MLB Player News

Castro isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Texas.

Castro went 0-for-11 with two strikeouts over the last three games and will get a rare day off Saturday. Kody Clemens will take over at the hot corner and bat ninth.

Andrus went 2-for-4 with a run in a loss to the Royals on Friday.

The veteran authored the only multi-hit effort in yet another low-scoring loss for the Athletics. Andrus hadn't mustered two hits in a game since June 1, and his productive night Friday snapped an 0-for-15 skid that encompassed his previous four games.

Merrifield went 3-for-5 with a stolen base and a run scored in Friday's 5-1 win over the Athletics.

Merrifield entered Friday just 2-for-14 in his last four contests. The 33-year-old also picked up his first steal since May 23, giving him eight thefts in nine attempts this year. He's still managed a rather mediocre .232/.270/.317 slash line with three home runs, 27 RBI, 31 runs scored and 13 doubles across 282 plate appearances, though he remains locked in as the Royals' leadoff hitter.

Mayfield was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday and will bat ninth and play third base against the Mariners.

Mayfield was optioned Friday but is back less than a week later with Anthony Rendon shut down for season-ending wrist surgery. Mayfield has slashed .194/.239/.284 in 22 games this season, which doesn't make a case for regular playing time, but he could start at the hot corner against lefties such as Friday's starter Robbie Ray.

Peguero was called up by the Pirates on Friday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Peguero will jump straight from Double-A Altoona to replace Tucupita Marcano, who landed on the COVID-19 injured list. The former seemingly got the call ahead of fellow shortstop prospect Oneil Cruz due primarily to his geographical proximity to Pittsburgh rather than his major-league readiness, as the Pirates needed a player on very short notice. Peguero has stolen 14 bases in 54 games for Altoona this season and could make a fantasy impact with his legs if he's given a handful of starts, though whether or not his bat is ready to make the jump is unclear. His .292/.315/.469 slash line is good for a 113 wRC+, but the two-level jump may be a tough ask.

Marte (hamstring) isn't in the lineup Friday against the Twins.

Marte exited Wednesday's game against the Reds due to hamstring tightness and will be out of the lineup following Thursday's off day. Jake Hager is starting at the keystone and batting eighth.

Trejo was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.

Trejo was sent to the minors in early May but will rejoin the active roster and start at third base during Friday's game against the Padres. He should serve mainly as depth during his time on the major-league roster after he hit .257 with a homer, six runs and six RBI over 10 games with the Rockies earlier in the year.

Kemp isn't starting Friday's game against the Royals.

Kemp will be out of the lineup for a second consecutive game since left-hander Daniel Lynch is on the mound for the Royals on Friday. Jonah Bride is shifting to the keystone while Matt Davidson starts at third base.

Lopez signed a one-year, $2.55 million contract with the Royals on Friday after losing his arbitration case, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

It's the first year of arbitration eligibility for Lopez, and he's coming off a .300/.365/.378 slash line in 2021 with two home runs, 43 RBI, 78 runs and 22 steals. However, he's struggled so far in 2022 and has a .537 OPS and only four steals through 59 games. Lopez is starting at third base and batting ninth Friday against the A's.

Polanco will be placed on the 10-day injured list Friday with lower-back tightness, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The 28-year-old hasn't seen the field since Sunday due to the injury, so the Twins have opted to put him on the shelf to recover for at least the next week. Polanco underwent an MRI this week which didn't show any major concerns, so he could be back after the 10-day minimum. Alex Kirilloff will join the club in a corresponding move, and he could see time at first base with Luis Arraez sliding over to second.