Altuve reached five times Friday, going 3-for-3 with two walks and four runs scored in a 9-5 win over Oakland.

So far, so good with Altuve atop the Astros batting order. He's 4-for-7 with three walks and six runs scored over two games. The top of the order -- Altuve, Michael Brantley and Alex Bregman -- combined to go 8-for-12 with four RBI and scored eight of Houston's nine runs Friday.

Hernandez batted leadoff and went 1-for-4 in Friday's 3-0 loss to the Orioles.

Hernandez opened the bottom half of the first inning with a line-drive single to right, building off the momentum generated during spring training when he slashed .327/.450/.592. However, the momentum died there when Hernandez was picked off first base with one out. His was one of only two Boston hits on the day.