MLB Player News

Merrifield went 3-for-5 with two runs, an RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's 9-1 victory over the White Sox.

As usual, the second baseman served as an offensive catalyst from the top of the order, scoring the game's first run after singling and swiping a bag in the first inning. He leads MLB with 28 thefts on the season, with three of his steals coming in his past five games. Merrifield has collected at least one hit in 13 of his past 14 contests.

Mayfield went 3-for-3 with a solo home run and a double Wednesday against the Rangers.

Mayfield tallied his first multi-hit effort since July 17, a span of 15 games. However, he homered in his second consecutive contest and now has six round trippers on the season. Even so, Mayfield has just a .214/.245/.449 line across 104 plate appearances to this point in the campaign. With Anthony Rendon (hip) sidelined for the season, Mayfield should see plenty of playing time going forward.

Arraez went 3-for-3 with a double, two walks and a run in Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the Reds.

The 24-year-old lacks the power of a typical cleanup hitter, but he shined in that role nonetheless, raising his average to .310 with the trio of hits. In his last 12 games, Arraez has hit .405 with four doubles, four walks and four RBI while striking out just three times. The return of Josh Donaldson (hamstring) figures to push Arraez out of third base, but the latter's bat has been formidable enough to stay in the lineup one way or another.

Polanco went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk and another run scored in Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the Reds.

The infielder went deep for the third consecutive game and now sits at 18 home runs on the season. Polanco has been on a tear since the All-Star break, hitting .366 with five homers and 12 RBI in 17 games and raising his 2021 OPS to .811. After an underwhelming 2020, the 28-year-old is nearly matching the production from his stellar 2019 campaign.

Clement isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.

Clement went just 1-for-9 across the last three games, and he'll get a chance to reset Wednesday. Owen Miller will start at the keystone and bat eighth.

Espinal isn't in the lineup Wednesday against Cleveland.

Espinal recently drew six consecutive starts, but he'll be out of the lineup for a second straight contest after he went 1-for-9 with a home run, two RBI, two walks and a strikeout in his last three appearances. Breyvic Valera will start at the hot corner and bat eighth.

The Red Sox optioned Arauz to Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday.

Arauz was sent out to clear a roster spot for closer Matt Barnes (illness), who was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list. During his five-day stint with the big club, Arauz appeared in three games and went 2-for-6 with a walk.

Kim isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

Kim has been filling in at shortstop with Fernando Tatis (shoulder) sidelined, and he's gone 3-for-8 with a home run, a double, three RBI and two runs across the last two games. Jake Cronenworth will shift to shortstop while Jurickson Profar starts at first base.

Arraez will start at third base and bat cleanup Wednesday against the Reds.

Since returning from the injured list Saturday, Arraez has now picked up starts in all of the Twins' subsequent five games, with each opportunity coming at third base in place of the injured Josh Donaldson (hamstring). The Twins are still viewing Donaldson as day-to-day, so assuming he avoids the injured list, Arraez could soon be pushed into a utility role. Arraez's excellent bat-to-ball skills and ability to play multiple infield and outfield spots should allow him to hold down a near-everyday role, even if he doesn't have a true home at a position.

Diaz went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Mets.

His third-inning blast off Taijuan Walker gave the Marlins a 2-0 lead in a game during which they never trailed. Diaz hadn't gone yard since May 7 and has only three homers on the year, but he should get regular starts at second base while Jazz Chisholm (COVID-19) is sidelined and has been productive since the All-Star break, slashing .289/.372/.474 over his last 15 games.