MLB Player News

Nationals hitting coach Rick Schu said infielder Danny Espinosa has been able to bounce back in 2014 because of adjustments he made during the spring. Schu said Espinosa has realized he doesn't need to hit for power to make an impact.

"He realizes he doesn't have to hit the ball out of the park. He is using all of his tools. He can run, he can get around the ball, hit for average, bunt," Schu said, per MLB.com. "He is in a better position, going easy and thinking about doing some things simpler."

Mired in a 4-for-46 slump in his last 12 games, Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus was dropped from second to ninth in the batting order Sunday against the Angels. The last time Andrus hit ninth was 2012, and he hasn't hit ninth regularly since 2009.

"It’s not the first time it’s happened," Andrus said. "As long as I’m in the lineup somewhere, I’m happy. I know I’m scuffling a little bit right now. If [manager Ron Washington] thinks somebody else hitting second for now will help the team until I get my timing back, then that is what is best for the team."

Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa was not in the team's starting lineup Sunday against the Phillies.

Espinosa will be replaced by Kevin Frandsen. Frandsen will actually play third, while Anthony Rendon shifts over the second. Espinosa is hitting .273 to open the year.

What do A.J. Pierzynski, Adam LaRoche, Brandon Phillips, Marcus Semien, Everth Cabrera and Brett Gardner have in common? They're all "sits" for Fantasy Week 6 (May 5-11). Billy Butler didn't qalify for the list as a DH-only player, but he's not so advisable either with the Royals playing three games at San Diego to open the week.

Of course, whether or not you can actually sit them depends on your league type and the alternatives available to you. For the reasons why you might sit them and a list of possible replacements, check out Start and Sit Hitters for Week 6.

A spate of strikeouts likely entered into the decision by Robin Ventura to slide White Sox second baseman Marcus Semien down from second to ninth in the lineup.

Semien is tied for second in the majors with 38 strikeouts in 120 at-bats. But he has otherwise been productive with 19 runs, 15 RBI and three stolen bases. He has scored 10 runs in the last 11 games, but has avoided at least one strikeout in only four games this season.

Nationals infielder Danny Espinosa went 2 for 4 with a solo home run and a stolen base in his team's 7-0 win over the Astros Wednesday.

Espinosa has been a bit streaky in his most recent chance to prove himself at he major-league level, but his performance has been far superior to his abysmal 2013 season. He has hit .288/.341/.488 with three home runs, six RBI and three stolen bases in 80 at-bats.

Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa, who suffered a bruised right knee when he was hit by a pitch Sunday against the Padres, is back in the lineup batting sixth Tuesday at Houston. Espinosa is hitting .278 with two homers, five RBI and two steals in 72 at-bats.

Yankees third baseman Yangervis Solarte returned to the starting lineup Tuesday against the Mariners after sitting out Sunday's game with a sore right shoulder. Solarte is batting .136 (3 for 22) with four RBI in his last six games.

Nationals infielder Danny Espinosa suffered a bruised right knee injury during Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Padres, MLB.com reports.

Espinosa was hit by a pitch from Ian Kennedy in the second inning and was taken out of the game in the fifth inning. He is hitting .278 with two homers and five RBI in 72 at-bats. The Nationals won't play again until Tuesday.

"On Tuesday, we'll see how it's feeling and kind of go from there," Espinosa said.

Yankees infielder Yangervis Solarte was scratched from the starting lineup Sunday against the Angels with a sore right shoulder, the team announced. Brian Roberts took his place in the lineup and at second base.

Solarte is hitting .301 with one home run and 13 RBI in 73 at-bats. His status remains uncertain for Tuesday's series opener against Seattle.