MLB Player News

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Monday that Drury (blurred vision) could return from the 10-day disabled list "sooner rather than later," though an exact date wasn't specified, Mike Mazzeo of the New York Daily News reports.

Drury, who recently shifted his rehab assignment to Double-A Trenton, has appeared in 12 minor-league games since April 25 for two different affiliates, going a collective 14-for-39 (.359 average) with a home run in those contests. The strong showing at the plate seemingly suggests that Drury's bout with impaired vision and migraines is no longer much of a concern, but the Yankees have had little incentive to rush the veteran back with rookie Miguel Andujar thriving while logging regular at-bats at third base. Once Drury is back from the DL, manager Aaron Boone could face some tough lineup decisions, as Drury won't have a clear path to playing time at the keystone either with top prospect Gleyber Torres shining in an everyday role at that position since earning a promotion April 22.

Alvarez was recalled from Double-A Frisco on Monday.

This comes as a bit of a surprise, as the 23-year-old hasn't seen any time above the Double-A level in his career. Alvarez's stats with the RoughRiders this season are also less than stellar, as he's hitting just .196 with 35 strikeouts in 107 at-bats. He'll likely fill a reserve role in the big leagues. Drew Robinson (hip) was placed on the disabled list to clear a spot on the active roster for him.

Ngoepe cleared waivers Monday and was outrighted to Triple-A Buffalo.

Ngoepe was available for any team to claim, but a 28-year-old utility infielder with a career .181/.272/.236 line doesn't make for a particularly appealing player. He'll head back to the minors and could be back up as needed throughout the season, though he shouldn't be expected to have much fantasy relevance if and when he does return.

Barreto went 3-for-4 with five RBI from a pair of home runs in Triple-A Nashville's win over Memphis on Sunday.

Barreto has been positively tearing the cover off the ball for the Sounds over the last two weeks. The versatile prospect has six multi-hit efforts during that span, including nine extra-base hits (five doubles, four homers) and nine RBI. His season line at Triple-A is up to an impressive .304/.388/.609, and it's hard to argue he needs further work in the minors at this point. He should get a promotion to the majors whenever the A's can find a way to get him regular playing time, but Jed Lowrie's bat and Marcus Semien's glove are currently standing in the way.

Altuve went 1-for-4 with a triple in Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Altuve completed his season cycle, hitting his first triple of 2018. His power numbers are down through the first five weeks of the season. He entered Sunday's contest with a .417 slugging percentage, down 130 points from where finished last season, and a .093 ISO (.201 in 2017).

Merrifield went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and three stolen bases Sunday against the Tigers.

Merrifield nearly doubled his stolen base total in one game, as he now has seven for the season. All three of his swipes came against Matthew Boyd, including two that came on one plate appearance. His stolen base production will be key to his value going forward, as the poor Royals lineup surrounding him will likely limit his runs and RBI.

Torres went 1-for-4 with a walkoff three-run home run to send the Yankees to a 7-4 victory over Cleveland on Sunday.

The Yankees struggled against Indians starter Mike Clevinger for much of the afternoon but were able to get to the bullpen for five earned runs, which Torres capped off with a three-run blast off Dan Otero to end the contest. The talented 21-year-old is now slashing a solid .333/.365/.458 through 48 at-bats this season.

Semien went 1-for-4 with an RBI single, a walk and a run in a win over the Orioles on Friday.

Semien gave the Athletics some breathing room with an eighth-inning single that plated Jonathan Lucroy. It was the shortstop's first RBI since April 23, an eight-game drought that represented his longest such stretch of the season. Despite the recent lack of timely hitting, Semien has remained productive, reaching safely in 10 of his last 12 games.

Merrifield is out of the lineup against Detroit on Saturday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Merrifield will receive a typical day off following nine straight starts while Ryan Goins draws the assignment at second base. Expect to see Merrifield back in the lineup for Sunday's series finale.

Torres went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Friday's 7-6 win over Cleveland.

The blast was the first of his big-league career, making him the youngest Yankee to homer since John Ellis in 1969. Torres now has an impressive .333/.367/.467 slash line through his first 13 MLB games.