MLB Player News

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard is back in the starting lineup Saturday against the Diamondbacks for the first time since Tuesday.

The Phillies have been giving Howard time off recently due to his struggles, and have discussed the possibility of using him in a platoon moving forward. 

Indians third baseman Carlos Santana hit two home runs Friday against the Royals. 

Santana struck twice against Yordano Ventura. In the fourth inning, Santana crushed a 97 mph fastball out to right center for a solo shot. He did one better in his next at-bat, belting a 100 mph fastball out to right for a two-run shot. He finished 2 for 3, with two runs scored and three RBI. 

White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu hit his 30th home run Friday against the Twins.

Abreu got to work immediately, hitting a home run in his first at-bat. With two men on, Abreu crushed a hanging curveball out to center for a three-run shot. Abreu also singled and was hit by a pitch during the game. He finished 2 for 5, with two runs scored and three RBI. 

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told reporters that first baseman Ryan Howard still has a future with the club. This comes a day after CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reported that the Phillies were trying to deal Howard before the July 31 deadline.

"I fully expect him to be our first baseman next year," Amaro said. "I don't know where people are coming up with him not having a future with us. He's a very big part of our organization."

Though he was hoping to return in time for the start of this weekend's series against the Royals, Indians infielder Asdrubal Cabrera is out of the starting lineup for Friday's game. Cabrera has not played since Monday as a result of the injury. 

Astros designated hitter Chris Carter provided the team's lone offensive contribution Thursday, in a 13-1 loss to the Athletics.

Carter went 1 for 4 in the loss, clubbing a solo home run to account for the Astros' only run. He moved into ninth place in the American League with his 20th home run, and is now hitting .213/.288/.480 in 296 at-bats.  

Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera increased his activities on Thursday, as he continues to work his way back from a back injury. Manager Terry Francona remains hopeful of a return this weekend against the Royals, particularly on Saturday.

Cabrera is hitting .247/.308/.392 over 365 at-bats.

The Phillies are attempting to deal first baseman Ryan Howard, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

Trading Howard may be difficult. The 34-year-old is hitting just .224/.305/.377 over 371 at-bats, and is owed nearly $70 million on his current deal. The Phillies would likely have to eat a significant amount of money if Howard is dealt. 

Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera was not in the team's starting lineup Thursday.

Cabrera is dealing with a back injury. He has not played since July 21 due to the issue. Cabrera is hitting .247/.308/.392 over 365 at-bats.

The Mets recalled infielder Wilmer Flores from Triple-A Las Vegas Thursday. To clear a roster spot, outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis was optioned to Las Vegas.