MLB Player News

Semien (side) swung the bat Thursday and continues to feel better, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The hope is that he can avoid an IL stint, although the previous report suggested he wouldn't be able to return until Saturday, at the earliest. Vimael Machin, Chad Pinder and Tony Kemp could all be options to fill in for Semien on Friday against the Padres.

Altuve left Thursday's game after the second inning after suffering an apparent groin injury sliding into third base, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The injury looked painful, but we're still waiting on specifics. Aledmys Diaz moved to second base and Abraham Toro entered at third base.

Torres (hamstring) will return Saturday or Sunday in Baltimore, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

He had been hoping to be back Friday, but it sounds like the earliest he could be activated would be Saturday. Tyler Wade will continue to start at shortstop until Torres returns.

Angels manager Joe Maddon indicated Wednesday that Barreto will play "literally everywhere" throughout the remainder of the season, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Maddon was likely exaggerating in stating that Barreto will play all nine positions on the field, but given the Angels' current place in the standings -- they sit 11.5 games behind first place in the AL West and eight games out of a wild card spot -- it makes sense that they will use the final month of the campaign to evaluate players. Barreto has played exclusively at second base, shortstop and third base during his time in the majors, but he did log nine games in center field and two games in left at the Triple-A level last season.

Arraez exited Wednesday's win over the White Sox with left patellar soreness, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

The 23-year-old has been battling knee issues throughout the season, and the current issue is apparently with the left kneecap. Manager Rocco Baldelli indicated it isn't a long-term concern, so Arraez should be considered day-to-day until the team provides another update.

Jones was optioned to the alternate training site Wednesday.

The 23-year-old was recalled for his first stint in the majors Monday, but he didn't have a plate appearance during his brief time with the club. Jones will hope to receive another opportunity later in the season.

Barretto cleared intake protocols and was activated from the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The 24-year-old was acquired by the Angels from the A's on Friday, but he had yet to join his new team while going through the COVID-19 intake protocols. Barreto had only 10 plate appearances this season prior to the trade, and he's expected to fill a utility role with his new team.

Torres (hamstring) hopes to return to the Yankees on Friday, Anthony Reiber of Newsday reports.

Torres will report to the team's alternate training site Thursday and said he likely won't need much time to get ready before rejoining the team, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. The 23-year-old is well ahead of his return timeline, but the Yankees could potentially ease him back into action once he returns to prevent a long-term issue.

Chavis will serve as Boston's designated hitter and will bat sixth Wednesday against the Braves, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Chavis looked like he might have been in line to see his playing time tail off after Boston called up first-base prospect Bobby Dalbec on Sunday, but Monday's trade that sent Kevin Pillar to the Rockies seems to have benefited Chavis. J.D. Martinez (hand) will return from a two-game absence to start in left field, which could become his permanent more permanent home, given that the Red Sox lack any other established, healthy outfielders beyond Alex Verdugo and Jackie Bradley. If that's the case, Boston could rotate first base and the DH spot between Chavis and Dalbec, allowing both young bats to stick in the everyday lineup.

Lowe isn't in Wednesday's lineup against the Yankees.

Lowe has gone hitless with one walk and four strikeouts over the past two games, and he'll get a day off with lefty Jordan Montgomery on the mound for the Yankees on Wednesday. Hunter Renfroe will take over in right field.