MLB Player News

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.

The Mets have recalled Wilmer Flores, who will join the team in Milwaukee Thursday, the team announced. A corresponding move has not yet been announced.

Earlier in the week, manager Terry Collins told reporters he did not expect Flores to be called up soon, despite hitting .323/.367/.568 in 55 games at Triple-A Las Vegas. His expected role is not yet known. 

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard was out of the lineup for the second game in a row Thursday against the Giants in favor of Darin Ruf, and manager Ryan Sandberg told MLB.com this might become a recurring theme.

"The way I see things," Sandberg said. "I basically wanted to give Ruf two days in a row, just to get his feet wet, see him against a right-handed pitcher, then go from there. But in all likelihood, at least after today it will be a scenario of ... I'd be considering a platoon system at first base."

Howard was actually out of the lineup against a right-handed pitcher Thursday, but Sandberg said he wanted to give Darin Ruf two consecutive starts after his callup. The Phillies face two left-handed pitchers during a three-game series against the Diamondbacks beginning Friday, so Sandberg may also get him some time off then.

Howard is struggling against both right and left-handed pitchers this season, but has 10 of his 15 home runs against righties. He is hitting .229/.314/.368 against righties, compared to .209/.275/.407 vs. the opposite hand. 

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman went 1 for 3 with a walk and a three-run home run in his team's 6-1 victory over the Marlins.

Freeman was just 1 for 24 in his previous six games coming into Wednesday, and his home run was just his first of the month. Even with his recent struggles, Freeman has still hit .284/.375/.479 with 14 home runs and 56 RBI in 388 at-bats.

Phillies team officials have discussed buying out the remainder of first baseman Ryan Howard's contract and moving forward without him after the season, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia reports.

The Phillies have floated Howard's name in trade walks, but no teams are interested in taking on the $60 million owed to the first baseman over the next two seasons. Howard has hit just .224/.305/.377 with 15 home runs and 60 RBI in 371 at-bats, and he may be looking at a role as a platoon player over the remainder of the season, as he is out of the lineup against a lefty Wednesday.

Angels infielder C.J. Cron has been recalled Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Cron will replace Grant Green on the active roster. Green was placed on the disabled list Wednesday. Cron has received 175 at-bats in the majors this season. He's hitting .269/.297/.480.