MLB Player News

LeMahieu (back) will start at second base and bat leadoff Sunday against the Mariners, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

LeMahieu was held out of Saturday's 4-1 win with lower-back tightness, affording Pat Valaika a turn at the keystone. The injury was never considered significant, and the fact that LeMahieu was included in the starting nine for the Rockies' final game before the All-Star break rather than being rested implies as much.

Moncada (knee) is leading off and starting at second base against the Royals on Sunday.

Moncada exited Saturday's game after bumping knees on a pickoff play at second base, with X-rays coming back negative. The 23-year-old would likely have been held out of the lineup if there was any concern regarding the injury, and he's ready to go for the final game before the All-Star break.

Duffy (ankle) was scratched from Sunday's lineup against the Twins, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy was initially going to bat second and start at third base, but he will instead be held out of the lineup after appearing to roll his ankle in Saturday's game. The 27-year-old will likely be ready to go once the second half of the season begins Friday against the Marlins, as his initial inclusion in the lineup suggests his late scratch is mostly precautionary in nature.

Duffy (ankle) will start at third base and bat second for Sunday's game at Minnesota, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy left Saturday's game with the injury after appearing to roll his ankle on a swing but won't be held out of Sunday's lineup. If there were any concern from the Rays, they would undoubtedly give the 27-year-old an additional day of rest leading into the All-Star break, which bodes well for the severity of the injury.

Asuaje went 2-for-2 with a pair of walks, a stolen base and a run scored in Saturday's loss to the Cubs.

Asuaje has wrestled the Padres' starting second base job (against righties) from Jose Pirela, slashing .353/.476/.441 in 42 plate appearances since being recalled from the minors at the beginning of July. The 26-year-old doesn't provide much in the power department -- just one extra-base hit over that span -- but he can help deep-league owners in terms of batting average and run production while batting second in the order.

Ramirez 1-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored Saturday against the Yankees.

Ramirez took CC Sabathia deep in the first inning to record his 29th home run of the season, tying his mark for the entire 2017 season. He's been on an incredible tear over the past five games, launching five homers to go along with 11 RBI and seven runs scored.

LeMahieu's late scratch Saturday was due to lower-back tightness, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Given the timing of the injury, it wouldn't be surprising if LeMahieu were also held out Sunday in order to rest until after the All-Star break, though no official timeline has been announced. Pat Valaika will enter Colorado's lineup as the second baseman.

LeMahieu was scratched from Saturday's game against the Mariners for undisclosed reasons, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

LeMahieu was not battling any injuries recently, but the reason for his absence should become clear soon. Pat Valaika will start at second base in his place.

Manager Rick Renteria said that Moncada (knee) could play Sunday, James Fegan of The Athletic Chicago reports.

If there were any concern whatsoever regarding Moncada's knee, the White Sox would likely hold him out and extend his All-Star break. However, it seems the knee bruise is minor enough to where it may not even cost Moncada a start. He collided with the Royals' Paulo Orlando on a pickoff play at second base Saturday.

Duffy left Saturday's game with an apparent right ankle injury, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy went down after appearing to roll his ankle on a swing, and while he stayed in the game initially, Daniel Robertson eventually replaced him at third base. The Rays figure to subject Duffy, who has an extensive injury history, to a number of tests to determine the full extent of the issue.