MLB Player News

Abreu (back) has yet to resume swinging a bat, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Abreu won't be activated from the 10-day injured list when first eligible this Sunday and he might struggle to return before the end of August unless he's able to ramp up within the next week. The veteran first baseman has been sidelined since Aug. 10 due to lower-back inflammation.

Montero isn't in the Rockies' lineup Friday against the White Sox, Suzie Hunter of TheDNVR.com reports.

Montero went 4-for-11 with a homer and two runs scored during Colorado's series against the D-backs and will get a breather for Friday's opener. Michael Toglia will step in as the Rockies' first baseman and bat eighth.

Cron was set to have his ailing back re-evaluated Thursday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Cron has started just one of the last four games and wasn't available to play off the bench in the Angels' most recent contest Wednesday due to a nagging back issue which dates back to earlier this season when he was with the Rockies. With the news that Nolan Schanuel is being called up, it's possible Cron heading to the IL will be the corresponding move for that transaction. Even without the injury, Cron likely will face a dip in playing time upon Schanuel's arrival with Shohei Ohtani a fixture at DH.

The Angels selected Schanuel's contract from Double-A Rocket City on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Just over a month ago, Schanuel was taken with the 11th overall pick in the 2023 First-Year Player Draft, so he'll be making quite the rapid ascent to the big leagues. Schanuel batted .370/.510/.493 with one home run, four doubles, 15 RBI and a 10:21 K:BB over 21 games across three levels in the minors to convince the Angels he was ready for his debut. The 21-year-old will likely take over as the Halos' regular first baseman, at least against right-handers, as they try to claw their way back into the playoff hunt. Schanuel also played some corner outfield in college, although he didn't see any action in the outfield in the minors. It's possible he could be used in the outfield on days that C.J. Cron (back) is at first base.

Alonso went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Thursday's victory over the Cardinals.

Alonso launched a two-run, 437-foot home run off Adam Wainwright in the top of the fourth inning to put the Mets up 2-0. The first baseman has now homered in back-to-back contests and is up to seven long balls in the month of August, adding 16 RBI and nine runs scored over that stretch. He currently ranks third in the major leagues with 37 home runs.

Casas went 1-for-3 with a walk, a solo home run and an additional run scored in Thursday's 10-7 loss to Washington.

Casas drilled a 431-foot homer to center in the third inning, which was Boston's lone run until a six-run uprising in the seventh. The home run was the first baseman's 20th of the season and 11th in 30 games since the All-Star break.

Smith is not in the lineup Thursday versus the Red Sox.

Joey Meneses will play first base and Keibert Ruiz will take a turn as the Nationals' designated hitter with left-hander Chris Sale toeing the slab for Boston. Riley Adams is catching. Smith has posted a rough .587 OPS in 147 plate appearances against lefties this year.

Pratto (groin) is set to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A Omaha.

Pratto is recovered from the left groin strain that sent him to the injured list in late July, and he should be ready to return to the Royals' active roster by early next week after a few tune-up games on the farm. The 24-year-old first baseman and corner outfielder has mostly disappointed this season, slashing just .238/.324/.376 with seven homers and 31 RBI across 299 major-league plate appearances.

Noda (jaw) went 2-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI, three walks and a run over two rehab games with Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Noda led off in both games, and although he filled the designated hitter role Tuesday, he was able to play first base for seven innings Wednesday. With his timing at the plate apparently no worse for wear after going on the injured list July 19, Noda may only need one more rehab game before being deemed ready to return.

France went 1-for-1 with an RBI single, three walks and a run in a win over the Royals on Wednesday.

Fresh off a four-hit tally Tuesday, France played some small ball to perfection a day later with a pesky effort that featured his third multi-walk tally over his last 11 games. The veteran infielder carries a .353 average and astounding .511 on-base percentage over the 45 plate appearances covering that span, a sample during which he's also knocked in 10 runs thanks to a .714 average with runners in scoring position.