MLB Player News

Altuve (side) visited the team physician Sunday and is expected to see game action later this week, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

The Astros have not expressed much concern over the issue, and Altuve's diagnosis Sunday appears to concur with that sentiment. The 28-year-old was originally expected to return to game action this weekend, but it's not surprising to see the team exhibit additional caution with the All-Star second baseman at this point in spring training.

Altuve (side) is not in the lineup for Sunday's spring game against the Nationals.

Altuve was scratched from Saturday's lineup because of his injury, and the issue will sideline him at least one more day. The Astros aren't expressing concern about Altuve's status for Opening Day, but they figure to continue taking it easy with him to ensure he will be in the lineup when the regular season kicks off.

Lowe went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and three RBI in Saturday's spring game against the Orioles.

Lowe is making quite the impression this spring as he is 12-for-26 (.462) with two home runs, five doubles and 11 RBI in nine games. The 24-year-old is battling for a reserve outfield spot after slashing .233/.324/.450 in 43 major-league games in 2018.

The Rays optioned Arroyo to their minor-league camp Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Arroyo's demotion from big-league camp comes as a surprise with Matt Duffy (hamstring) uncertain to be ready for Opening Day. The Rays' decision to send Arroyo down may speak to how far he's fallen in the organizational pecking order after he failed to make much of an offensive impact in the majors or at Triple-A Durham during an injury-plagued 2018 campaign. Along with Duffy, Willy Adames, Daniel Robertson, Joey Wendle and Yandy Diaz all look like higher-priority option for the Rays on the left side of the infield.

The Astros scratched Altuve (side) from the lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

It's the second time in three days that Altuve has been listed in Houston's lineup before being scratched as a result of left side soreness. Manager AJ Hinch suggested Saturday that he's unconcerned with Altuve's injury and labeled the star second baseman as day-to-day. With Opening Day just under three weeks away, Altuve has plenty of time to put the injury behind him and erase any lingering doubt about his ability to handle an everyday role.

Altuve (side) is likely to play Saturday against the Cardinals, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Both Altuve and Alex Bregman are back on the travel roster, which means they are expected to play. Altuve suffered his injury Wednesday and was held out the last two days as a precaution. Manager AJ Hinch said both could have suited up Friday, but it wasn't worth the risk.

Merrifield went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run Friday night against the Dodgers.

Merrifield clubbed his first long ball of spring training in the fifth inning, putting the Royals out in front 4-3. The 30-year-old hit for average in 2018 (.304) but his power numbers noticeably declined from his 2017 season. He belted 12 homers and 60 RBI through 158 games last year compared to 19 home runs and 78 RBI in 145 contests in 2017.

Mathias (head) appears to be just fine after getting hit in the helmet with a pitch Friday against San Francisco, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

It's always alarming when a player gets plunked on or around their head, although Mathias managed to walk away unscathed. He's expected to be fine moving forward, although the Indians may monitor him closely as a precaution.

Mathias exited Friday's game against the Giants after being hit by a pitch in the helmet, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

The details surrounding Mathias' status are unclear at this point, so he'll be considered day-to-day until further evaluation takes place.

Andrus went 2-for-3 with a grand slam Friday against the Rockies.

Andrus belted his first home run of camp in the third inning, giving Texas an early lead. He's off to a strong start at the dish this spring, as he's now 7-for-14 with a home run, five RBI and two runs scored. Andrus will open up the 2019 campaign as the everyday starter at shortstop and will aim to stay healthy after playing a career-low 97 games in 2018.