• Christopher Morel swats three-run homer in loss
    Christopher Morel connected on a three-run homer Thursday in an extra-inning loss to the Mets.

    Advice: Morel extended the Cubs’ lead to 4-0 in the fifth with a three-run blast off Adrian Houser. The second-year infielder has gone deep five times, and he’s now up to 17 RBI over Chicago’s 32 games. It’s nice to see some offensive success again, as Morel has scuffled as of late to drop his line to .209/.287/.383. Rotoworld 57 minutes ago
    Christopher MorelCHC - 2B,3B,OF
    L, 6-7 @NYM
     
  • Red Sox ship Bobby Dalbec back to Triple-A
    Red Sox optioned INF Bobby Dalbec to Triple-A Worcester.

    Advice: Dalbec heads back to the minors to clear a spot on Boston’s roster to activate Vaughn Grissom for Friday’s series opener against the Twins. The 28-year-old batted .137 (7-for-51) with zero homers and two steals this season in 21 games. Rotoworld Today, 1:33 pm
    Bobby DalbecBOS - 1B,3B
    L, 1-3 vs SF
     
  • Demotion coming
    The Red Sox will option Dalbec to Triple-A Worcester on Friday, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

    Advice: Dalbec no longer had a path to clear playing time after the Red Sox signed Dominic Smith to split time at first base with Garrett Cooper, so he will head to the minors to serve as an organizational depth piece. The 28-year-old has slashed just .137/.200/.176 across 56 plate appearances with Boston this season. Rotowire.com Today, 1:31 pm
    Bobby DalbecBOS - 1B,3B
    L, 1-3 vs SF
     
  • Absent from lineup
    Freeman is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest in Houston.

    Advice: In a 1-for-14 stretch at the plate over his last four contests, Freeman will take a seat in the series finale. Gabriel Arias will occupy center field for the Guardians on Thursday. Rotowire.com Today, 1:25 pm
    Tyler FreemanCLE - 2B,3B,SS,OF
    5:10 pm @HOU
     
  • Resumes rehab assignment
    Berti (groin/back) is back in the lineup with Double-A Somerset on Thursday as he resumes his rehab assignment, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

    Advice: Berti couldn't play Wednesday due to a back issue but is back in there following a one-day absence. He's coming back from a groin strain and should rejoin the Yankees within the next few days. Rotowire.com Today, 10:49 am
    Jon BertiNYY - 2B,3B,SS,OF
    L, 2-7 @BAL
     
  • Swipes fifth bag
    Wade went 1-for-4 with two runs and a stolen base in Wednesday's 6-2 victory against the Reds.

    Advice: Wade got a start at second base in place of the resting Xander Bogaerts and scored two of San Diego's six runs. The veteran began the campaign logging regular time at third base with Manny Machado relegated to DH duties due to offseason shoulder surgery, but Machado has since returned to playing the field, cutting into both Wade's and Eguy Rosario's playing time. Wade is batting just .230 over 71 plate appearances, but he's stolen five bags and posted a useful 11.6 percent walk rate. Rotowire.com Today, 10:23 am
     
  • Plates pair in Wednesday's loss
    Polanco went 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI singles in a loss to Atlanta on Wednesday.

    Advice: Polanco's contributions ended up leading to the only runs of the afternoon for the Mariners, who were otherwise stymied by Chris Sale and a quartet of relievers. Despite the lack of extra-base hits, Polanco's performance was impactful from an individual perspective, as it extended his on-base streak to six games and qualified as the veteran's second straight two-RBI tally. Polanco's .181/.317/.295 slash line naturally has no shortage of room for improvement, but perhaps his current surge is the start of a long-awaited breakout in his first Seattle campaign. Rotowire.com Today, 9:55 am
  • Taking seat Thursday
    Lipscomb is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Rangers.

    Advice: Lipscomb had made six straight starts at third base, but he'll give way to Ildemaro Vargas at the hot corner Thursday. The rookie infielder is slashing .267/.325/.320 in 22 contests thus far at the major-league level. Rotowire.com Today, 9:32 am
     
  • Checks out of starting nine
    Urias is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Yankees.

    Advice: Though he's seen his playing time in the infield pick up of late after second baseman Jackson Holliday was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk last Friday, Urias will head to the bench Thursday after starting at third base in three of the previous four games. Jordan Westburg will occupy the hot corner Thursday, opening up a spot at the keystone for Jorge Mateo. Rotowire.com Today, 8:35 am
    Ramón UríasBAL - 1B,2B,3B
    W, 7-2 vs NYY