MLB Player News

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Rojas will remain an infielder through the end of the season, Jose M. Romero of the Arizona Republic reprots.

Rojas has had recent defensive issues and was held out Friday's starting lineup for the third straight game -- two against a lefty and one against a righty. The recent lineup decisions appear to be more about the defensive issues than a lefty-on-lefty matter, but Rojas has not started the last four against lefties. Lovullo said he'll continue to use him as an infielder, but there will be discussions in the offseason about what may be the best fit for Rojas, who has experience in the outfield and at multiple infield positions. Next season's outfield appears well stocked, so he would be unlikely to get 500 plate appearances if limited to outfield. Pending any offseason acquisitions, Rojas could move back to being a super utility player, but that would also cap his opportunities.

Bae went 1-for-3 with a walk and two stolen bases in Friday's 6-5 loss to the Cubs.

Bae reached base twice and stole second base each time, including in the bottom of the ninth after his first career MLB hit. The 23-year-old second baseman swiped 30 bags in 38 attempts with Triple-A Indianapolis this season, and he showed no signs of slowing down in his debut with the Pirates. Bae will look to use the last few weeks of the 2022 campaign to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster for 2023.

Altuve went 2-for-4 with a double Friday against the Orioles.

Altuve returned to the lineup after a one-game absence caused by an elbow issue. He showed no ill effects and extended his hitting streak to five games, during which he's collected 10 hits across 17 at-bats with six runs scored. Altuve has had an excellent season with a .297/.384/.515 slash line across 571 plate appearances.

McNeil went 3-for-5 with a double, two runs and an RBI during Friday's 9-2 victory over Oakland.

McNeil singled and scored in the second and fifth innings before plating New York's final run with a double in the seventh. The utility man snapped a two-game hitless stretch with his ninth multi-hit effort of September and is slashing .317/.374/.440 with seven home runs, 66 runs and 59 RBI in 138 games on the season.

Polanco is still feeling issues with his left knee and may not return this season, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Polanco hasn't played in nearly a month due to left knee inflammation. Given that the Twins have endured a late-season collapse and are out of the playoff picture, there's now little reason to rush Polanco back if he's anything short of 100 percent.

Rojas is not in Friday's lineup against the Giants.

The recent trend of Rojas sitting against left-handed pitchers continues with him taking a seat against Carlos Rodon. Sergio Alcantara is starting at third base and hitting seventh.

Lux is not in Friday's lineup against the Cardinals, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Lux will head to the bench with lefty Jose Quintana on the hill for St. Louis. Hanser Alberto will start at the keystone and hit ninth.

Estrada isn't in the lineup Friday against Arizona, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Estrada will get a day off after going 5-for-16 with five RBI despite nursing an elbow injury during San Francisco's last series against the Rockies. Wilmer Flores will start at second base in his place, giving J.D. Davis an opportunity as the designated hitter.

Diaz isn't starting Friday against the Mets.

Diaz started the last four games and went 3-for-12 with two runs, a walk and two strikeouts. He'll get a day off while Stephen Vogt serves as the designated hitter and bats seventh.

Clement was claimed off waivers by the Athletics on Friday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The Guardians designated Clement for assignment earlier this week, but Oakland -- an organization with much less depth -- added him to the 40-man roster. Clement hit .200 with zero home runs and zero steals in 145 at-bats this season, but his defensive versatility is a selling point from a real-life perspective.