MLB Player News

Drury went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a double and a walk in Saturday's 10-1 loss to the Rangers.

Drury's ninth-inning blast was the only run for the Angels, though the game was close throughout before the Rangers' eruption in the top of the ninth. He was the only Angel to record an extra-base hit, and he's now gone 5-for-15 (.333) with two homers over his last four games. For the season, he's slashing .248/.288/.514 with seven long balls, 19 RBI, 15 runs scored, six doubles and a triple through 31 contests.

Hoerner went 2-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Marlins.

While the heart of the Cubs' batting order couldn't bring him home, Hoerner once again did his job from the leadoff spot. The 25-year-old infielder has reached base safely in 14 of the last 15 games, and on the season he sports a .315/.361/.413 slash line with two homers, 12 steals, 18 RBI and 24 runs in 33 contests.

Estrada went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Saturday's win over the Brewers.

Estrada took Colin Rea yard for a two-run home run in the third inning, bringing home LaMonte Wade. Estrada's been carrying a hot stick as the Giants' everyday second baseman, slashing 336/.391/.516 while swiping the tenth most bags in MLB (9) through 31 games, though he's been seeing more time at shortstop lately with Brandon Crawford (calf) on the shelf. The 27-year-old has also seen an encouraging jump in power, having already hit five home runs after posting 14 in 140 games last season with a .161 ISO compared to his .139 ISO in 2022.

India went 3-for-3 with one double, three runs scored and two steals in Saturday's victory over the White Sox.

India flew around the bases Saturday, reaching safely in all four plate appearances with two steals and a trifecta of runs scored. The second basemen has been a consistent leadoff option for the Reds, having recorded a walk or a hit in 29 of 33 games this season and slashing .298/.392/.421. Though India's power numbers have decreased, he's made up for it with seven steals across 33 games after stealing only three bases in 2022.

Altuve (thumb) took batting practice Saturday in Seattle, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Altuve has been sidelined since he broke his thumb while playing in the World Baseball Classic in late March, but Saturday's limited action is a big step in his rehab program. The second baseman is already eligible to return since he's just on the 10-day injured list, and he's set to undergo imaging on the injured finger soon. Barring any problematic test results, Altuve could begin a rehab assignment within the next couple weeks.

Motter was designated for assignment by the Cardinals on Saturday.

Motter made the Cardinals' Opening Day roster but was designated for assignment in late April, only to return again three days later. He's again available for any team to claim him off waivers, but as a 33-year-old with a career .191/.263/.309 slash line, he's unlikely to draw much interest.

Rojas will sit Saturday against lefty MacKenzie Gore and the Nationals.

Rojas started against a handful of lefties in mid-April, but he's now been on the bench against each of the last five southpaws the Diamondbacks have faced. Emmanuel Rivera will get the start at the hot corner.

Valdez will sit Saturday against the Phillies, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Valdez has appeared in 10 games for the Red Sox this season, hitting .343/.361/.514 with a homer and three steals. Since his late-April call-up, he's started against seven consecutive righties but just one of out three lefties, including Saturday's starter Bailey Falter. Christian Arroyo will replace him at second base.

Bae is dealing with a minor ankle injury but is available off the bench Saturday against the Blue Jays, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Bae is sitting Saturday, with Jack Suwinski starting in center field and Rodolfo Castro starting at second base. Bae ranks third in the majors with 14 steals, but he has been below replacement level (-0.2 fWAR) on the whole, so improved performance at the plate and in the field might be necessary for him to continue playing semi-regularly.

McNeil will sit Saturday against the Rockies, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

McNeil's off day comes against lefty Austin Gomber, but as it's his first time out of the lineup all season, there's seemingly no reason to fear that he's slipping into a platoon role. Eduardo Escobar will take over at second base.