MLB Player News

Vazquez went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Friday's 9-4 loss to the Cardinals.

Vazquez got the scoring started for the Astros, taking Kyle Leahy deep for a solo shot in the bottom of the third inning. Three solo homers were the extent of the damage against Leahy. Vazquez has made seven starts this season and has at least one hit in all seven, as he's now slashing .400/.438/.733 with two home runs, 10 RBI, five runs scored and a 2:7 BB:K across 33 trips to the plate.

Herrera went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, a hit-by-pitch, three RBI and two runs scored in Friday's 9-4 win over the Astros.

Herrera padded the Cardinals' lead to 9-3 with a two-run shot in the top of the eighth. It was Herrera's first multi-hit game of the season, and he's now homered in two of the past three games after failing to hit a long ball in any of his first 16 contests. Herrera's on-base skills have remained strong this season, and his bat seems to be heating up, as he has recorded at least one hit in six of the last eight games. Herrera is slashing .212/.398/.348 with two homers, 10 RBI, seven runs scored and an 18:10 BB:K across 88 trips to the plate.

Trevino (back) caught two simulated innings and hit in the batting cages Friday, MLB.com reports.

Trevino has elevated his baseball activity this week, which began with light throwing sessions. If he comes out of Friday's workout without an issue, manager Terry Francona will begin ramping up his activity.

Ballesteros went 2-for-2 with a three-run home run in Friday's 12-4 win over the Mets.

Ballesteros gave the Cubs an early jolt with a three-run homer in the first inning, his third home run of the season. The 22-year-old was eventually lifted for a pinch hitter, but not before he boosted his batting average to .375 and his OPS to a robust 1.034. Ballesteros has competition for playing time as Chicago's primary DH, but his strong play so far is making it hard to keep him out of the lineup.

Alvarez went 2-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and an RBI in Friday's 12-4 loss to the Cubs.

While most of the Mets' roster has struggled during a nine-game losing streak, Alvarez has been able to keep his head above water. The 24-year-old backstop is slashing .294/.410/.549 through 18 games this season with four homers, five RBI, eight runs and a strong 8:11 BB:K, and his RBI opportunities should pick up as the lineup around him shakes out of its funk.

Fermin (head) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels.

Fermin will miss a second straight start after taking a foul tip off the mask Wednesday against the Mariners. Luis Campusano will make another start at catcher and bat ninth.

Rutschman (ankle) said Friday that he's progressed to running and going through drills but remains without a firm timetable for return, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Rutschman added that he's feeling a lot better after landing on the 10-day injured list with left ankle inflammation last weekend. The catcher is eligible to be reinstated from the injured list Tuesday in Kansas City, but it's unclear if he'll be ready. Samuel Basallo continues to handle primary catching duties for the Orioles.

Bailey is not in the lineup for Friday's game versus the Nationals.

Giants manager Tony Vitello hinted Thursday that he might start deploying a timeshare at catcher. A day later, Daniel Susac will do the catching for ace Logan Webb. Bailey is slashing just .128/.180/.128 with zero extra-base hits in 2026.

Hernandez is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Brewers.

Hernandez is slashing only .149/.259/.191 this season and will begin Friday's series opener on the bench. The Marlins will go with Javier Sanoja in left field.

Contreras (back) is starting at first base and batting second Friday against the Tigers, Chris Henrique of BostonSportsJournal.com reports.

Contreras' back tightened up on him Tuesday, and he was out of the lineup Wednesday against the Twins ahead of Thursday's off day. Contreras has been one of baseball's best hitters over the last couple weeks, as he's slashing .378/.500/.676 with three home runs, 10 RBI and eight runs scored over the last 15 days.