MLB Player News

Rojas (hand) is starting Thursday against the Dodgers.

Rojas was available off the bench if needed during Tuesday's series finale against the Royals, but he remained off the field for a third consecutive game due to his bruised left hand. However, he'll start at the hot corner and bat second during Thursday's matchup.

Polanco (ankle) isn't starting Thursday against the Royals.

Polanco will be out of the lineup for a third consecutive game due to some slight soreness in his right ankle, but manager Rocco Baldelli is optimistic that the second baseman could return as soon as Friday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. The 28-year-old had been playing through the issue recently, but the team wants to give him some time to rest while receiving treatment. Luis Arraez will shift to the keystone while Jose Miranda starts at first base.

Gorman is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Brewers, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Gorman has started four of five games since being promoted late last week, and he'll take a seat for Thursday's series opener. The 22-year-old is off to a strong start through 20 plate appearances with a .294/.400/.412 slash line. Tommy Edman will shift to the keystone while Edmundo Sosa starts at shortstop.

Gimenez isn't starting Thursday's game against the Tigers.

Gimenez has started against just four left-handed pitchers this year, and he'll get a breather with southpaw Tarik Skubal on the mound for the Tigers on Thursday. Amed Rosario will shift to shortstop while Oscar Mercado starts in left field.

Andrus went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in a win over the Mariners on Wednesday.

Andrus went deep for the second straight game, launching a two-run shot off Robbie Ray in the sixth to extend the Athletics' lead to 3-0. The veteran shortstop is wielding a hot bat, going 5-for-11 with two homers and three RBI across his last three games.

Hoerner will be the Cubs' primary shortstop going forward, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Hoerner, who is starting at the six and batting eighth Thursday against the Reds, was activated from the injured list Wednesday and the expectation is that he will get the reps at shortstop while Andrelton Simmons starts at second base or comes off the bench most days. The Cubs are using this year as an audition for Hoerner to show he can stay healthy and stay productive, before the team potentially eyes up a big free-agent signing at the position this offseason. Hoerner is hitting .278/.300/.402 with two home runs and two steals in 30 games.

Semien went 2-for-4 with a triple, a run, an RBI and a stolen base Wednesday in a 7-2 win over the Angels.

Semien led off the game with a single, stole second base and subsequently came around to score on a Mitch Garver sacrifice fly. He tallied an RBI on a sacrifice fly of his own in the seventh frame. This was one of the better games in what has been a brutal campaign for the veteran, as he still hasn't hit a homer and is slashing just .185/.242/.247 across 178 plate appearances. He may be starting to come on, however, going 9-for-28 (.321) with two RBI and two thefts over his past seven contests.

Castro went 3-for-4 with two solo home runs in Wednesday's win over the Twins.

Castro entered the contest with just one home run this season across 24 games, and he only had three long balls in 106 games last year, so the power outburst was definitely unexpected. The three-hit effort wasn't as rare, however, as the utility man did that as recently as May 15. Castro is now batting .301 for the season, and while the power won't always be there, he's certainly proven himself to be a capable hitter at the MLB level.

Ibanez isn't starting Wednesday against the Angels.

Ibanez has gone just 1-for-17 with a walk and four strikeouts over his last six games, and he'll take a seat for the third time in the last five matchups. Charlie Culberson will start at the hot corner and bat eighth.

McNeil was removed from Wednesday's game against the Giants due to a left knee contusion, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

McNeil made a sliding catch in left field in the bottom of the third inning Wednesday but was shaken up since he crashed into the side wall. He was initially able to remain in the game but was replaced by a pinch hitter in the top of the fourth. The 30-year-old went 0-for-1 prior to his departure and will have at least one day to recover since the Mets have a scheduled day off Thursday. If McNeil is forced to miss any additional time, Luis Guillorme should see an uptick in at-bats at second base.