Albies' early-season issues at the plate may have been due to the lingering effects of a fractured wrist he suffered in 2024, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The second baseman never used his wrist as an excuse while posting a .606 OPS with seven homers in 95 games through the All-Star break, but hitting coach Tim Hyers believes it was at the root of his struggles. Whatever the cause, Albies has looked more like his old self of late, slashing .294/.314/.529 over his last 16 games with four doubles, four home runs and 16 RBI, including his first long ball of the season from the right side of the plate. The 28-year-old switch hitter has a $7 million club option on his contract for 2026 against a $4 million buyout, and a strong finish to the campaign should ensure he remains in Atlanta.

Vargas started at designated hitter and went 1-for-4 with two RBI in Thursday's 6-4 win over the Brewers.

Vargas recorded one of the Diamondbacks' two hits with runners in scoring position, delivering a bases-loaded single in the second inning. He's played sporadically since coming off the injured list last week, but there may be more opportunities for him as the DH with Pavin Smith (quadriceps) unavailable.

Altuve went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Thursday against the Rockies.

Altuve kicked off the scoring for the Astros by going deep in the first inning, his 23rd homer of the season. He's had mixed results in August, as he's hit just .229 across 96 at-bats, though he's also smacked five home runs and swiped three bases. Overall, he's topped 20 long balls for the first time since 2022 and should reach double-digit steals for the fourth consecutive campaign.

Kim (shoulder) is slated to be activated off the injured list when rosters expand next week, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Kim began a minor-league rehab assignment Aug. 21 and has fared fine so far, slashing .273/.292/.273 through six games. Of note, he recently began playing left field with Triple-A Oklahoma City, which may be a sign that the Dodgers plan to use him at that position to some extent when he returns to the big club. By waiting until after rosters expand to activate Kim, Los Angeles won't need to clear room for him with another transaction.

Chisholm went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a second RBI and a stolen base in Thursday's 10-4 win over the White Sox.

Chisholm logged a steal for the second game in a row, and he's also swatted four homers while supplying eight RBI over his last five games. The 27-year-old continues to put up strong power and speed numbers with 26 homers and 24 steals through 102 contests. He's added 66 RBI, 63 runs scored and a .242/.338/.495 slash line, with the low average being about the only flaw in his overall performance this year.

Kennedy elected free agency after being outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday.

Kennedy was designated for assignment Monday and subsequently cleared waivers. He'll be free to sign with any team and has logged 32 plate appearances in the majors this season.

Bliss (biceps) is starting a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday.

Bliss has been ahead of schedule and is expected to make his return to the majors in mid-September. He will likely need 40-to-50 at-bats during his rehab assignment before he's activated to return to Seattle.

The Rangers are expected to select Moore's contract from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

The Rangers are going to be without Corey Seager (appendectomy) for an extended period of time, so the team will turn to Moore to provide additional infield depth. Although he owns just a .622 OPS through 213 plate appearances from his time with the Mariners this year, Moore could be in line for regular playing time with the Rangers, and his extreme defensive versatility will only help his chances of sticking in the lineup.

The Guardians reinstated Schneemann from the paternity list Thursday.

After missing the entirety of Cleveland's last series against Tampa Bay while spending time with his growing family, Schneemann will return in time for the beginning of a stretch that sees the Guardians play 16 games in 16 days. He'll reclaim his role as the team's third baseman against right-handed starters and take the roster spot of Carlos Santana, who was released in a corresponding move.

Moore went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 20-3 loss to the Rangers.

Moore provided one of the few bright spots for the Angels in the embarrassing loss when he stroked a solo homer to center field in the fifth inning. The rookie has started at second base in three of Los Angeles' past four games after starting just once in three games before that. It's worth noting, however, that both of the Angels' past two games have been against lefty starters, while Moore has began on the bench in three of the team's most recent five matchups with a right-handed starter. He may continue to be in and out of the lineup against righties given his rough .192/.304/.269 slash line against same-handed pitching this year.