MLB Player News

Cron went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 7-0 win over the Nationals.

The 27-year-old got a start against the left-handed Gio Gonzalez and connected on his fourth homer of the season. Cron has been shuttled back and forth between the majors and the minors, as well as having his role drastically changed on a regular basis by manager Mike Scioscia, all of which has severely diminished his fantasy value after contributing 32 long balls over the past two seasons. He is currently in a platoon at first base, but Cron could carve out a larger role if he can outperform Luis Valbuena and his .183 batting average.

Mountcastle was called up to Double-A Bowie on Thursday, Steve Melewski of MASN Sports reports.

Mountcastle will make his first start with Bowie at third base against Altoona on Thursday. The 20-year-old was hitting .314/.343/.542 with 15 home runs and 47 RBI during 88 games with High-A Frederick upon his promotion. Mountcastle will get a chance to see how he stacks up at the next level, with a spotlight on his K:BB that was sitting at 61:14 during his time with Frederick. The top prospect will need to improve on those numbers in order to continue his progression for the Orioles.

Cabrera will start taking groundballs at third base, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets want to build versatility among their infielders with the impending arrival of top prospect Amed Rosario, who may show up around the trade deadline and will prompt more shuffling among Cabrera, Jose Reyes and, when he returns, Neil Walker (hamstring). Even with diminished playing time, Cabrera, who may wind up eligible at second base, third base and shortstop by season's end, can help many deep mixed fantasy clubs with his sometimes standout power. If another club trades for him and provides him with a more concrete opportunity, he'll get a boost.

Voit will start at first base and bat cleanup Thursday against the Mets.

Voit has seen his playing time cut back considerably since the return of Kolten Wong, but with Wong getting the day off and Matt Carpenter moving over to second to cover, first base will open up for Voit. He'll also be tabbed for the cleanup spot for the third time this season, as regular four hitter Jedd Gyorko will be getting the day off as well.

Cabrera went 3-for-5 with a pair of runs against the Cardinals on Wednesday.

Multi-hit games haven't exactly been raining down for the Mets' reluctant second baseman, as he'd managed such a feat only once in his prior 11 contests -- a span in which he hit a brutal .132. Obviously, the Mets have yet to honor the trade request that followed his position change from shortstop to the keystone, but with the deadline approaching, his days in the Big Apple could be numbered.

Carter signed a minor-league contract with the Athletics on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of FanRagSports.com reports.

Carter will report to Triple-A Nashville to begin his career in the organization. He was atrocious with the Yankees this season, as he managed just a .201/.284/.370 line on 62 appearances. He hit 41 home runs for the Brewers in 2016, but he simply hasn't shown enough contact ability to warrant a major-league roster spot this year. If he can get hot for Nashville, though, the A's might be willing to give him a shot.

Calhoun is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Calhoun will get the day off after starting the past four games, and with the Angels facing left-hander Gio Gonzalez for the series finale. In his place, Shane Robinson draws the start in right, batting seventh.

Bell is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Brewers.

Bell is beginning to find his stroke at the plate in July with a .288/.362/.519 slash line. Nonetheless, he'll head the bench for his first night off since July 4. Jose Osuna will man first base in his place.

Freeman was removed from Wednesday's game against the Cubs with flu-like symptoms.

Freeman went 0-for-2 with a strikeout before he was replaced at first base by Matt Adams, though it seems he simply wasn't feeling well enough to keep playing. Consider the slugger day-to-day going forward and look for Johan Camargo to fill in as the third baseman if he's forced to miss extended time. The team would certainly miss Freeman's bat, as he owns a .304/.347/.587 slash line since returning from the disabled list.

Goldschmidt doubled and walked four times in five plate appearances in Tuesday's 11-2 win over the Reds.

The four walks moved Goldschmidt up to fourth in the majors with 62 on the season, with the first baseman's 11 intentional free passes tying Bryce Harper for the league lead. Opposing pitchers may not have the luxury of working around Goldschmidt for much longer, as the Diamondbacks' acquisition Tuesday of slugger J.D. Martinez will provide another power threat in the heart of the order. Goldschmidt is projected to stick in his normal position in the three hole, while Martinez presumably settles into the cleanup spot.