MLB Player News

Andrus went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs in the Rangers' 8-3 loss to the Angels on Monday.

It was the second long ball of the season for the 29-year-old shortstop, who now sports a robust .362/.423/.553 slash line through 47 at-bats. Andrus is coming off a fantastic 20-homer, 25-steal year in 2017 and although he has yet to swipe a bag this season, he looks like he's poised to put up a similarly productive campaign in 2018.

Albies went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and two RBI in Sunday's win over the Rockies.

The 21-year-old took full advantage of his time at Coors Field this weekend, going 5-for-12 with four extra-base hits (two doubles, two homers) in the three-game set. Albies is only hitting .244 (10-for-41) through the first nine games of the season with one steal, but both numbers should improve as the weather warms up. The question is whether the early power display he's put on will also continue, turning him from a useful three-category performer to a five-category fantasy star.

Marte went 1-for-4 in Sunday's 4-1 win over St. Louis.

Marte has notched a hit in each of his past four games, although he's slashing just .211/.231/.342 through his first nine games played. His numbers figure to go up once he notches more at-bats. Marte finished the 2017 season batting .260 with five home runs and 18 RBI in 73 games.

Merrifield went 1-for-4 and had a strikeout Sunday in the Royals' loss to Cleveland.

After hitting 19 home runs and stealing 34 bases last season, Merrifield has yet to homer or swipe a bag in seven games to begin the year. The 29-year-old also only has one RBI to go along with his lackluster .222 average. However, as long as Merrifield keeps making solid contact at the plate -- he has only three strikeouts in 27 at-bats so far in 2018 -- those counting stats should eventually begin to build up when his .238 BABIP rises to the mean.

Semien went 1-for-4 with a two-run single and a walk in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Angels.

He slid down to second in the order while Matt Joyce handled leaoff duty, but Semien parlayed the move into his first multi-RBI outing of 2018. The 27-year-old shortstop extended his hitting streak to six games and has now knocked in four his five runs on the campaign during his last four contests. Semien's early success isn't necessarily surprising given his solid spring, and his overall value will see a nice boost once the extra-base hits, including home runs, start to kick in.

Barreto, just called up from Triple-A Nashville on Saturday, could see some time in the outfield during his current big-league stint, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Barreto is slated to primarily fill in for shortstop Marcus Semien and second baseman Jed Lowrie as needed, but he could also spend time in the outfield. The 22-year-old is likely to get in some outfield reps during batting practice to give the team "some options," in the words of manager Bob Melvin. One potential opening could come in center field as a result of Boog Powell's knee sprain, which is expected to land him on the 10-day disabled list Sunday.

The Angels optioned Fontana to Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Fontana was called up to the majors at the end of March when Ian Kinsler (groin) was placed on the 10-day disabled list, but only appeared as a pinch hitter, going 0-for-2. Ryan Schimpf replaces the 26-year-old on the Angels' 25-man roster.

Barreto will be called up to replace the injured Chad Pinder (knee) Saturday, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Barreto got his first taste of the big leagues last season, struggling through 25 games with a .197/.250/.352 line and a 43.4 percent strikeout rate. The 22-year-old fared much better at Triple-A Nashville, hitting .290/.339/.456 in 111 games. He has the potential to one day hit for average and power while stealing a fair number of bases, though it remains to be seen whether he's big-league ready this time around. Barreto's stay with Oakland could be short, as Pinder's injury appears to be minor, but he could stick around if he impresses right away.

Frazier will bat second and start in right field against the Reds on Saturday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Frazier was going to serve as a bench option Saturday but will instead start in right with starter Gregory Polanco a late scratch due to right foot discomfort. The 26-year-old had not received a start since the second game of the season and is 4-for-13 with a double.

Manager Aaron Boone expressed concern over Drury's status and said that he will undergo "extensive tests" Monday to find a cause for the infielder's blurred vision and severe migraines, Wallace Matthews of The Athletic reports.

Drury was placed on the 10-day disabled list after leaving Friday's game in the sixth inning. Expect to see Miguel Andujar scoop up a fair share of the starts at the hot corner while Drury is sidelined.