MLB Player News

Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Toledo following Sunday's game against the Nationals.

Rodriguez struggled to a .218 average over 52 games in the big leagues, resulting in a demotion for the 27-year-old. Jordy Mercer (quadriceps) is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list Monday in a corresponding move.

Rengifo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics.

Andrelton Simmons and Tommy La Stella will man the middle-infield spots in the series finale, resulting in Rengifo heading to the bench after a string of 11 consecutive starts. Though Rengifo has found success at the plate recently with a .341 average and five extra-base hits over that 11-game span, his opportunities seem likely to decline now that Simmons is healthy again after an extended stay on the injured list.

The Athletics recalled Barreto from Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday. He'll man second base and bat seventh in the Athletics' series finale with the Angels.

Barreto worked exclusively as a middle infielder through his first six seasons in the minors before adding center-field duties to his ledger in 2019. His ability to play in both the infield and outfield could aid his chances of picking up playing time as he moves back to the big leagues, especially while the Athletics remain without an everyday outfielder (Stephen Piscotty) until after the All-Star break. Over 73 games with Las Vegas this season, Barreto was slashing .296/.379/.549 with 41 extra-base hits and a 13-for-14 success rate on stolen-base attempts.

Forsythe will start at second base and bat seventh Sunday against the Rays.

Rougned Odor (hamstring) will be on the bench for a second straight day, allowing Forsythe to claim his fifth start in six contests. Odor's setback isn't viewed as a major concern, so as long as he avoids the injured list, Forsythe will transition back into a utility role before long.

Beckham is starting at second base and batting eighth in Sunday's game against the Nationals.

Beckham started four straight games earlier in the week, but this will be his first appearance in the series against Washington. The 32-year-old is slashing .221/.307/.410 with three home runs in 45 games.

Biggio went 1-for-3 with a grand slam and a walk in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Royals.

Biggio delivered out of the cleanup spot for the Blue Jays in the fifth inning with his first career grand slam. The 24-year-old is showing well in his first taste of the majors with a .240/.373/.469 slash line and six home runs through 30 games.

Chavis went 2-for-4 with a pair of three-run home runs in Saturday's 17-13 loss to the Yankees in London.

Chavis capped off a six-run first inning with his 425-foot blast to tie the game 6-6 and went deep again in the seventh to give the Red Sox a fighting chance. The 23-year-old is slashing .267/.341/.475 with 14 homers over his first 62 major-league games.

Lowe is not in Saturday's lineup against the Rangers.

Lowe is hitting .162 with 15 strikeouts over his last 10 games. Joey Wendle, who is heating up at the plate, will start at second base and hit sixth against righty Adrian Sampson.

Semien went 2-for-4 with an RBI single in a loss to the Angels on Thursday.

Semien once again served as a catalyst out of the leadoff spot, churning out his first multi-hit effort since June 19 in the process. The veteran shortstop is hitting .299 overall in June, a resurgent month following a middling May during which he hit a forgettable .206. Semien has also compiled 16 RBI since the calendar flipped, easily his best monthly figure in that category this season.

Kemp entered Thursday's game after left fielder Yordan Alvarez was removed due to a knee injury, going 1-for-3 in a 10-0 loss to the Pirates.

Kemp entered the game in the fourth inning after Alvarez aggravated a leg injury while chasing down a flyball. Alvarez was coping with discomfort after fouling a ball of his left leg Tuesday but was able to continue on as the designated hitter. If Alvarez can't play Friday, expect to see Michael Brantley, who was the DH on Thursday, slot in at left field instead of Kemp.