MLB Player News

Manager Terry Francona said Lindor's approach at the plate is getting "better," and the skipper isn't worried about his shortstop's recent slump , Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Lindor's number have been trending the wrong way ever since a hot start to 2017. He's just 14-for-72 (.194) through 17 games this month, deflating the shortstop's overall average to .254 on the year. Lindor believes the struggle will benefit him in the long run. "It's only going to teach me how to be a better hitter. To understand what I am doing," the 23-year-old said. Francona agrees, saying he sees "a lot of progress" in Lindor's recent at-bats.

Bogaerts went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and two walks during Wednesday's loss to Kansas City.

Bogaerts has hit three bombs over his past four games but just five for the season, so he's currently locked into a nice power groove at the dish. The shortstop is turning in another solid fantasy campaign with a .322/.376/.474 slash line, 33 RBI, eight stolen bases and 44 runs. He projects to remain a high-floor asset hitting in the heart of a strong Boston lineup, too.

Tejada is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Indians.

Tejada is expected to see the bulk of the at-bats at shortstop with J.J. Hardy (wrist) out of commission for at least a month, but he'll take a seat Wednesday following back-to-back starts. Paul Janish will spell him in the field and bat ninth.

Tejada will start at shortstop and bat ninth in Monday's game against the Indians.

At least in the short term, Tejada appears set to pick up everyday at-bats at shortstop following the news that J.J. Hardy (wrist) won't be able to resume baseball activities for at least 4-to-6 weeks. As the owner of a career .326 on-base percentage, and with little semblance of pop or speed, Tejada doesn't project to offer much fantasy value in spite of the elevated role, especially while he bats at the bottom of the order.

Bogaerts hit two home runs and drove in four in a 3-for-4 performance Sunday against Houston.

Bogaerts doubled his home run total in the process. This marks the first multi-home run game of Bogaerts's career. After mashing 21 home runs last season, Bogaerts's early home run total was a bit disappointing. But he has been bringing the power in the form of doubles (18) and triples (4), so it's possible Sunday's slugging show is a sign of things to come.

With J.J. Hardy (wrist) facing the possibility of an extended absence, Tejada could be in line for a major uptick in playing time, Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Hardy was hit by a pitch Sunday, and his X-rays came back with discouraging results. More tests will be run Monday, but initial reports suggest Hardy could be sidelined for quite a while. Assuming that holds true, Tejada is the Orioles' last man standing at short. Ryan Flaherty is already on the DL with a shoulder strain. Third baseman Manny Machado can shift over, but giving Tejada a crack at the starting gig makes the most sense for now.

Lindor is out of the lineup for Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader.

Manager Terry Francona is giving several of his star players a breather for the first installment of Saturday's doubleheader. Erik Gonzalez will get the start at shortstop and bat ninth for Game 1, but look for Lindor to draw back in for the night game.

Bichette, 19, is slashing .400/.468/.645 with seven home runs, 44 RBI and eight steals through 54 games for Low-A Lansing.

Bichette's slash line is not a typo. The teenager has been raking at this level, including batting .442 with 11 RBI over his last 10 contests. Though the Blue Jays will likely be patient with their prized prospect, a promotion to High-A could come before the end of the season.

Bogaerts went 2-for-5 with a double and three RBI in Wednesday's 7-3 win over the Phillies.

It's his fourth multi-hit performance in his last six games, and Bogaerts sports a .345/.367/.517 slash line over that stretch with four runs and four RBI. While his power production remains disappointing from a fantasy perspective -- the 24-year-old hasn't homered since May 30 and has just two on the year -- he still carries a career-high .457 SLG and .834 OPS.

Walters was acquired by the Royals on Wednesday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Walters came to the Royals from the Kansas City T-Bones of the Independent League. The 27-year-old spent some time with the Reds' Triple-A affiliate early in the season, but he was let go after slashing .174/.208/.239 in 48 plate appearances. The switch-hitter hasn't been assigned to a minor-league affiliate yet.