MLB Player News

Tomlinson made his first start of the 2017 season Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a stolen base in a 5-1 loss to the Dodgers.

The speedy infielder was recently called up to fill in for Brandon Crawford, who was placed on the bereavement list and is also dealing with a minor groin injury. Despite not being a big prospect, Tomlinson has done nothing but hit anytime the Giants have called on him, boasting a .301 career batting average over 318 plate appearances. The 26-year-old won't provide much in the power department, but he does have speed to burn, as evidenced by Thursday's steal. Tomlinson could be in line for a start or two until Crawford rejoins the club, but he will likely be pushed into a utility role or back to the minors once the All-Star shortstop returns.

Frazier (hamstring) is not expected to miss more than 10 days on the disabled list, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

He was placed on the DL on April 24, putting him on pace to return May 4 (Thursday) or May 5 (Friday). Frazier is batting .306/.370/.449 in 54 plate appearances, showing signs of improved power. His .341 BABIP is slightly lower than last year's .353 mark, supporting his slash line. He continues to struggle defensively (-21.6 UZR/150 at second base), however, and the team is still looking for a spot where it can hide him. In the meantime, Frazier will likely move around both the infield and outfield in order to keep his bat in the lineup.

Altuve (shoulder) came on as a pinch hitter in Thursday's game and reached base on an infield single.

Although the team has yet to comment on whether Altuve will draw back into the lineup Friday against the A's, things seem to be trending in that direction after he was able to get into the game for Houston's series finale against the Indians. Altuve also attempted a stolen base after his infield single, but was caught stealing for the first time this season. However, if Altuve is given one more day off Friday, look for Marwin Gonzalez to get another start at second base.

Espinosa is not in the lineup Thursday against the Athletics.

Espinosa will start on the bench for just the third time all season, giving way to Cliff Pennington at second base. The 30-year-old is slashing just .195/.259/.351 through 77 at-bats this season, though he has collected hits in consecutive games. He should be back in the lineup for the weekend series against the Rangers.

Frazier (hamstring) received a platelet-rich plasma injection Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Stephen J. Nesbitt reports.

Frazier landed on the 10-day disabled list Monday with a strain, but it looks like he is progressing nicely. Additionally, the 25-year-old is set to be reevaluated Friday in hopes he can return sooner rather than later. He hit .306 with five RBI in 49 at-bats before the injury.

Drury (knee) is not in the lineup Thursday against the Padres.

Drury had to exit Wednesday's game with a jammed knee and will sit out Thursday night. The team has yet to indicate that Drury's injury is severe, so consider him day-to-day for now. With Drury out Thursday, Chris Owings will move over to second base while Nick Ahmed fills in at shortstop.

Altuve said his left shoulder was still a little stiff Thursday but he feels good swinging a bat, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Altuve is being held out for the second straight game after violently colliding with outfielder Teoscar Hernandez during Tuesday's contest, though it appears to be precautionary more than anything. The 26-year-old remains hopeful he'll be able to return Friday, but manager A.J. Hinch will continue to handle him carefully.

Rodgers (hand) is batting .231 (3-for-13) with two runs and four strikeouts in three games with High-A Lancaster.

The Rockies' top prospect began the year on the disabled list due to a hand injury, but it seems like he's back to full health. That being said, this isn't the most auspicious start to the season, although his stats should improve in the hitter-friendly home environment at Lancaster.

Altuve (shoulder) is not in the lineup Thursday against the Indians, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The stud second baseman left Tuesday's contest after a collision with outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, and it appears that Altuve's ailments still haven't subsided. He'll get another day off with the hope to return Friday, allowing Marwin Gonzalez to land a start at the keystone Thursday.

Ngoepe singled in his first major-league at-bat Wednesday, going 1-for-2 with a walk against the Cubs.

His hit off Jon Lester was the first ever by a major leaguer born in South Africa. Ngoepe, who served as a second base replacement for Phil Gosselin, has primarily played shortstop in the minors. The fielding whiz holds a minor-league line of .232/.322/.347 in nine seasons.