MLB Player News

Lowe went 2-for-5 with two doubles and two runs scored Thursday against the Astros.

Lowe ignited a Pirates rally with each of his doubles, coming around to score both times. It was his first multi-hit game in his last seven starts, though he's still been plenty productive of late. Across his last 10 games, Lowe has two homers, eight RBI and 10 runs scored. He's maintained an .873 OPS across 57 games this season, his highest mark since 2020.

Marte went 1-for-5 with a solo home run Thursday in a 3-2 win against the Dodgers.

Marte struck out twice and was unable to reach base in his first four plate appearances. However, he played hero in the ninth inning, belting a 431-foot solo homer to left field to give Arizona a comeback win. Marte has driven in at least one run in his first three games to begin June and has clubbed two homers, scored three runs and driven in four over that span despite going just 2-for-12.

Bazzana was dropped from leadoff to cleanup Thursday and went 0-for-4 in a 2-1 loss to the Yankees.

Bazzana has thrived since being moved to leadoff, so it was strange to see him batting fourth. Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reported that the unique lineup configuration was an attempt to maximize the Guardians' offense against left-hander Carlos Rodon. Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt trotted out three right-handed batters to open the game, followed by the lefty-hitting Bazzana.

The Rangers are expected to option Freeman to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Freeman was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Monday and went 1-for-2 with a strikeout Wednesday in his first major-league action of the season. However, the Rangers are expected to create roster space for Corey Seager (back) and another player by sending Freeman and Alejandro Osuna down Friday.

Marte (back/hamstring) will start at second base and bat leadoff in Thursday's game against the Dodgers.

Marte has been dealing with nagging back and hamstring issues and sat out Wednesday's contest as a result, but it will be just a one-day absence for the slugger. The switch hitter homered Monday in the first game of the series for his 10th long ball of the season.

The Royals transferred India (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list Thursday.

The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Josh Rojas. India is out for the season after undergoing surgery in late April to repair the labrum in his left shoulder, so his move to the 60-day IL was inevitable.

The Royals selected Rojas' contract from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

Rojas will receive another opportunity in the majors after slashing .246/.309/.433 with six home runs and a 16:32 BB:K over 48 games with Omaha. The 31-year-old will provide infield depth while Maikel Garcia (hamstring) is banged up, and Rojas is capable of handling the outfield, as well.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Wednesday that Wetherholt has been playing with some lower-half soreness but is expected back in the lineup for Friday's game against the Reds, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Wetherholt didn't play in Wednesday's win over the Rangers in part so that he could have consecutive days of rest when combined with Thursday's team off day. Barring something unforeseen, the rookie second baseman will be back in the leadoff spot for the Cardinals in Friday's series opener versus Cincinnati.

McLain started at shortstop and went 1-for-3 with a run scored in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to Kansas City.

McLain has started all three games at shortstop since Elly De La Cruz (hamstring) landed on the injured list. The Reds have slotted McLain in as the No. 9 hitter in all three games, while outfielder JJ Bleday has moved up to the No. 2 spot in the order in place of De La Cruz.

Loftin went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's win over the Reds.

Loftin provided some insurance with a line-drive, two-run shot in the top of the ninth inning to extend the Royals' lead to 5-2. It marked his first homer of the campaign and sixth career long ball across parts of four MLB seasons. The utility man is hitting just .218 and has primarily operated in a reserve role with 96 plate appearances to date, but Loftin could be in line for increased opportunities at third base if Maikel Garcia (hamstring) requires a stint on the injured list.