MLB Player News

Semien went 3-for-3 with a solo home run, two RBI, two runs scored and three walks in Saturday's 12-3 win over the Rangers.

It was a leadoff hitter's dream performance. The big game has Semien up to 32 homers, 90 RBI and 119 runs in 155 games this season. The 29-year-old has also added 10 stolen bases while slashing .283/.364/.516, and his .892 OPS ranks third among all shortstops.

Albies may be out of the lineup Sunday against the Giants, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Albies was held out of the lineup Saturday and may miss Sunday's action as well. The Braves appear content to sit their stars now that they've clinched the NL East, so Albies may rest several more times before the close of the season.

Hoerner went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Saturday's 9-8 loss to the Cardinals.

Hoerner connected off Ryan Helsley in the sixth inning to give the Cubs a 6-5 lead. In 13 games since his MLB debut on Sept. 9, Hoerner is 15-for-53 (.283) with 12 RBI.

Kemp went 1-for-1 with a pinch-hit two-run homer in Saturday's 9-8 loss to the Cardinals.

The home run was his eighth of the season -- and first in the National League -- as he connected in the seventh inning off Giovanny Gallegos to put the Cubs in front 8-7. The 27-year-old was hitting just .172 since he was acquired by the Cubs on July 31. Kemp's overall .215/.291/386 slash line isn't impressive, but his eight home runs represent a career high.

Lowe (quad) played in a simulated game at Tropicana Field on Saturday and suffered no setbacks, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Lowe played four innings at second base and turned a couple double plays. He also drew three plate appearances, collecting two hits and a walk. The Rays are expected to make a decision regarding the activation of Lowe soon, as he won't be able to make any minor-league rehab appearances.

Torres (hamstring) is not expected to start Sunday against the Blue Jays, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

The news on Torres is positive; his MRI was negative and he said he feels ready to play already after leaving Friday's game with weakness in his legs. However, manager Aaron Boone indicated he will play it safe and hold Torres out of the finale against Toronto to take advantage of Monday's off day.

Semien, who went 1-for-5 with an RBI double in a win over the Rangers on Friday, has hit a career-high 40 two-baggers this season and is tied with multiple players for third in that category in the American League.

Semien's latest milestone is just another component of a stellar contract season, one that he should be able to parlay into a handsome payday this offseason. The doubles benchmark is the latest among a collection of 2019 career bests for Semien, who has an eye-popping 78 extra-base hits overall thanks to a new high-water mark in home runs (31) and a career-high-tying seven triples.

Albies is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Giants.

Albies is one of several regulars getting the day off after the Braves clinched the NL East with a win Friday. Adeiny Hechavarria will replace Albies at second base and in the two hole in the batting order against right-hander Johnny Cueto.

An MRI on Torres' right hamstring came back negative, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Torres reported feeling good Saturday after leaving Friday's game with leg weakness, but the Yankees weren't taking any chances with their star infielder. They can breathe a sigh of relief knowing it's nothing serious. A return Sunday has not been ruled out, but it would make sense if the team sat Torres at least through Monday's off day.

Torres will undergo an MRI on his right hamstring Saturday, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reports.

Manager Aaron Boone said Torres reported feeling good upon arrival to the ballpark, but the Yankees want to be absolutely sure that there's nothing serious behind the leg "weakness" that forced Torres from Friday's game. Tyler Wade is starting at second base in Torres' absence.