MLB Player News

Merrifield went 1-for-5 with a stolen base and a run scored in Monday's 6-2 win over the Angels.

Merrifield had a 21-game span with no steals recently, but he's notched a pair of thefts in his last four games while going 5-for-17 (.294) in that span. The 33-year-old is now 9-for-10 in stolen base attempts this year. The renewed hitting is a welcome sight, though his season slash line remains at .229/.273/.310 with three home runs, 28 RBI, 32 runs scored and 13 doubles through 66 contests.

Chavis went 0-for-2 with three walks and two runs Monday against the Cubs.

Chavis entered the game having earned only nine free passes on the season and never multiple in a game. However, Chavis took advantage of Caleb Kilian's inability to consistently find the strike zone -- he issued five total walks -- and has now reached base in eight of his last 11 games. He hasn't produced much otherwise in that span, as he has tallied only four runs scored and four RBI. Overall, Chavis has maintained a .257/.307/.423 line across 192 plate appearances on the season.

McNeil's hamstring injury is merely considered a day-to-day issue for now, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

McNeil exited Monday's game against Miami with right hamstring tightness, but it appears as though he's avoided a more serious issue. It's possible the injury turns out to be worse than originally expected after further tests, in which case J.D. Davis and Dominic Smith could see their roles expand.

Manager Alex Cora said Monday that Hernandez (hip) will require a rehab assignment but is likely to return by this weekend, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Hernandez took live batting practice Saturday and is expected to report to Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday to begin his rehab assignment. While Cora said Saturday that he was hopeful Hernandez would be back Wednesday or Thursday, it's possible that the Red Sox wait until this weekend before reinstating him from the injured list.

Manager Kevin Cash said that Lowe (back) has resumed rotational work and could start swinging a bat again Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lowe looks to be gradually resuming baseball activities after he had his rehab program shut down for a few days when he experienced renewed discomfort in his injured lower back. The 27-year-old has been on the shelf since May 16 and appears to be at least a couple weeks away from returning from the 10-day injured list.

Arroyo (illness) will require a rehab assignment prior to rejoining the Red Sox, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Arroyo has cleared the league's COVID-19 protocols and was in the Red Sox's clubhouse Monday, but he'll be sent to a minor-league affiliate before he's cleared to return from the injured list. However, manager Alex Cora is hopeful that the 27-year-old will be cleared to return as early as this weekend.

Marte (hamstring) isn't starting Monday against the Padres.

Marte is expected to return at some point during the Diamondbacks' three-game series against the Padres, but he'll remain out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive game. Buddy Kennedy is starting at the keystone and batting sixth.

McNeil was removed from Monday's game against the Marlins due to right hamstring tightness, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

McNeil went 1-for-2 with a double and a run to begin Monday's game, but he was replaced defensively in the top of the fifth inning. The severity of the issue isn't yet clear. If McNeil misses additional time, J.D. Davis and Dominic Smith are candidates for increased playing time.

Castro (calf) is out of the lineup for Monday's game in Boston.

Castro is day-to-day after exiting Sunday's 7-3 win due to calf tightness, but even if he avoided an injury to close out the weekend, he would likely be on the outside looking in for a spot in Detroit's lineup. The Tigers reinstated Jeimer Candelario (shoulder) from the 10-day injured list and will immediately slot him back in the starting nine at third base, the position Castro had been primarily playing for the past two weeks. Assuming his calf issue doesn't force him to the IL, Castro will likely handle a utility role for Detroit moving forward.

Arroyo (illness) rejoined the Red Sox on Monday after clearing all COVID-19-related protocols, but he remains on the injured list, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

After Arroyo was away from the team for the previous five days, the Red Sox may want to send him out on a brief rehab assignment or have him go through a series of workouts over the next couple of days before activating him from the IL. Once he's reinstated, Arroyo will likely serve as a short-side platoon mate for lefty-hitting outfielder Jackie Bradley.