MLB Player News

Andrus (back) was activated from the 10-day injured list Monday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Andrus had a relatively short stay on the injured list as he dealt with a lower-back strain. He'll return as the starting shortstop despite his struggles at the plate to begin the season. Isiah Kiner-Falefa should move back to third base. Rougned Odor (eye) was placed on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Manager Aaron Boone said Monday that Torres (hamstring) was "getting close" to returning from the injured list, Sweeny Murti of Sports Radio 66 WFAN reports.

"Close" is of course a relative term, and Torres' exact return date remains unclear, but this certainly seems to be good news for the young infielder. Torres indicated when he landed on the injured list back on Aug. 21 that he expected to miss just two weeks, though general manager Brian Cashman later gave him a 3-to-6-week timeline. Unless "getting close" implies an absence of at least 11 more days, it appears that Cashman's timeline may have been overly pessimistic.

Jones' contract was selected by the Angels on Monday.

Jones has yet to play above Double-A, and he doesn't seem to have conquered that level yet, as he struggled to a .234/.308/.324 slash line in a full season for Mobile last year. While he'll likely receive a handful of opportunities for the last-place Angels down the stretch, it's hard to envision him immediately stepping into a fantasy-relevant role.

Short was sent from the Cubs to the Tigers in exchange for Cameron Maybin on Monday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Short has a rather unique statline, as he's a career .241 hitter in the minors but owns a 16.4 percent walk rate, helping him to a strong .377 on-base percentage. If big-league pitchers have no reason to fear his bat, that walk rate could take a hit at the highest level, but Short's ability to fill in around the infield could still be enough for him to carve out a career in a bench role.

Miller was sent from San Diego to Cleveland as part of a six-player return for Mike Clevinger, Greg Allen and a player to be named later Monday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Miller was buried deep on the Padres' list of top prospects, though that says more about the Padres than it does about Miller. The 23-year-old infielder skipped High-A and went straight to Double-A in his second professional season last year and more than held his own, hitting .290/.355/.430 with 13 homers in 130 games for Amarillo. He doesn't have any standout tools, but his ability to handle shortstop while hitting for a decent average and at least a bit of power should give him a future as a utility infielder.

With Ian Browne of MLB.com reporting Bobby Dalbec likely to get a majority of at-bats at first base, Chavis' playing time could take a hit.

Dalbec, who was called up over the weekend after Boston traded Mitch Moreland to San Diego, started at first base and went 2-for-4 with a home run in his debut. Chavis had been a regular against left-handers, against whom Moreland would sit, but the Red Sox will want to get a good look at Dalbec. The team envisions a future infield with Dalbec and Rafael Devers at the corners. Chavis could see time at second base, where Jose Peraza has been the primary starter. Neither Chavis (.675 OPS) nor Peraza (.631) has distinguished himself at the plate.

Rangers manager Chris Woodward confirmed that Andrus (back) will return as the starting shortstop, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Andrus is expected to be activated from the injured list ahead of Tuesday's series opener against the Astros. With the Rangers at 12-21, it's fair to wonder if they'll go forward with veterans, but the manger confirmed both Andrus and Rougned Odor (eye) will start when healthy. Isiah Kiner-Falefa has filled for Andrus and has more than a 200-point advantage in OPS, but he should go back to third base. The manager could eventually alter his strategy, but Andrus and his .494 OPS will return as a starter.

Mendick started at third base Sunday in place of the injured Yoan Moncada (leg) and went 0-for-4 in a 5-2 win over Kansas City.

Mendick had a steady run at second base when Nick Madrigal was sidelined by a shoulder injury, but with the rookie returning over the weekend, Mendick is back to a depth role. Moncada is expected to return Monday.

Polanco went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's loss to the Tigers.

The Twins were held in check by the Tigers' pitching staff Sunday, but Polanco managed to blast a long ball in the third inning to give the team a brief lead. The shortstop is now hitting .279 with three home runs and 16 RBI this season.

Merrifield went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk and a stolen base Sunday against the White Sox.

Merrifield took Steve Cishek deep in the eighth inning to tie the game at two. It was his seventh home run of the season and second in the team's series against the White Sox. Earlier in the contest, Merrifield swiped his seventh base of the season after reaching on a single. Overall, he's hitting .296/.356/.511 with 22 RBI and 22 runs scored across 149 plate appearances.