MLB Player News

Merrifield went 0-for-2 with two walks, an RBI, a run scored and three stolen bases in Saturday's 5-2 win over Atlanta.

The 34-year-old got off to a slow start on the basepaths this season, but Merrifield seems to have figured out that stealing is easier than ever in 2023. He's now 11-for-12 on stolen base attempts through 32 games, including seven pilfers in the last seven contests thanks to a pair of three-steal performances. His .284 batting average and .341 OBP would also be his best marks since 2019, but he isn't yet showing much power, swatting just one homer with a .388 SLG.

Polanco went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 11-1 rout of the Cubs.

He took Hayden Wesneski deep in the fifth inning, one of five Minnesota homers on the day. Polanco snapped a 12-game homer drought with the performance, and he's still struggling to find his timing after his delayed start to the season. Through 20 games, he's slashing .259/.276/.424 with three home runs, 12 RBI and a 2:22 BB:K.

Gorman went 1-for-1 with one double, one RBI and one run scored in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Red Sox.

Gorman pinch hit for Juan Yepez in the top of the ninth with the Cardinals trailing 3-1 and came through with a massive double that plated Paul Goldschmidt and pushed Willson Contreras to third. Both Contreras and Gorman would eventually come around to score the tying and go-ahead runs on a fielder's choice hit by Alec Burleson and throwing error by Enrique Hernandez. Gorman has been on fire over the last three games, hitting 3-for-6 with a pair of home runs while having a pair of massive at-bats as a pinch hitter.

Semien went 1-for-3 with one RBI, one run scored and two steals in Saturday's win over the Athletics.

Semien ran wild in the first frame, leading off with a single to center and eventually swiping both second and third base to bump his season total up to seven steals. He was rewarded for the effort, as a Nathaniel Lowe single brought him around to score and get the Rangers on the board. As the leadoff man for MLB's top scoring offense, Semien remains an elite fantasy option, with the third most runs scored and fifth most RBI in MLB while making significant contributions in home runs and steals.

Kim went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Kim has hit safely in five of his last seven games, going 6-for-24 (.250) in that span. The homer was his first since May 1. The infielder is up to a .227/.319/.378 slash line with four long balls, 13 RBI, 12 runs scored and six stolen bases through 37 contests. He continues to see most of his time at second base while also occasionally filling in at shortstop and third base.

Arroyo (hamstring) took some swings during Kutter Crawford's (hamstring) live batting practice session Saturday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Arroyo has been out for a week with a strained right hamstring. He isn't expected to be ready to return when first eligible Wednesday but appears to be trending in the right direction.

Hoerner (hamstring) fielded grounders, went through agility drills and played catch Saturday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

A hamstring strain interrupted a strong start to the season for Hoerner, who's hitting .303/.348/.395 through 35 games while stealing 12 bases. The Cubs haven't announced a specific date for his return, but the fact that he's able to perform a wide variety of activities despite hitting the injured list just one day prior seemingly gives him a shot at a minimum-length stay. Christopher Morel and Nick Madrigal have spent time at second base in his absence.

Gonzalez (shoulder) was activated from the 10-day injured list Saturday.

Elvis Andrus was placed on the IL with an oblique strain, so there could be at-bats available at the keystone over the next couple weeks. However, Hanser Alberto is starting over Gonzalez on Saturday.

Andrus was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a strained left oblique.

Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) was activated in a corresponding move. Hanser Alberto, who is starting at second base Saturday, and Gonzalez will be tasked with the keystone duties in Andrus' absence.

Arroyo (hamstring) won't be ready to return from the injured list when first eligible May 17, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Manager Alex Cora said that Arroyo is progressing well, but it will probably take a few days longer than the minimum 10 days before he is activated. Pablo Reyes, whom the Red Sox just acquired from Oakland for cash, is starting at second base against southpaw Steven Matz on Saturday, while Enmanuel Valdez continues to handle the keystone against righties.