MLB Player News

Merrifield went 2-for-3 with two runs in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Athletics. He also reached base after being hit by a pitch.

Merrifield has put together a 10-game hitting streak, batting .302 over that stretch while providing a home run, a stolen base, five RBI and four runs. He'll occupy the leadoff spot in Thursday's series finale as he looks to extend the streak.

Castro (calf) will start in center field and bat third Thursday against the Indians, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Castro sat out Wednesday's 4-2 loss after suffering a calf injury a night earlier, but his re-entry into the lineup for the series finale suggests he's reasonably healthy now. The versatile rookie should continue to garner extensive playing time over the final few weeks of the season as the Tigers assess whether he's a long-term piece in their rebuild.

McNeil went 3-for-5 with a double and a two-run homer Wednesday against the Cubs.

McNeil took Kyle Hendricks deep in the fifth inning for his 15th homer of the season. It was his first notable contribution since being activated from the injured list Saturday. Still, he should have plenty of chances to produce down the stretch, as he has started regularly and either led off or batted second since returning to the field. Overall, he's slashing .333/.400/.535 across 457 plate appearances for the season.

Semien went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Wednesday's loss to the Royals.

Semien opened the game with a solo home run off Jakob Junis, good for his 24th long ball of the season. The 28-year-old shortstop has turned up the heat in August with seven homers and 18 RBI. Overall this season, Semien leads Oakland in hits (147) and on-base percentage (.359).

Jones will play with Mesa in the Arizona Fall League, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Jones took part in the AFL with Mesa last year as well, hitting .321 with a pair of homers and four stolen bases in 78 at-bats. He has stalled somewhat in his development with Double-A Mobile this year, hitting only .232 and succeeding in only eight of 18 stolen base attempts while striking out 104 times in 466 at-bats.

Miller will play for Peoria in the Arizona Fall League, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Miller's selection will enable him to extend his season among many of baseball's top prospects. The 22-year-old has hit .285 with 12 homers and 64 RBI in 125 games with Double-A Amarillo this season.

Joseph was a late addition to Wednesday's lineup against the Royals. He is starting at designated hitter and batting ninth.

Khris Davis was a late scratch as he heads to the paternity list. Davis is expected to miss three games, so Joseph should get two or three starts while Davis is away from the team.

Estrada (hamstring) has resumed running and throwing, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Estrada was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain Aug. 18. The 23-year-old has played in 28 games with the Yankees this season, hitting .246 with three homers and 11 runs batted in. Should his recovery go well, he is likely to rejoin the club after rosters expand in September.

Joseph is not starting Wednesday against Kansas City.

Joseph has now sat for five of the last seven games, including twice against righties like Wednesday's starter Jakob Junis, so it appears as if he's back in a bench role. Jurickson Profar gets the call at second base in his absence.

Castro (calf) is not in the lineup for Wednesday game against Cleveland.

Castro suffered a calf injury during Tuesday's game, though he was able to finish the contest. Victor Reyes starts in center field in his absence.