MLB Player News
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Niko Goodrum 2B | SD
Angels' Niko Goodrum: Swipes bag in team debut
Goodrum went 0-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base Friday in a loss to the Royals.
Goodrum was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Thursday and made his Angels debut one day later, starting at third base and batting fifth in the order. Though he went hitless in his team debut, the utility man drew a walk in his first plate appearance and subsequently stole second base. Goodrum could get regular at-bats given his versatility and Los Angeles' drastically depleted infield. He's struggled to make contact during his major-league career but has demonstrated good speed with 47 stolen bases on 61 attempts.
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Matt Vierling CF | DET
Tigers' Matt Vierling: Provides offense Friday
Vierling went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Astros.
Vierling's third-inning double put Detroit up 2-0, but the Tigers stagnated from there. The 27-year-old got the start at third base in this one, which is where he's seen most of his time lately with Gio Urshela (hamstring) on the injured list. Urshela recently began a rehab assignment, however, and his eventual return could push Vierling back to more of a utility role.
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Jon Berti 3B | CHC
Yankees' Jon Berti: Nabs second steal
Berti went 2-for-4 with a stolen base in a 2-0 victory versus the Rays on Friday.
Berti started at third base and batted out of the No. 9 hole, and he was one of four Yankees with multiple hits in the victory. It was his third start in six games since returning from the injured list May 4, as Oswaldo Cabrera continues to get ample playing time at the hot corner. Berti has hit well since coming off the IL, going 5-for-11 with two runs, an RBI and two stolen bases.
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Isiah Kiner-Falefa 2B | BOS
Blue Jays' Isiah Kiner-Falefa: Supplies only offense in loss
Kiner-Falefa went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Twins.
The utility infielder popped a solo shot off Joe Ryan in the third inning and brought home Bo Bichette with a ninth-inning single, but the rest of the Blue Jays' offense was quiet on the night. Kiner-Falefa is batting .379 (11-for-29) over the last nine games as he fills a near-everyday role while bouncing between second base and third base, but Friday's homer was just his second of the season, and his first extra-base since April 19.
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Jose Ramirez 3B | CLE
Guardians' Jose Ramirez: Goes yard again Friday
Ramirez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's 6-3 loss to the White Sox.
Ramirez has gone 8-for-23 (.348) over his last six games, and half of his hits in that span have left the yard. He started the year slowly from a power standpoint, but the third baseman is up to nine homers, 33 RBI and a .471 slugging percentage through 38 contests thanks to his recent surge. He's still a little light for batting average (.245), but that's nothing to be concerned about while he's squaring up the ball well.
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Josh Rojas 3B | KC
Mariners' Josh Rojas: Notches fourth steal
Rojas went 2-for-5 with a stolen base in Friday's 8-1 win over the Athletics.
Rojas has five multi-hit efforts over eight games in May, going 13-for-31 (.419) with two steals and two extra-base hits in that span. The 29-year-old is playing well atop the Mariners' lineup versus right-handed pitchers while splitting time between third base and left field. Friday's effort has him at a .351/.417/.526 slash line with three home runs, four steals, eight RBI and 12 runs scored over 108 plate appearances.
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Niko Goodrum 2B | SD
Angels' Niko Goodrum: Reports to big-league club
The Angels activated Goodrum on Friday.
Goodrum had been with the Rays' Triple-A affiliate when he was DFA'd and later claimed by the Angels, but he will return to the majors as a replacement for Ehire Adrianza (back), who landed on the injured list Friday. Goodrum has experience at every position other than catcher, though he will likely return to the minors once Los Angeles' heavily depleted infield -- which is also missing Brandon Drury (hamstring), Luis Rengifo (illness) and others -- gets healthier.
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Ehire Adrianza 3B | LAA
Angels' Ehire Adrianza: Lands on injured list
The Angels placed Adrianza on the 10-day injured list Friday with back spasms, retroactive to Thursday.
Adrianza reported having problems with his lower back Friday, and the issue is apparently severe enough to warrant a trip to the injured list. Niko Goodrum will join the active roster to take Adrianza's spot after being claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Thursday.
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J.D. Davis 1B | LAA
Athletics' J.D. Davis: Gets breather Friday
Davis isn't in the Athletics' lineup for Friday's game against the Mariners.
Davis went 2-for-6 and scored three times during Wednesday's doubleheader against Texas, and he will get an extended rest period as the A's begin their series with Seattle. Tyler Soderstrom will fill the void at first base and bat sixth.
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Ehire Adrianza 3B | LAA
Angels' Ehire Adrianza: Dealing with back problems
Adrianza said Friday that he has experienced issues with his lower back, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.
It's uncertain whether or not Adrianza will require a trip to the injured list, but he said he received an MRI on Friday, which should help determine how long he may be out for. The 34-year-old has played in eight games since joining the Angels in late April, slashing .192/.250/.346 with two RBI in 28 plate appearances.