MLB Player News

McNeil (fatigue) is starting in right field and batting leadoff Friday versus the Pirates, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

McNeil was absent from Thursday's lineup due to leg fatigue, but he's good to go after the day of rest. The 27-year-old has a .292/.358/.500 slash line in 12 games since the All-Star break.

Chavis (back) is starting at second base and hitting eighth Friday against the Yankees, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

As expected, Chavis is back in the starting nine after going 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles, two RBI and a run scored as a substitute in Thursday's 19-3 win. The 23-year-old, who is slashing .257/.330/.455 with 16 home runs in 80 games this season, will face lefty James Paxton in his return to the starting lineup.

Chavis (back) entered Thursday's game after starting second baseman Brock Holt was ejected. He went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and a run scored in a 19-3 win over the Yankees.

Chavis was held out of the lineup Sunday and Monday after experiencing back spasms over the weekend. The last three games, however, were more of a manager's decision, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com. Chavis is expected to start at first base Friday and Saturday. "I mean, he's not playing (Thursday) because I want to play Brock," said manager Alex Cora prior to the game. "There's two lefties coming up. Brock is swinging the bat well. Michael will play the next two days. We'll see what happens Sunday. That's why he's not playing (Thursday)." With Mitch Moreland back in the fold, Chavis will start at first base against left-handers and share second base with Holt.

Forsythe started at first base and went 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored in Thursday's 11-3 win over the Athletics.

Forsythe has started all three games at first base since the Rangers demoted Ronald Guzman to Triple-A Nashville. He's been in the lineup against right-handers and left-handers. He and Danny Santana will share first base, although Santana, who has been a more dangerous hitter, may eventually land there most games, though Santana can also be used in the outfield following Joey Gallo's injury.

Arraez will start at third base and bat sixth Thursday against the White Sox, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

This marks Arraez's ninth consecutive start, and he's still sat just one time in July. He's been playing a lot of third base lately, with Miguel Sano shifted over to first to cover for C.J. Cron (thumb). The 22-year-old doesn't appear headed for a reduced role anytime soon given his .379/.455/.484 slash line (155 wRC+). When Cron's back, Arraez may take over primary duties at second base.

Castro is not starting Thursday against the Mariners, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Castro will head to the bench after starting the past 11 games and going 13-for-48 (.271) with a home run and six RBI during that stretch. In his place, Niko Goodrum is starting at second base and hitting seventh.

Chavis (back) is not in the lineup Thursday against the Yankees, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Chavis will stick on the bench for a fifth straight game as he continues to deal with a back injury. He was able to pinch hit and play second base earlier in the week, though it remains to be seen when he'll be cleared to rejoin the starting nine. Brock Holt is once again starting at second base in place of Chavis on Thursday.

Kemp will be designated for assignment by the Astros on Friday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Kemp will be removed from Houston's roster in order to free up a spot for Carlos Correa (ribs), who is set to return from the injured list Friday. The 27-year-old Kemp has made 12 appearances (four starts) in July, slashing .190/.292/.476 with two home runs and three RBI. Houston now has seven days to trade Kemp or expose him to waivers.

Manager Dave Roberts said that X-rays conducted on Hernandez's left hand returned negative after the utility man exited Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Angels in the top of the fifth inning, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Hernandez appeared to hurt his hand on a swing during his fourth-inning at-bat. He concluded the plate appearance with a popout before heading to the bench and being replaced in the contest by Matt Beaty. Fortunately for Hernandez, he only appears to be dealing with soreness and is viewed as day-to-day, with Roberts offering no indication that an MRI will be necessary. The Dodgers will have Thursday off before opening a three-game series in Washington this weekend.

Urias will start at second base and bat eighth Thursday against the Mets.

Since being recalled from Triple-A El Paso over the weekend, Urias has drawn five consecutive starts at the keystone. His returns through the first four contests (one hit in 13 at-bats) haven't been helpful for fantasy managers, but his 4:2 BB:K over that stretch suggests he's at least doing well to control his plate appearances. Urias should have a decent amount of leash as the team's everyday second baseman with the alternatives (Greg Garcia and Ian Kinsler) not being especially appealing.