MLB Player News

Sweeney is hitting .231/.293/.358 with five home runs and nine stolen bases in 268 at-bats for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Sweeney was acquired from the Dodgers last season as part of the trade that sent Chase Utley to Los Angeles. His struggles this season could put his 40-man roster spot in jeopardy this offseason. The Phillies could trade Andres Blanco this month which would open up a roster spot for a utility player, but Taylor Featherston might be the choice to replace Blanco if the veteran gets dealt.

Beckham went 1-for-3 with a solo homer, a walk and two runs Saturday at the White Sox.

Beckham's third blast of the year gave the Braves a 1-0 lead in the first inning of a game they'd eventually lose. Since returning from the disabled list, he's now collected four hits in 12 at-bats, and he's slashing .290/.387/.458 over 158 at-bats on the year.

Beckham (hamstring) was activated from the DL and will start at shortstop Thursday against the Cubs, Kevin McAlpin of BravesRadioNet reports.

Beckham is making his first major league start since June 1 after being sidelined with a hamstring strain. The third baseman played in six rehab games between rookie ball and High-A recently, collecting seven hits over 18 at-bats along with three runs and three RBI. He'll likely enter into a platoon role with Adonis Garcia at third base but could also see some starts at shortstop going forward. To make room on the roster, Emilio Bonifacio was DFA'd.

Drury went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's loss to the Padres.

With David Peralta injured and Peter O'Brien sent back down to the minors, Drury is getting more run in the corner outfield spots these days, and he's been delivering. Over the last seven days, Drury is 7-for-24 (.292) with four doubles and a home run. If he gets regular playing time, Drury can be a fantasy asset, especially given his position flexibility in most formats.

Since being demoted to Double-A to play second base alongside shortstop Dansby Swanson, Albies has 11 hits in 25 at-bats.

During the same stretch, Swanson is also swinging a hot bat, going 12 for his last 25 at the plate. The combination of Swanson and Albies looks to be the future Braves middle infield, and the fact that they are both enjoying success early on in their time together is a great sign. There is no reason for the Braves to call up either guy this season, but look for both to see some time in the big leagues in 2017.

Espinosa is out of the lineup Wednesday, MASN's Dan Kolko reports.

He has continued to shine at the dish of late, with five homers in his last six games. Not only is he holding the Nationals' presumed shortstop of the future, Trea Turner, at bay in Triple-A, but Turner has actually started playing some center field, suggesting Espinosa could hold regular playing time through the rest of the season, provided he continues to produce. Stephen Drew will start at shortstop and hit seventh Wednesday.

Tomlinson (thumb) is not expected to return until after the All-Star break, Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area reports.

Tomlinson seems to be close to full health -- his rehab was moved to Triple-A Sacramento on Monday following a two-game stint with High-A San Jose -- but manager Bruce Bochy said none of the team's DL players will return before the break. Look for Tomlinson to slot back into a utility role in the second half, seeing occasional starts (mostly against left-handed pitching) between second base, shortstop, third and left field.

Beckham (hamstring) will play in a few more rehab games and hopes to be activated Thursday, Kevin McAlpin of 680 AM Atlanta reports.

Beckham has collected three hits in the last two games for High-A Carolina, and has hit safely in all but one of his rehab outings. Upon returning, he could threaten the playing time of Adonis Garcia, who is in the midst of a bit of a slump at the plate.

Espinosa went 4-for-5 with two home runs and six RBI in Sunday's blowout win over the Reds.

The shortstop destroyed Cincinnati pitching over the course of their four-game series, going 7-for-18 (.389) with five homers and 15 RBI. Espinosa's hot streak not only gives him 18 home runs on the season, but it also puts him in the team HR lead, one ahead of Bryce Harper. Espinosa's previous career high is 21 HR in a season, but at this rate, he could pass that mark before the All-Star break.

Frazier went 2-for-4 with a double and triple Sunday against the A's.

The utilityman is making his mark, playing different positions for the Pirates while adding a spark with his speed. He has seven hits in 14 at-bats since his recall from Triple-A Indianapolis, including three stolen bases. Frazier isn't a speed merchant, but rather an aggressive baserunner. He batted .333 in 262 Triple-A at-bats and swiped 17 bases (in 32 attempts).