MLB Player News

Garcia went 3-for-4 with a home run, three RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base in Wednesday's 8-2 win over the Astros.

Garcia broke the game open with a three-run blast in the fourth inning, reaching the 20-homer mark for the first time in his career. It continued a torrid run for the 26-year-old, who finished June on a tear and has opened July with four home runs, 11 RBI and two steals through the month's first seven games. On the season, he's slashing .291/.322/.572 with 20 long balls, 68 RBI, 45 runs scored and four steals across 307 plate appearances.

Aranda went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBI in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Yankees.

Aranda provided all of the game's offense, driving in runs in the third, fifth and seventh innings. It was a much-needed performance for the 28-year-old, who entered Wednesday just 5-for-28 without an extra-base hit or RBI through seven July contests. On the year, he's slashing .284/.384/.448 with 13 homers, 61 RBI and 45 runs scored across 388 plate appearances.

Contreras was removed from Wednesday's game against the White Sox with a left foot contusion, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Contreras fouled a ball off his foot during his at-bat in the top of the third inning, and although he managed to finish the plate appearance, he later took himself out of the game in the bottom of the frame. The initial diagnosis suggests he avoided a fracture, though the Red Sox could hold him out for a game or two so he can recover. Romy Gonzalez entered Wednesday's game as Contreras' replacement and would be the favorite to start at first base if an absence is needed.

Kurtz was removed in the second inning of Wednesday's game against the Tigers due to illness, per Martin Gallegos of MLB.com.

Per Gallegos, Kurtz appeared to jam his hand while attempting to field a throw in the first inning. However, the Athletics have announced that the first baseman's removal was due to an illness, which is an ongoing issue in the team's clubhouse, per Jason Burke of Roundtable.io. Jeff McNeil took over for Kurtz at first base.

France isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

France will miss a second consecutive start Wednesday after going just 1-for-16 with five strikeouts across his last four games. Gavin Sheets will start at first base while France sits, opening up left field for Jase Bowen.

Guerrero went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 10-0 win over the Giants.

The first baseman snapped a 17-game homer drought, launching just his fifth long ball of the season in the ninth inning off Ryan Walker. Guerrero's had a rough first half -- during that 17-game drought, he managed a weak .194/.250/.226 slash line with only two doubles and five RBI -- but Wednesday's blast could help take some of the pressure off just ahead of the All-Star break.

Schanuel is absent from Wednesday's lineup against Texas.

Schanuel has been in the lineup against southpaws this season, though he's slashing .197/.280/.303 with two home runs and 10 RBI across 75 plate appearances against left-handed pitching. He'll be on the bench for the beginning of Wednesday's contest while Vaughn Grissom starts at first base and bats third against Rangers southpaw Mackenzie Gore.

Gonzalez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox.

Gonzalez will head to the bench along with fellow left-handed hitters Andrew Benintendi and Tristan Peters while the Red Sox send southpaw Jake Bennett to the bump. Miguel Vargas will move over from his usual spot at third base to cover first base in place of Gonzalez.

Pasquantino (hand) went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk in a rehab game with Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

Pasquantino began his rehab assignment after undergoing surgery in mid-June to repair a fractured hamate bone in his right hand. The first baseman wasted little time making an impact, lining an RBI single in the first inning. Barring a setback over his next few appearances with Triple-A Omaha, Pasquantino is on track to return to the Royals immediately following the All-Star break.

Elko (knee) has been cleared to begin a rehab assignment with High-A Winston-Salem, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Elko underwent surgery last October to repair a torn ACL in his right knee and is finally ready to test out his rebuilt knee in games. The 27-year-old should eventually be assigned to Triple-A Charlotte, where he will give the White Sox organizational depth at first base. Elko is no longer on Chicago's 40-man roster, having been non-tendered over the winter before re-signing on a minor-league contract.