MLB Player News

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is currently hitting .224 with 15 home runs and just three steals. His .713 OPS is about 150 points lower than last season, and his .286 OBP is lower than those of Lyle Overbay, Miguel Montero and Placido Polanco. 

Cespedes is still on pace for a 30-homer season, and his batting average struggles in the first half may have something to do with a string of minor injuies that he suffered and played through. His BABIP is only .250 (it should be about .300), and he's actually hitting more fly balls than last year, while his HR/FB rate remains pretty much the same. 

Cespedes should see improvement in batting average and steals in the second half, while keeping his power numbers up around the 30 home run pace. With an ugly overall line and whispers of a sophomore slump, Cespedes makes for a stellar buy-low candidate heading into the All-Star break. 

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is back in the fourth spot Wednesday against the Pirates.

Cespedes was demoted to the fifth spot in the lineup Tuesday, prompting speculation that he could be used lower in the order more often. The team doesn't have a need for a DH Wednesday, so that could be the reason for Cespedes' move.

Cespedes is hitting .224/.286/.427 in 295 at-bats. 

Mariners shortstop Brad Miller knocked in a career-high four runs in Tuesday's loss to Boston.

Miller finished 3 for 5 with a pair of doubles as well. The rookie was playing in just his 11th career game (10th start) and had just two RBI entering the contest. Miller is hitting a robust .275/.356/.475 with four doubles and two triples in his first 40 at-bats.

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes was chosen Tuesday by Robinson Cano as the fourth member of the American League team for the Home Run Derby.

Cespedes joins Cano, Prince Fielder and Chris Davis on the American League team for Monday's event. The 27-year-old has 15 home runs and 42 RBI in 74 games this season. He has 38 home runs in 203 games since making his big-league debut March 28, 2012.

Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera will not compete in the Home Run Derby during the All-Star break. Yoenis Cespedes joins Robinson Cano, Chris Davis and Prince Fielder in the field. 

Cabrera was asked by Cano to participate but was hesitant as he preferred to rest a balky back. He'll take the derby off and play in the All-Star Game. Cabrera has 28 homers with a major-league leading .364 average and 90 RBI over 87 games. 

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has been moved to the fifth spot in the order Tuesday against the Pirates.

Cespedes has mainly been used as the three or four hitter this season, but he did hit sixth Friday. Until he turns things around, he will likely be used lower in the order. Cespedes is hitting .223/.287/.430 in 291 at-bats. He'll face Gerrit Cole Tuesday.

Mariners infielder Brad Miller collected two hits against the Red Sox Monday.

Miller hit two singles, finishing 2 for 5. He scored a run and knocked in an RBI. Miller is hitting .229/.325/.400 in 35 at-bats. 

Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera was asked by Robinson Cano to participate for the American League squad in the Home Run Derby during the All-Star break, MLive.com reports Monday. Cabrera doesn't know if he wants to compete.

Cabrera confirmed he's been asked, but said it depends on how his back is feeling. He's missed some time due to the back issue in recent days.

"Yeah, he already asked me," Cabrera said after Monday's 4-2 win. "I say it depends how my back is feeling. If that's OK, I will do it."

Cabrera has hit 28 homers this season with a major-league leading .364 average and 90 RBI over 87 games. He would be joining Cano, Chris Davis and Prince Fielder in the star-studded AL lineup for the derby if he does participate.

"I tell him, maybe I'll do it but you've got to put Prince on there," Cabrera said. "You've gotta put Prince first, then me. He win last year, so he deserves to be there again."

Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera recorded four more hits Sunday during a 9-6 loss at Cleveland. Cabrera homered in the first inning for a solo blast, his 28th of the season. 

Cabrera finished 4 for 4 with two RBI and added a walk. He also stole his third base of the season. Cabrera is now batting .368 with 28 home runs and 90 RBI. 

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley had a very offensive game Sunday during a 9-6 win over Detroit. Brantley homered twice and added a double for good measure. 

Brantley went deep in the sixth inning off starter Doug Fister for a solo shot. He added a two-run blast in the eighth. Brantley's double in the first inning plated two other runs as he drove in five in total on the game. Brantley finished 3 for 5 with three runs scored and is batting .280. 

The 26-year-old has gone 7 for 16 over his last four games but all those hits came in two contests. He has six RBI over that span.