MLB Player News

Lopez went 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored Sunday in the Royals' 7-6 win over the Blue Jays.

Since moving back into the No. 2 hole with Adalberto Mondesi (groin) on the shelf, Lopez is hitting .282 with three RBI and 10 runs in 10 games. The climb up in the lineup hasn't had much of an impact on Lopez's involvement in the running game, however. He was caught stealing in Sunday's contest, marking his only stolen-base attempt during that 10-game stretch. He'll be back in action for Monday's series finale as the Royals' starting second baseman and No. 2 hitter, per Joel Goldberg of FOX Sports Kansas City.

Marte started in center field and went 0-for-4 with an RBI in Sunday's 10-4 loss to the Giants.

This was Marte's first outfield start in 10 days. He had been limited to infield-only duty as he worked his way back from a groin injury suffered June 21. Since missing two games due to the injury, Marte is 8-for-26 (.308) with a walk, two doubles and an RBI over seven games.

McNeil went 3-for-5 with two runs batted in and a stolen base in a victory over Atlanta on Sunday.

On the day he was named to the All-Star team for the first time, McNeil recorded his eighth game of three or more hits this season and took over the major-league lead in batting average. The performance culminated a transcendent June in which McNeil hit .373 (38-for-102) with four homers and 17 runs batted in. For the season, the second-year star is slashing .348/.412/.509 in 267 at-bats.

Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Toledo following Sunday's game against the Nationals.

Rodriguez struggled to a .218 average over 52 games in the big leagues, resulting in a demotion for the 27-year-old. Jordy Mercer (quadriceps) is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list Monday in a corresponding move.

Rengifo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics.

Andrelton Simmons and Tommy La Stella will man the middle-infield spots in the series finale, resulting in Rengifo heading to the bench after a string of 11 consecutive starts. Though Rengifo has found success at the plate recently with a .341 average and five extra-base hits over that 11-game span, his opportunities seem likely to decline now that Simmons is healthy again after an extended stay on the injured list.

Albies (elbow) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game versus the Mets.

Albies was removed from Saturday's game after being hit by a pitch on the left elbow. The Braves labeled his exit as precautionary, but he'll nonetheless remain on the bench for the series finale with a scheduled off day coming Monday. Albies will be available to pinch hit if needed, per Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Johan Camargo will start at the keystone and bat seventh Sunday.

The Athletics recalled Barreto from Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday. He'll man second base and bat seventh in the Athletics' series finale with the Angels.

Barreto worked exclusively as a middle infielder through his first six seasons in the minors before adding center-field duties to his ledger in 2019. His ability to play in both the infield and outfield could aid his chances of picking up playing time as he moves back to the big leagues, especially while the Athletics remain without an everyday outfielder (Stephen Piscotty) until after the All-Star break. Over 73 games with Las Vegas this season, Barreto was slashing .296/.379/.549 with 41 extra-base hits and a 13-for-14 success rate on stolen-base attempts.

Forsythe will start at second base and bat seventh Sunday against the Rays.

Rougned Odor (hamstring) will be on the bench for a second straight day, allowing Forsythe to claim his fifth start in six contests. Odor's setback isn't viewed as a major concern, so as long as he avoids the injured list, Forsythe will transition back into a utility role before long.

Beckham is starting at second base and batting eighth in Sunday's game against the Nationals.

Beckham started four straight games earlier in the week, but this will be his first appearance in the series against Washington. The 32-year-old is slashing .221/.307/.410 with three home runs in 45 games.

Biggio went 1-for-3 with a grand slam and a walk in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Royals.

Biggio delivered out of the cleanup spot for the Blue Jays in the fifth inning with his first career grand slam. The 24-year-old is showing well in his first taste of the majors with a .240/.373/.469 slash line and six home runs through 30 games.