MLB Player News

Altuve (knee) hit in the batting cage Saturday and could return during the Astros' upcoming homestand, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Altuve has been steadily progressing in recent games as he continues to work his way back from a right knee sprain. The 30-year-old ran earlier in the week before taking swings Saturday. Manager Dusty Baker was optimistic that Altuve could return during the homestand that runs from Tuesday in Texas through Sunday in Arizona.

Gimenez isn't starting Saturday against the Blue Jays.

Gimenez is currently riding a seven-game hitting streak, and he'll get a breather Saturday. Amed Rosario will start at shortstop.

Rojas isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Mariners.

Rojas has been effective at the plate recently, going 6-for-18 with six runs and two strikeouts over the last four games. However, he'll take a seat Saturday with Josh VanMeter starting at second base.

Herrera cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Orioles' alternate training site Saturday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Herrera was designated for assignment Tuesday after spending a week in the majors, and he'll remain in the organization after going unclaimed on waivers. The 26-year-old slashed .248/.330/.501 with 24 home runs and 64 RBI with Triple-A Syracuse last season.

Kemp has started four of 11 games since the A's acquired Tommy La Stella at the trade deadline.

He is 3-for-9 with a double, a walk and a strikeout over that stretch, so he is playing his new role well, but the days of Kemp working on the strong side of a platoon are over. Look for him to continue to operate in a bench role going forward.

Andrus went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in a 10-6 loss to the Athletics on Friday.

Andrus has now homered in back-to-back games, raising his average to a still-disappointing .190. In the midst of an eight-year, $120 million deal, Andrus has never hit below .256.

Lowe went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, one run, one walk and one strikeout in Friday's win against the Red Sox.

Lowe didn't flash much power Friday, but he demonstrated his speed with his first two stolen bases of the season. He now carries a .911 OPS with 29 runs and 29 RBI during the 2020 season.

Arraez was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday with left knee tendinitis, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

The 23-year-old has been battling knee issues for much of the season, but this will be his first trip to the injured list. It's unclear how long Arraez is expected to be sidelined, but he'll be eligible to be reinstated Sept. 19. Marwin Gonzalez and Ehire Adrianza are likely to split time at second base during his absence.

Garcia (heel) is starting at second base and batting seventh Friday against the Braves.

The 20-year-old has been sidelined by the bruised heel since last weekend, but he'll return to the starting nine for Friday's series opener. Garcia has a .293/.321/.387 slash line with one home run and one stolen base through his first 22 big-league games.

Hoerner went 2-for-4 with a double, a stolen base, a run scored and three RBI in a victory versus Cincinnati on Thursday.

Hoerner got the Cubs on the board in the fourth inning with a two-run double and brought home another score with an RBI fielder's choice in the fifth. Despite getting inconsistent playing time, the 23-year-old has enjoyed a strong September, hitting .375 (6-for-16) with three RBI.