MLB Player News

Urias (quadriceps) will begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Biloxi on Saturday, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

Urias appeared in an extended spring game in Arizona on Thursday, and he's been cleared to play in minor-league games this weekend. While the Brewers haven't indicated how many rehab appearances Urias will make, it's possible that he'll join the major-league club sometime next week.

Gimenez went 1-for-2 with a walk, an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored in Thursday's 6-3 win over the White Sox.

Gimenez posted 19 stolen bases across his first 117 major-league games over the last two years. It's been a slower start this season, as he had to settle for a part-time role at second base out of the gate. The infielder is slashing .318/.333/.545 with a home run, a triple, four RBI, three runs scored and one steal through 24 plate appearances. Gimenez should see regular playing time while Yu Chang and Owen Miller are both on the COVID-19 injured list.

Rojas (oblique) was scheduled to hit off a velocity machine Thursday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo indicated facing the machine is a step up from normal batting practice, which suggests Rojas is progressing from the Grade 2 strain suffered late in spring training. Upon his return, Rojas is expected to serve as the Diamondbacks' primary third baseman.

Hoerner went 1-for-3 with a stolen base Thursday in a loss to Pittsburgh.

Hoerner picked up his second stole base of the season in the seventh inning after grounding into a fielder's choice. He made it to third on a throwing error but was left stranded there. Hoerner has never racked up big stolen-base totals (either in the minors or majors) but certainly has potential in that area given his sprint speed, which ranks in the 90th percentile leaguewide.

Espinal is not in Thursday's lineup against the Red Sox, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

The light-hitting infielder is batting .216 with zero home runs and two steals through 37 at-bats. Gosuke Katoh is getting his first big-league start as the Jays' second baseman.

Polanco will sit Thursday against the Royals, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Polanco started the first 12 games of the season but will get a rest for the afternoon contest which caps the team's six-game road trip. Luis Arraez will fill in for him at second base.

Lopez will lead off for the first time this season Thursday against the Twins, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Bobby Witt was bumped down to seventh in the order, so Lopez will take the leadoff spot against righty Joe Ryan while Whit Merrifield hits second. Lopez is hitting .367/.406/.467 with zero home runs and zero steals this season.

Torres is on the bench for Thursday's game against Detroit.

Torres was on the bench for Opening Day before starting nine straight games, though he's now returned to the bench for two of the last three contests. He certainly hasn't hit as though he deserves an everyday role, as he's slashing .143/.205/.286 through 40 plate appearances. DJ LeMahieu starts at second base Thursday.

Arroyo is starting in right field and batting ninth Thursday against the Blue Jays.

This is his fifth start of the season in right field, which is enough to gain outfield eligibility in some formats. He'll start for Enrique Hernandez, who is getting the day off, while Jackie Bradley slides over to center field. Arroyo is hitting .182 with one run and two RBI through eight games.

Hernandez will get his first day off of the season Thursday against the Blue Jays.

Trevor Story will ascend to the leadoff spot while Jackie Bradley shifts to center field and Christian Arroyo starts in right field. Hernandez is hitting .157/.246/.333 with one home run and a 12:6 K:BB in 51 at-bats.