MLB Player News

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.

Kemp will be designated for assignment by the Astros on Friday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Kemp will be removed from Houston's roster in order to free up a spot for Carlos Correa (ribs), who is set to return from the injured list Friday. The 27-year-old Kemp has made 12 appearances (four starts) in July, slashing .190/.292/.476 with two home runs and three RBI. Houston now has seven days to trade Kemp or expose him to waivers.

Torres went 1-for-4 with a home run, a walk and another run scored in Wednesday's 10-7 victory over the Twins.

Torres launched a 405-foot shot to deep left center in the third inning. He also plated another run following a walk in the second. The young 22-year-old has been a reliable source of offense for the Yankees this season following a solid rookie campaign. Through 94 games, Torres is slashing .295/.362/.517 with 20 home runs, 63 runs scored and 54 RBI.

Altuve went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and a double in Wednesday's 4-2 win against Oakland.

Altuve struck out looking during the first inning but reached base in his next three at-bats, including via a 428-foot blast during the fifth inning. The 29-year-old has a .379/.400/.724 slash line with five home runs and five doubles in 13 games since the All-Star break.

Biggio is not in the lineup Wednesday against Cleveland, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Biggio has gone 5-for-50 with zero extra-base hits over his last 15 games, posting a .374 OPS over that stretch. Eric Sogard starts at second base in his absence.

Polanco went 3-for-5 with a double, a home run and three RBI in Tuesday's 14-12 loss to the Yankees in 10 innings.

After earning his first trip to the All-Star Game earlier this month, Polanco hasn't slowed down at all in the second half. Through 10 games, the shortstop has gone 13-for-42 (.310 average) with two home runs, five doubles, seven RBI and five runs. With only four steals in seven attempts this season, Polanco is less active on the bases these days, but that's an easy pill for fantasy managers to swallow while he's tracking for career highs in nearly every other offensive category.

Chavis (back) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Chavis will remain on the bench for a fourth straight contest while managing the back injury, but his ability to pinch hit and play second base late in Tuesday's 9-4 win suggests he's likely on track to avoid a trip to the injured list. Mitch Moreland and Brock Holt will start on the right side of the infield as the Red Sox wrap up their three-game set in Tampa Bay.

Chavis (back) entered Tuesday's game as a pinch hitter and played two innings at second base.

Chavis missed two games with tightness in his back but avoided a trip to the injured list. That he swung the bat and played the field is a good sign. With Mitch Moreland returning, Chavis could see most of his action at second base moving forward.