MLB Player News

Frazier will get the start at second base and hit seventh for the Pirates on Tuesday.

Frazier, who has played 21 games with the Pirates, is making the most of his opportunity, hitting .359/.405/.590 in 39 at-bats. Frazier and the Pirates will host Felix Hernandez and the Mariners on Tuesday. If the 24-year-old can continue his success that has carried over from the minors, he could be a mainstay and get more starts for the Pirates as the season progresses.

Merrifield was optioned Tuesday, Jeffrey Flanagon of MLB.com reports.

Merrifield will likely head back to Triple-A Omaha as Raul Mondesi, one of Kansas City's top prospects, gets called up to the majors. Although Merrifield has been a productive batter in the Royals lineup, based on his .271 season average spanning 210 at-bats, he has also been slumping since mid-July, going 1-for-17 (.059) over his last seven games.

Forsythe went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the A's.

The veteran second baseman was the hero of the moment in the top of the eighth, plating Kevin Kiermaier with a 434-foot shot to left that erased a 2-0 deficit. Although the significance of his feat was neutralized in the home half of the inning when Erasmo Ramirez yielded a solo shot to Billy Butler, the homer did extend Forsythe's hitting streak to six games. He's had a rough go of it overall in July, however, slashing just .212/.256/.353 and seeing his season average drop 28 points since the month began.

Torres has been traded to the Yankees as part of the deal that sent Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs, MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman reports.

Torres is the centerpiece of this deal for the Yankees. The 19-year-old shortstop is currently hitting .275/.359/.433 with nine home runs, 47 RBI and 19 stolen bases in 94 games at High-A Myrtle Beach. Torres will most likely head to High-A Tampa, joining current Yankees shortstop prospect Jorge Mateo. It's unclear what the plans are long term for Torres and Mateo, but the Yankees have time to sort out that situation.

Drury is out of the lineup Monday against the Brewers.

Rickie Weeks will get the start in left field and hit fifth Monday, while Drury appears to be getting just a routine day off. Drury has hit safely in six of his last seven games, ripping three doubles over that span, but he has not hit a home run since July 6.

Frazier, who hit his fourth homer in four professional seasons Sunday, has found a niche with Pittsburgh as a backup second baseman and outfielder over the last month.

The 2013 sixth-round draft pick has stuck with the team despite multiple roster moves since his recall June 24. Frazier, who primarily played shortstop in the minors -- where he's posted just a .942 career fielding percentage -- has increased his versatility with outfield experience. He holds a career .299/.363/.370 slash line in the minors and has the potential to help fantasy owners in batting average if he sees steady playing time.

Drury is out of the lineup Monday against the Brewers.

Rickie Weeks will get the start in left field and hit fifth Monday, while Drury appears to be getting just a routine day off. Drury has hit safely in six of his last seven games, ripping three doubles over that span, but he has not hit a home run since July 6.

Torres has been traded to the Yankees as part of the deal that sent Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs, MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman reports.

Torres is the centerpiece of this deal for the Yankees. The 19-year-old shortstop is currently hitting .275/.359/.433 with nine home runs, 47 RBI and 19 stolen bases in 94 games at High-A Myrtle Beach. Torres will most likely head to High-A Tampa, joining current Yankees shortstop prospect Jorge Mateo. It's unclear what the plans are long term for Torres and Mateo, but the Yankees have time to sort out that situation.

Forsythe went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the A's.

The veteran second baseman was the hero of the moment in the top of the eighth, plating Kevin Kiermaier with a 434-foot shot to left that erased a 2-0 deficit. Although the significance of his feat was neutralized in the home half of the inning when Erasmo Ramirez yielded a solo shot to Billy Butler, the homer did extend Forsythe's hitting streak to six games. He's had a rough go of it overall in July, however, slashing just .212/.256/.353 and seeing his season average drop 28 points since the month began.

Frazier hit a pinch solo homer Sunday against the Phillies.

Frazier's first homer of the year broke a 4-4 tie, providing the Pirates with the winning run. The part-timer is now slashing .359/.405/.590 in 40 at-bats since joining the major league roster on June 24.