MLB Player News

Candelario went 1-for-2 with a home run and two RBI in the Tigers' 6-3 win over the Astros on Sunday.

Candelario was one of four Tigers hitters to take Justin Verlander deep on the afternoon, with the third baseman plating another run on a sacrifice fly in the second inning. Though he hasn't seen much of a decline in his power production since returning from a wrist injury in late May, Candelario's contact skills have suffered. He's struck out in 28.3 percent of his plate appearance since being activated and is batting just .182 over that stretch.

Duffy (ankle) entered Sunday's extra-inning loss to the Twins in the top of the eighth inning as a pinch hitter and went 1-for-2 with an infield single, a stolen base and a run.

A late scratch as a starter, Duffy nevertheless was called on to hit for Mallex Smith in the eighth inning and promptly got on with an infield single. He then swiped second, a key development considering it helped put him in scoring position for Jesus Sucre's RBI double later in the frame. The fact that Duffy's ankle was healthy enough to get the green light on the bases is certainly encouraging, and it lends credence to the notion that he should be ready to resume his usual starting role coming out of the All-Star break.

Moncada went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and three runs scored in Sunday's win over the Royals.

Moncada has enjoyed a solid July to close out the first half of the season, hitting .327 (16-for-49) with two home runs and 11 runs scored this month. The 23-year-old raised his OPS to .739 with 36 extra-base hits despite striking out 130 times in just 344 at-bats.

Machado went hit a solo home run and walked in his two plate appearances during Sunday's 6-5 win over the Rangers before departing the game after four innings. Machado was taken out for precautionary purposes, according to Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun, with the Orioles reluctant to expose him any further to the rainy conditions that hit Camden Yards.

Machado was spotted on the on-deck circle in the bottom of the fourth and was called back to the dugout, with Jace Peterson. The early exit in a two-run game fueled speculation that the Orioles might have formally agreed to trade Machado to another team, but that wasn't the case, with the club merely wanting to play it safe with its potential trade chip. Machado will thus remain a member of the Orioles as he prepares for his fourth All-Star Game appearance, but expect him to don different colors before the end of the month.

Moncada (knee) is leading off and starting at second base against the Royals on Sunday.

Moncada exited Saturday's game after bumping knees on a pickoff play at second base, with X-rays coming back negative. The 23-year-old would likely have been held out of the lineup if there was any concern regarding the injury, and he's ready to go for the final game before the All-Star break.

Duffy (ankle) was scratched from Sunday's lineup against the Twins, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy was initially going to bat second and start at third base, but he will instead be held out of the lineup after appearing to roll his ankle in Saturday's game. The 27-year-old will likely be ready to go once the second half of the season begins Friday against the Marlins, as his initial inclusion in the lineup suggests his late scratch is mostly precautionary in nature.

Duffy (ankle) will start at third base and bat second for Sunday's game at Minnesota, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy left Saturday's game with the injury after appearing to roll his ankle on a swing but won't be held out of Sunday's lineup. If there were any concern from the Rays, they would undoubtedly give the 27-year-old an additional day of rest leading into the All-Star break, which bodes well for the severity of the injury.

Ramirez 1-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored Saturday against the Yankees.

Ramirez took CC Sabathia deep in the first inning to record his 29th home run of the season, tying his mark for the entire 2017 season. He's been on an incredible tear over the past five games, launching five homers to go along with 11 RBI and seven runs scored.

Manager Rick Renteria said that Moncada (knee) could play Sunday, James Fegan of The Athletic Chicago reports.

If there were any concern whatsoever regarding Moncada's knee, the White Sox would likely hold him out and extend his All-Star break. However, it seems the knee bruise is minor enough to where it may not even cost Moncada a start. He collided with the Royals' Paulo Orlando on a pickoff play at second base Saturday.

Duffy left Saturday's game with an apparent right ankle injury, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy went down after appearing to roll his ankle on a swing, and while he stayed in the game initially, Daniel Robertson eventually replaced him at third base. The Rays figure to subject Duffy, who has an extensive injury history, to a number of tests to determine the full extent of the issue.