MLB Player News

Merrifield isn't starting Wednesday against the Orioles.

Merrifield went 2-for-8 with a strikeout over his last two games but will retreat to the bench for the third time in the last five matchups. Santiago Espinal is starting at the keystone and batting eighth.

Haggerty will start in left field and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Angels.

The recent returns of Julio Rodriguez, Mitch Haniger and Dylan Moore from the injured list were expected to cost Haggerty playing time, but the 28-year-old has performed too well for the Mariners to remove him from an everyday role. Haggerty, who will be making his fifth consecutive start in the corner outfield Wednesday, is slashing a sublime .339/.377/.554 with two home runs, three stolen bases, 10 RBI and nine runs in 22 games since the All-Star break.

Andrus was released by the Athletics on Wednesday.

Andrus saw inconsistent playing time over the first several weeks in August and will ultimately part ways with the club after Sheldon Neuse was recalled Wednesday. Andrus was traded from the Rangers to the Athletics ahead of the 2021 campaign, but he had a lackluster showing over his year and a half in Oakland. The 33-year-old slashed .241/.297/.342 with 11 homers, 101 runs, 67 RBI and 19 stolen bases over 252 games with the Athletics but will now seek out other opportunities for the final two months of the season.

Lopez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Twins.

Maikel Garcia will crack the lineup at shortstop while Lopez rests for the day game after a night game. Lopez's day off comes after he went 4-for-10 with a run scored while starting in each of the Royals' past three contests.

Polanco (knee) isn't starting Wednesday against the Royals.

Polanco sustained a knee injury on a slide Monday and will be out of the lineup for a second consecutive game. It's not yet clear whether he's available off the bench Wednesday, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him sit out since the Twins have a scheduled day off Thursday. Luis Arraez is shifting to the keystone while Jose Miranda starts at first base.

Stott is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Reds.

Stott will take a seat for the day game after he was one of the few Phillies hitters who failed to produce in Tuesday's 11-4 win, as he went 0-for-6 while batting out of the leadoff spot. Second baseman Jean Segura will fill the table-setting role Wednesday, while Edmundo Sosa fills in at shortstop for Stott.

Hernandez, who started at shortstop Tuesday, will get most of the starts in center field going forward, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Hernandez returned from a two-month absence Tuesday due to a hip flexor injury, but he started at short while Jarren Duran occupied center field. Prior to the injury, Hernandez was the team's leadoff hitter, but that role is in the hands of Tommy Pham, who will remain there according to manager Alex Cora. Hernandez will likely hit in the middle or bottom of the order, moving down a peg when Trevor Story (wrist) returns.

Rojas started at second base and went 1-for-4 in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Giants.

Rojas filled in at second base for a second consecutive game with Ketel Marte (hamstring) unavailable. Marte's injury is not considered serious at this point, so Rojas will eventually move back to third base, which is being handled by Emmanuel Rivera for now. It was the fifth start at second for Rojas, who's in danger of losing middle-infielder eligibility in 2023 depending on league requirements.

Rengifo went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in an 8-2 loss to Seattle on Tuesday.

Rengifo got Los Angeles on the board with a solo shot off Seattle starter Robbie Ray in the first inning and tacked on an RBI single in the third. The 25-year-old infielder has gone deep in four of his last eight games, during which he's batted 10-for-25 with a .960 slugging. The recent power surge has Rengifo's season numbers up to .273/.309/.438 with nine home runs, 29 runs, 32 RBI and five stolen bases across 83 games.

Dubon went 3-for-4 with a double in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the White Sox.

Dubon had gone 3-for-24 with a double in his last 10 games since his previous multi-hit effort. The 28-year-old has slipped into a part-time role, though it's not strictly a platoon as the right-handed hitter continues to be included against same-handed pitchers. Through 191 plate appearances between the Astros and the Giants, he's slashing .220/.265/.329 with four home runs, 20 RBI, 23 runs scored and a stolen base this season. He'll likely continue to share center field with Jake Meyers and Chas McCormick.