MLB Player News

McLain started at shortstop and went 1-for-3 with a run scored in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to Kansas City.

McLain has started all three games at shortstop since Elly De La Cruz (hamstring) landed on the injured list. The Reds have slotted McLain in as the No. 9 hitter in all three games, while outfielder JJ Bleday has moved up to the No. 2 spot in the order in place of De La Cruz.

Loftin went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's win over the Reds.

Loftin provided some insurance with a line-drive, two-run shot in the top of the ninth inning to extend the Royals' lead to 5-2. It marked his first homer of the campaign and sixth career long ball across parts of four MLB seasons. The utility man is hitting just .218 and has primarily operated in a reserve role with 96 plate appearances to date, but Loftin could be in line for increased opportunities at third base if Maikel Garcia (hamstring) requires a stint on the injured list.

Freeland went 3-for-4 with a walk and two RBI in Wednesday's 7-0 win over the Diamondbacks.

Freeland has gone 6-for-11 with a double, a homer, four RBI and three runs over his last four games. The infielder's steal was his first of the season. He's hitting .254 with a .705 OPS, three home runs, 12 RBI, 14 runs scored and five doubles across 131 plate appearances. Freeland is poised to continue serving in a strong-side platoon role at second base at least until Tommy Edman (ankle) is ready for his season debut, which is likely to come in the middle of June.

Albies went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run, a double and two runs scored against Toronto in a 7-3 win Wednesday.

Albies destroyed a pitch for a three-run homer that barely stayed fair down the left-field line to bolster Atlanta's 4-3 lead in the seventh. The three-time All-Star delivered his 19th multi-hit performance of the season, lengthening his hitting streak to seven games in the process. During that span, Albies has gone 11-for-27 with two home runs and seven RBI.

Gonzalez (shoulder) took batting practice at Fenway Park on Wednesday, WEEI reports.

It's the first time Gonzalez has hit on the field since he underwent arthroscopic left shoulder surgery in March. Though the Red Sox have not divulged a target date for Gonzalez's rehab assignment, it seems one could be around the corner.

Marte is nursing lower back and hamstring injuries and is out of the lineup for Wednesday's matchup against the Dodgers, reports John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

The Diamondbacks are being cautious of Marte with his banged up lower back and hamstring, which aren't believed to be serious issues. The 32-year-old will be replaced by Ildemaro Vargas at second base. Marte will get his first rest since May 17.

Altuve (oblique) is slated to take live batting practice Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Altuve will face live pitching for the first time since he went down with a left oblique strain in mid-May. Astros manager Joe Espada previously indicated that Altuve might not need a rehab assignment prior to being activated, so his return to the Houston lineup appears imminent now that he's facing live pitching.

Wetherholt is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rangers.

It's a rare off day for Wetherholt, who has now started 57 of 60 games for the Cardinals this season. Thomas Saggese will fill in at second base, and Masyn Winn will be elevated to the leadoff spot as St. Louis tries to avoid a series sweep.

Torres went 3-for-5 with a double and three runs scored in Wednesday's 7-2 win over the Rays.

The second baseman has hit the ground running this week since returning from an oblique strain. In two games since coming off the IL, Torres has gone 4-for-9 with a double, a solo homer and four runs while hitting leadoff in both contests. He boasts a .764 OPS through 34 games this season, including what would be a career-high .396 OBP.

Manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that Altuve (oblique) is expected to take live batting practice before the end of the week, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The veteran second baseman has been sidelined nearly three weeks due to an oblique strain but is progressing quickly through his rehab program. Espada previously indicated that Altuve may not require a minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining the Astros, so facing live pitching could be the final hurdle before he's cleared to come off the injured list.