MLB Player News

Hoerner is starting at second base and batting leadoff in a Triple-A exhibition contest Saturday.

Hoerner and his Triple-A Iowa teammates will be taking on Chicago White Sox minor leaguers in the exhibition game. Hoerner did not make the major-league roster out of spring training, but the Cubs are getting very little production at second base from David Bote and Eric Sogard, so Hoerner could be in line for a promotion at some point relatively soon.

Albies (calf) isn't starting Saturday's game against the Cubs.

Albies was removed from Friday's win over the Cubs in the ninth inning after he was hit by a pitch on the right calf. Ehire Adrianza will start at second base and bat sixth Saturday, and it's not yet clear whether Albies could be available off the bench.

Frazier went 2-for-5 with a two-run triple in Friday's 6-1 win over the Brewers.

The two hits lifted his batting average to .300 and the triple was his first hit against a southpaw in seven at-bats. Frazier has played second base exclusively after seeing time in the outfield in 2020. His line-drive rate (31.1 percent) is at its highest level since his rookie campaign (33.1 percent) in 2016. The 29-year-old is also playing well defensively as he builds his trade value heading into the summer months.

Biggio (hand) isn't in the lineup for the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Royals.

Biggio left Thursday's game after he took a line drive off his right hand, but he underwent X-rays after the contest that came back negative. Santiago Espinal will start at third base during Saturday's matinee, batting seventh.

Espinal was recalled by the Blue Jays to serve as the 27th man in Saturday's doubleheader against the Royals.

Espinal will start at third base and bat seventh in Saturday's matinee. During his first stint with the major-league club this year, Espinal went 3-for-5 with a double, two runs and an RBI.

Lowe isn't starting Saturday's game against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lowe has gone just 2-for-11 with a home run, three RBI and four strikeouts in the past three games. Mike Brosseau will take his place at second base Saturday, batting fourth.

Rosario went 1-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run in Friday's 10-3 loss to the Reds.

It's the first homer in a Cleveland uniform for the 25-year-old. Rosario has mostly struggled at the plate to begin the season, slashing .194/.286/.323 through 35 plate appearances as he splits his time between shortstop and center field.

Marte (hamstring) did light running, played catch and hit off a tee Friday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

This was the first return to anything resembling baseball activity for Marte, who has been sidelined by a sore right hamstring since April 7. He's eligible to return Sunday, but it appears his absence will extend into next week.

Altuve (COVID-19 protocols) is unlikely to return during the Astros' current five-game road trip, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Altuve was placed on the COVID-19 injured list along with five other Astros on Wednesday. While it's not yet clear whether Altuve has tested positive for the virus, manager Dusty Baker said Friday that he wasn't optimistic that any of the players would be able to return before the team returns home Thursday. Aledmys Diaz and Alex De Goti should continue to fill in at second base in Altuve's absence.

Albies left Friday's win over the Cubs after he was hit by a pitch on the right calf, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Albies suffered the injury in the ninth inning of Friday's contest and was immediately removed from the game. Manager Brian Snitker said that the team would know more regarding Albies' status later in the night Friday. If Albies is forced to miss additional time, Ehire Adrianza could see increased playing time at second base.