MLB Player News

Altuve is not in the lineup against Texas on Friday due to a sore knee, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The Astros are keeping Altuve on the bench as a precaution after the second baseman exited Wednesday's game with right knee discomfort. He should be considered day-to-day ahead of Saturday's contest and will benefit from another 24 hours of recovery time.

Altuve (knee) hopes to play this weekend against the Rangers after leaving Wednesday's game, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Altuve described the injury as "not a big deal" while manager A.J. Hinch said the second baseman could have played through the injury. Both the player and manager acknowledged it was a prudent decision to remove him from the game, particularly with a day off Thursday. Altuve could return as soon as Friday.

Rosario went 2-for-6 with an RBI and two runs scored Thursday against the Pirates.

Rosario extended his hitting streak to a modest five games, during which he has gone 8-for-22 with four RBI and six runs scored. He has led off in four of those five games, including each of the last four games. While that was assumed to be the case because the Mets had faced left-handed pitching, they faced right-hander Nick Kingham on Thursday, raising the possibility that this could be a long-term experiment. Based on the early returns, Rosario could have increased run-scoring upside if he continues to man the leadoff spot.

India, the Reds' first-round pick and No. 5 overall selection in this year's draft, was promoted from Greeneville of the Appalachian League to Billings of the Pioneer League.

The Reds just added their Greeneville affiliate and India graduated from it quickly, as expected, hitting .261/.452/.543 in 14 games there.

The Giants optioned Tomlinson to Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Tomlinson started three games after being recalled July 15, but he will head back to Sacramento with third baseman Evan Longoria coming off the disabled list. Tomlinson will likely be the top option should the Giants need to add an infielder to the roster in the near future, and he will be back with the big club in September at the latest.

McNeil will receive his first start at the big league level Thursday against the Pirates.

McNeil has received two at-bats off the bench since being called up, but he will get his first opportunity to play a full game Thursday night. McNeil will man the hot corner and hit seventh against Pirates starter Nick Kingham.

Polanco is not in the lineup against Boston on Thursday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Polanco will receive a day off after starting 19 of the past 20 games, during which he's hit .270 with a .714 OPS. In his absence, Ehire Adrianza will draw the assignment at shortstop and bat eighth.

Albies (hamstring) is starting at second base and hitting second Thursday against the Dodgers.

The dynamic second baseman missed four games with the hamstring injury, but owners who rolled him out in weekly leagues will be rewarded, as he now figures to be available for this entire four-game series at home against Los Angeles. Albies is hitting .333 with three home runs and three steals in 57 at-bats this month.

Drury (hand) was traded to the Blue Jays along with Billy McKinney in exchange for J.A. Happ on Thursday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Drury is on the move once again after being traded to the Yankees this past offseason. The infielder has had a rocky year up to this point, mostly due to impaired vision that cost him time and his role with the big-league club in early April. Across 18 games with New York, he slashed .176/.263/.275 with seven RBI. He's currently dealing with a bruised left hand that he suffered during Tuesday's game. Moving forward, Drury will likely be utilized as a reserve infielder for the Blue Jays.

Marte is out of the lineup against the Cubs on Thursday.

Marte will retreat to the bench after going 0-for-4 during Wednesday's loss. Daniel Descalso will pick up a start at second base and bat sixth in his stead.