MLB Player News

Motter is out of the lineup Sunday against the Indians, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Motter's pathway to everyday at-bats is a little more muddled now that Jean Segura is healthy, so he'll sit for a second consecutive game after striking out in a pinch-hitting role Saturday. It's likely that most of Motter's starting opportunities may come in the corner outfield now that Mitch Haniger (oblique) is on the disabled list, but he'll still have to fight Guillermo Heredia, Ben Gamel and Boog Powell for at-bats.

Rosario hit his first homer at Triple-A Las Vegas and raised his average to .407 on Saturday.

Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear, and Rosario may force his way up to the Mets sooner than expected if he continues to hit like this. Jose Reyes has started to heat up as well, which may buy the Mets some time. But if he slumps and/or Asdrubal Cabrera's hamstring acts up again, Rosario is just a phone call away at Triple-A.

Altuve went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Athletics.

Altuve's eighth-inning homer, his third of the season, made the game interesting but the Astros didn't have the comeback bats working Saturday. After sitting out a couple of games due to a shoulder injury, Altuve is back to full strength, hitting third in Houston's order.

Drury went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Rockies.

The 24-year-old has been a high-average hitter thus far, but he finally managed to send one over the fence Saturday when Rockies starter Tyler Anderson let a 1-1 changeup get a little too much of the plate. Saturday's performance brings Drury's OPS up to .802, which is 15 points up from last season's final tally.

Arroyo went 1-for-4 with a go-ahead home run in Friday's 4-3 win over the Padres.

The 21-year-old hasn't carried over the .446 batting average he was sporting with Triple-A Sacramento this season, but his power has transferred to the majors nicely, going yard twice in just 20 plate appearances. It isn't inconceivable that a prospect this young develops into something more than initially expected, but we shouldn't go overboard and project 30-plus homers the rest of the way. Arroyo deserves consideration in most formats due to his potential and the possibility he keeps this early power going. It is also worth noting that the rookie got his first start at shortstop -- his natural position -- and held his own there. Arroyo could conceivably back up Brandon Crawford (personal) when he returns from the disabled list, and depending on league settings, he could earn eligibility there down the road.

Ngoepe went 3-for-3 with two walks Friday against Miami.

Making his first major-league start, the African native nearly hit an opposite-field homer, legging out a triple off the base of the right-center field wall. Although Ngoepe's not known for his offense, his solid defensive skills could help him see more at-bats while he's hot.

Drury (knee) is batting fifth and playing second base Friday against the Rockies.

After sitting out Thursday's game with a jammed knee, Drury is back in the lineup for the Diamondbacks. The 24-year-old is off to a nice start at the plate this season, slashing .310/.372/.394 with seven runs and seven RBI through 20 games.

Forsythe (toe) is about a week away from returning, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Forsythe has been partaking in baseball activities since Tuesday and is making progress from an injury that has kept him out since April 18. The Dodgers have an off day Thursday followed by a weekend series against the Padres; Forsythe's return will most likely fall during that three-game set.

Torres (shoulder) was activated from the DL on Friday.

He was slashing .237/.341/.342 with zero home runs and one steal (on three attempts) in 38 at-bats with Double-A Trenton before landing on the DL with mild rotator cuff tendinitis. Torres remains one of the top prospects in the game, and has an outside shot of forcing his way to the majors before September, but he will need to heat up in a hurry to accomplish that lofty feat.

Altuve (shoulder) is back in Friday's lineup, hitting third and playing second base, MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports.

After missing Wednesday's game with a shoulder injury, Altuve appeared as a pinch hitter Thursday, and it comes as no surprise that he is ready to return for the opener of this weekend's series against the A's. George Springer (hamstring) is also returning, so the Astros' lineup will be operating at full strength. Deploy Altuve with confidence in all formats.