MLB Player News

Andrus went 1-for-3 with a pair of walks, two stolen bases and a run in Thursday's 11-4 win over the Blue Jays.

The two steals bring Andrus' total up to 17 on the season, good for a tie for second place in the American League with the Mariners' Jarrod Dyson and teammate Delino DeShields. Unlike those two rabbits, however, Andrus has shown a more well-rounded fantasy profile, as he's also chipped in a .288 average, seven home runs, 38 RBI and 41 runs to go with all the steals. The veteran shortstop is making a compelling case for his third career All-Star nod.

Chavis was promoted to Double-A Portland on Thursday, Chris Hatfield of SoxProspects.com reports.

Chavis was ready for this promotion a month ago but the Red Sox waited until after the third-baseman's MVP turn in the High-A Carolina League All-Star game Tuesday. After a couple of injury-marred seasons, Chavis is breaking out in 2017 with 17 home runs, a .318 batting average and 1.029 OPS at High-A Salem. His promotion is also newsworthy because the organization's top prospect, Rafael Devers, plays the same position for the Sea Dogs. The two will co-exist there for a stretch of time, alternating between the field and designated hitter, but we presume Devers will be headed to Triple-A Pawtucket before too long.

Ngoepe was placed on the 7-day minor-league disabled list Thursday with a left hamstring strain.

It's unclear how long the injury will keep Ngoepe sidelined at this point, but he'll be eligible to return June 30 if he is ready. The 27-year-old has struggled since returning to Triple-A Indianapolis from the Pirates at the beginning of June; he's slashing .193/.281/.333 in 16 games (64 plate appearances).

Espinosa will get a day off Thursday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Espinosa currently has a six-game hit streak going, but takes the day off Thursday in favor of Cliff Pennington at second base. On the year, Espinosa is hitting just .176/.247/.307 with six home runs and 27 RBI, but due to Pennington's lack of production, will continue to get a majority of starts at the keystone.

Altuve is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the A's, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

It's a rare absence for Altuve, his fifth this year and first since May 13. He will be replaced by Marwin Gonzalez at second base. Altuve is walking at a career-high clip and he continues to provide across-the-board production, although he is on pace to fall short of 30 steals for the first time in a full season.

Polanco is batting seventh and playing shortstop Thursday against the White Sox, Chad Graff of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

He's back in after taking a breather for two days. Polanco is batting just .242/.294/.338 in 219 plate appearances and will continue piecing together at-bats between shortstop and third base.

Drury is out of the lineup during Thursday's matchup with Colorado.

After going 4-for-6 with six RBI in Wednesday's thrashing of the Rockies, Drury will take a seat while Chris Owings takes his place manning the keystone. Drury is likely to be back in the lineup for Friday's series opener against the Phillies.

Frazier is out of the lineup for Thursday's afternoon game against Milwaukee, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

After coming off a three-hit performance Wednesday night and hitting safely in six of his last seven games, Frazier will get a rest day for the getaway game before Pittsburgh heads to St. Louis for a weekend series. John Jaso will play left field and bat leadoff in his place.

Urias is batting .313/.415/.421 with two homers, 21 RBI, five stolen bases and a 43:37 BB:K through 67 games with Double-A San Antonio this season.

He missed a couple starts recently after being hit by a pitch on the elbow, but Urias has picked up right where he left off, going 6-for-20 with a couple walks in five games since returning to action. Urias' approach and plate discipline are highly advanced for his age -- he just turned 20 earlier this month -- and there is real thump in his bat, even if it's yet to translate to game action. He should be treated as a hot commodity in dynasty leagues.

Herrera is in concussion protocol after colliding with a teammate during Wednesday's game, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

At this point in time, there has not been word on whether Herrera did indeed suffer a concussion but the 23-year-old is following the concussion policy and should be considered day-to-day for the time being. Herrera has hit .248/.301/.383 during his time with Triple-A Louisville this season, adding six home runs and 35 RBI.