MLB Player News

Andrus isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Athletics.

Andrus is 0-for-8 at the dish over his last two contests, so he'll get the night off to regroup. Danny Santana will shift over to shortstop and bat third with Andrus out of the equation.

Lowe said his bruised shin "felt better" Friday than any day prior, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lowe, who resumed baseball activities Friday after a brief shutdown period, seems to have benefited from the pain-relieving shot he received earlier in the week. While this is an encouraging development for the second baseman, he remains without a timetable for his return. Look for Joey Wendle and Mike Brosseau to continue filling in at the keystone with Lowe sidelined.

Lopez is not in the lineup Friday against the Indians, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports.

Lopez is slashing just .167/.189/.194 with just two extra-base hits (both doubles) and zero steals, so he'll head to the bench following a string of three straight starts. In his place, Whit Merrifield is covering the keystone and hitting leadoff.

Kemp was designated for assignment by the Astros on Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Astros needed to free up a roster spot for Carlos Correa (rib), who was activated from the 60-day injured list Friday, and Kemp was the corresponding roster casualty. Houston will now have seven days to trade the 27-year-old or expose him to waivers. Prior to being dropped from the team's 40-man roster, Kemp slashed .227/.308/.417 with seven home runs and four stolen bases in 66 games.

Chavis (back) is starting at second base and hitting eighth Friday against the Yankees, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

As expected, Chavis is back in the starting nine after going 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles, two RBI and a run scored as a substitute in Thursday's 19-3 win. The 23-year-old, who is slashing .257/.330/.455 with 16 home runs in 80 games this season, will face lefty James Paxton in his return to the starting lineup.

Chavis (back) entered Thursday's game after starting second baseman Brock Holt was ejected. He went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and a run scored in a 19-3 win over the Yankees.

Chavis was held out of the lineup Sunday and Monday after experiencing back spasms over the weekend. The last three games, however, were more of a manager's decision, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com. Chavis is expected to start at first base Friday and Saturday. "I mean, he's not playing (Thursday) because I want to play Brock," said manager Alex Cora prior to the game. "There's two lefties coming up. Brock is swinging the bat well. Michael will play the next two days. We'll see what happens Sunday. That's why he's not playing (Thursday)." With Mitch Moreland back in the fold, Chavis will start at first base against left-handers and share second base with Holt.

Forsythe started at first base and went 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored in Thursday's 11-3 win over the Athletics.

Forsythe has started all three games at first base since the Rangers demoted Ronald Guzman to Triple-A Nashville. He's been in the lineup against right-handers and left-handers. He and Danny Santana will share first base, although Santana, who has been a more dangerous hitter, may eventually land there most games, though Santana can also be used in the outfield following Joey Gallo's injury.

Arraez will start at third base and bat sixth Thursday against the White Sox, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

This marks Arraez's ninth consecutive start, and he's still sat just one time in July. He's been playing a lot of third base lately, with Miguel Sano shifted over to first to cover for C.J. Cron (thumb). The 22-year-old doesn't appear headed for a reduced role anytime soon given his .379/.455/.484 slash line (155 wRC+). When Cron's back, Arraez may take over primary duties at second base.

Castro is not starting Thursday against the Mariners, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Castro will head to the bench after starting the past 11 games and going 13-for-48 (.271) with a home run and six RBI during that stretch. In his place, Niko Goodrum is starting at second base and hitting seventh.

Chavis (back) is not in the lineup Thursday against the Yankees, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Chavis will stick on the bench for a fifth straight game as he continues to deal with a back injury. He was able to pinch hit and play second base earlier in the week, though it remains to be seen when he'll be cleared to rejoin the starting nine. Brock Holt is once again starting at second base in place of Chavis on Thursday.