MLB Player News

Busch went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the White Sox.

Busch ended a 12-game power drought with the first-inning long ball. He's still gone seven contests without a multi-hit effort. On the year, the first baseman is batting .244 with a .740 OPS, 15 homers, 64 RBI, 53 runs scored, 20 doubles, two triples and two stolen bases over 125 games.

Freeman went 2-for-3 with a walk, two RBI, one stolen base and one run scored in Tuesday's 7-6 win over the Rockies.

Freeman had gone 0-for-11 over three games versus the Brewers after falling dangerously into the dugout during the Dodgers' series versus the Royals early last week. He's gotten his bat back on track in the thin air of Colorado, going 5-for-8 over the first two games of this series against the Rockies. The first baseman is batting .304 with an .846 OPS, 15 home runs, 60 RBI, 62 runs scored, 29 doubles, one triple and six steals over 123 contests this season.

Mets interim manager Andy Green said Tuesday that Vientos (hand) is "nearing" a rehab assignment, Michelle Margaux of SNY reports.

Green wouldn't provide an exact date of when Vientos would embark on a rehab assignment. Nevertheless, it's a positive sign in the veteran infielder's progress in his recovery from a fractured right hand that caused him to go on the injured list right before the All-Star break in July. The Mets should have a better sense of when Vientos can return from the IL once he's officially cleared to play in minor-league games.

Fernandez started at third base and went 1-for-3 in Monday's 11-1 loss to the Red Sox.

Fernandez was a late call-up after Arizona placed Ketel Marte (personal) on the restricted list. Without both Marte and Nolan Arenado (torso), the Diamondbacks got by with Ildemaro Vargas at second base and Fernandez at third. The length of Marte's absence is unknown, but Arenado will try to play through his injury and could miss Tuesday's game, per MLB.com.

Vargas started at second base, batted leadoff and went 0-for-4 with a run scored in Monday's 11-1 loss to Boston.

Vargas got the call at second base after the Diamondbacks placed Ketel Marte (personal) on the restricted list. It's unclear how much time Marte will need, but Vargas should step in while the situation plays out. Geraldo Perdomo, who recently took over at leadoff, took Marte's cleanup spot while Vargas ascended to the top of the order.

Fernandez was recalled from Triple-A Reno ahead of Monday's game against the Red Sox.

Fernandez will take the roster spot of Ketel Marte, who was placed on the restricted list prior to first pitch. Fernandez is penciled into the starting nine at the hot corner and will bat seventh against Boston on Monday, though he's also seen playing time at first base (17 games), shortstop (five games) and as the designated hitter (19 games) so far this season with Arizona.

Stowers (hamstring) is in the middle of a return-to-play running progression, Stephen Strom of Marlins Radio Network reports.

Stowers suffered a left hamstring strain just over a week ago, so it's a good sign that he's already running again to test out his injured leg. He will be eligible for activation Friday, and while it seems unlikely Stowers will be ready to go on that day, he shouldn't have any trouble being reinstated from the 10-day injured list before the end of August.

The Diamondbacks optioned Locklear to Triple-A Reno on Monday.

Locklear ended up being a casualty of the 26-man active roster after the Diamondbacks needed to clear a spot for outfielder Jordan Lawlar's (hamstring) return from the 10-day injured list. After being recalled from Reno on July 17, Locklear served mainly as a short-side platoon player during his time with Arizona, batting .278/.357/.444 with one home run, one stolen base, six RBI and eight runs in 15 games. He'll get the chance to play on a more regular basis at Triple-A.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Monday that O'Hearn (quadriceps) has been cleared to play catch and take some swings in the batting cage, Jason Mackey of MLB.com reports.

O'Hearn is almost three weeks removed from landing on the 10-day injured list due to a left quad strain, and he's made enough progress in his recovery to begin incorporating some light baseball activities into his training regimen. He'll report to the Pirates' spring training complex in Florida later this week to continue ramping up his rehab. O'Hearn was given a 6-to-8 week timeline when he hit the shelf, and he would seem to have a good shot and returning on the shorter end of that timetable.

The Mets selected Morel's contract from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday.

Morel inked a minor-league deal with the Mets in late June and has earned a promotion to the big club after slashing .321/.382/.716 with 12 home runs in only 31 contests with Syracuse. The 27-year-old began this season with the Marlins before being cut loose after managing a lowly .425 OPS in 22 contests. Morel could get a chance to play against some lefties.