MLB Player News

Morel was removed from Saturday's game versus the Pirates in the fifth inning with right knee soreness, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Morel looked to hurt the knee on a stolen base attempt in the top of the third inning. He remained in the game initially but was removed for a pinch hitter following a rain delay. The Cubs could have more on Morel's condition after the game.

Urshela (hamstring) took part in fielding work Saturday and could soon return from the 10-day injured list, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Urshela has played two games with Triple-A Toledo on his rehab assignment. He started at third base in his most recent appearance Friday and went 1-for-3. Urshela is scheduled to play for Toledo on Sunday as he continues to work his way back from a strained right hamstring he sustained April 19 against the Twins.

LeMahieu (foot) participated in live batting practice Saturday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

LeMahieu traveled with the team to Tampa Bay and hit off rehabbing right-hander JT Brubaker (elbow). The veteran third baseman continues to ramp up his activities as he works his way back from the non-displaced right foot fracture he sustained in spring training. LeMahieu made a rehab appearance April 23 with Double-A Somerset, but he was pulled from the game after the first inning due to swelling in his right foot. He could be ready to resume the rehab assignment soon.

Hayes was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a back issue, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Hayes hasn't played since Tuesday amid a 3-for-30 slump, and perhaps the back issue is part of the reason he's only hit one home run in 35 games. Alika Williams is getting the call from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Goodrum went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base Friday in a loss to the Royals.

Goodrum was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Thursday and made his Angels debut one day later, starting at third base and batting fifth in the order. Though he went hitless in his team debut, the utility man drew a walk in his first plate appearance and subsequently stole second base. Goodrum could get regular at-bats given his versatility and Los Angeles' drastically depleted infield. He's struggled to make contact during his major-league career but has demonstrated good speed with 47 stolen bases on 61 attempts.

Vierling went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Astros.

Vierling's third-inning double put Detroit up 2-0, but the Tigers stagnated from there. The 27-year-old got the start at third base in this one, which is where he's seen most of his time lately with Gio Urshela (hamstring) on the injured list. Urshela recently began a rehab assignment, however, and his eventual return could push Vierling back to more of a utility role.

Berti went 2-for-4 with a stolen base in a 2-0 victory versus the Rays on Friday.

Berti started at third base and batted out of the No. 9 hole, and he was one of four Yankees with multiple hits in the victory. It was his third start in six games since returning from the injured list May 4, as Oswaldo Cabrera continues to get ample playing time at the hot corner. Berti has hit well since coming off the IL, going 5-for-11 with two runs, an RBI and two stolen bases.

Kiner-Falefa went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Twins.

The utility infielder popped a solo shot off Joe Ryan in the third inning and brought home Bo Bichette with a ninth-inning single, but the rest of the Blue Jays' offense was quiet on the night. Kiner-Falefa is batting .379 (11-for-29) over the last nine games as he fills a near-everyday role while bouncing between second base and third base, but Friday's homer was just his second of the season, and his first extra-base since April 19.

Ramirez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's 6-3 loss to the White Sox.

Ramirez has gone 8-for-23 (.348) over his last six games, and half of his hits in that span have left the yard. He started the year slowly from a power standpoint, but the third baseman is up to nine homers, 33 RBI and a .471 slugging percentage through 38 contests thanks to his recent surge. He's still a little light for batting average (.245), but that's nothing to be concerned about while he's squaring up the ball well.

Rojas went 2-for-5 with a stolen base in Friday's 8-1 win over the Athletics.

Rojas has five multi-hit efforts over eight games in May, going 13-for-31 (.419) with two steals and two extra-base hits in that span. The 29-year-old is playing well atop the Mariners' lineup versus right-handed pitchers while splitting time between third base and left field. Friday's effort has him at a .351/.417/.526 slash line with three home runs, four steals, eight RBI and 12 runs scored over 108 plate appearances.