MLB Player News

Goldschmidt went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and two strikeouts in Thursday's 3-2 over the Pirates.

Goldschmidt had two hits and a steal in Wednesday's contest, and with another swipe Thursday it became the 13th time in his career he's recorded stolen bases in back-to-back games. The 2022 NL MVP got off to a rough start this season with two home runs and a .530 OPS through 37 games, but he's turned it around nicely since the middle of May. He's now slashing .261/.312/.452 with nine homers, 22 RBI and five steals over his last 46 games.

The Nationals optioned Meneses to Triple-A Rochester on Thursday.

Through 313 plate appearances, Meneses has slashed just .231/.291/.306 -- his worst season at the plate in his three-year MLB career -- and he'll now attempt to right the ship in the minors. Meanwhile, the Nationals will likely turn to Harold Ramirez or Ildemaro Vargas to start at first base until Joey Gallo (hamstring) is able to return from the injured list.

Mountcastle isn't in the Orioles' lineup for Thursday's game versus Seattle.

Mountcastle went 1-for-4 with an RBI during his first game back from an illness Wednesday, and he'll now get another day to rest against Bryce Miller and the Mariners. Ryan O'Hearn will move to first base as a result, allowing Heston Kjerstad to serve as the DH.

Goldschmidt went 2-for-5 with a stolen base in Wednesday's 5-4 extra-inning loss to the Pirates.

Goldschmidt's midseason resurgence has continued into July -- he's opened the month with a pair of multi-hit efforts. He's batting .262 with six extra-base hits and two steals over his last 15 contests. The first baseman is at a .230/.297/.368 slash line with 11 home runs, five steals, 12 doubles, 33 RBI and 40 runs scored through 82 games overall, though his recent play is an encouraging sign for the second half.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Thursday that Harper (hamstring) is currently able to go through drills at 70-to-75 percent intensity, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Harper is eligible for activation July 9 as he works his way back from a strained left hamstring. While the Phillies won't hesitate to activate Harper next week if he's ready, they do have the All-Star break looming the following week if they decide to give the first baseman a little more time.

Cronenworth is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Rangers.

It's a routine day of rest after Cronenworth started each of the previous 12 games for the Padres. Tyler Wade will receive a start at second base.

Busch is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Phillies.

Southpaw Cristopher Sanchez will be toeing the rubber for the Phillies, so the left-handed hitting Busch will grab a seat. Patrick Wisdom will handle first base and also the second spot in the Cubs' batting order.

Freeman went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer and two walks in Wednesday's loss to the Diamondbacks.

Freeman put the Dodgers ahead with a three-run blast in the bottom of the first and proceeded to reach base four times in the contest in a losing effort. It was the first baseman's 13th long ball of the season and the fourth in his last 15 games. Over that latter stretch he's batting .327 (18-for-55) with 14 RBI and 10 runs scored. Freeman has also recorded multiple hits in back-to-back games and in three of his last four.

Vaughn is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest in Cleveland.

It appears to be a routine day off for Vaughn after making seven straight starts. The White Sox are giving Gavin Sheets a start at first base while Vaughn gets some rest.

Rice will start at first base and bat leadoff in Thursday's game versus the Reds.

The Yankees have dropped the struggling Anthony Volpe down to the No. 6 spot in the batting order and Rice will receive the first opportunity in Volpe's old slot. Rice is slashing .270/.378/.351 with a 6:7 K:BB in his first 14 contests in the majors. Certainly, it would be a major boost for his fantasy prospects if he can manage to stick at the top of the Yankees' lineup.