MLB Player News

Vargas went 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Wednesday's 10-4 loss to the Padres.

Vargas was included in the lineup for the fifth time in six games. He's made three starts at first base as well as one each at second and shortstop during that span as he looks to be settling into more of a utility role. Vargas has gone 5-for-18 over five games in July, and while that's not all that impressive, he's still showing more consistency at the plate than his main competition for playing time, Pavin Smith. Vargas is batting .257 with a .699 OPS, seven home runs, 46 RBI, 39 runs scored, 12 doubles, two triples and two steals through 79 games this season.

Grissom went 4-for-5 with a double, four RBI and two runs scored in Wednesday's 13-1 win over the Rangers.

Grissom made a big impact, knocking a pair of RBI singles and a two-run double in the contest. This was his second multi-hit effort in his last three games. Grissom is currently on the short side of a platoon at first base, though he can also push Oswald Peraza at second base and Denzer Guzman at third base since all of them are right-handed hitters. On the year, Grissom is batting .249 with a .703 OPS, four home runs, 34 RBI, 21 runs scored, 11 doubles and no stolen bases over 196 plate appearances.

Burleson went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, a double and an additional RBI in Wednesday's 5-1 victory against the Brewers.

Burleson crushed a 443-foot, two-run shot over the right-field wall to extend St. Louis' lead to 5-0 in the sixth inning. Although he has struggled against left-handed pitching all season (.497 OPS), Burleson did most of his damage Wednesday against them, including the home run off Brewers reliever Jared Koenig. The 27-year-old Burleson now has a .277/.339/.474 slash line with 15 homers and 66 RBI through 90 games this year.

Stewart went 2-for-4 with two home runs, three RBI and a walk in Wednesday's 11-5 win over the Phillies.

It was the second career game with multiple homers for Stewart, who piled up at least three RBI for the sixth time this year. The slugging infielder has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games as well. Stewart has delivered a breakout first half as a first-time All-Star in 2026, slashing 256/.341/.481 with 19 long balls, 64 RBI, 11 stolen bases and 50 runs scored across 396 plate appearances.

Torkelson went 1-for-3 with a walk and a three-run home run in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Athletics.

Torkelson continued his strong recent stretch of play with his 15th home run of the season. Over his last 10 games, the slugging first baseman is batting .278 with three long balls and 10 RBI. Torkelson's free-swinging approach leaves him susceptible to slumps, but his power gives him plenty of upside, and he should continue to see ample playing time for a Detroit team that's 20th in the majors in runs scored.

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.