MLB Player News

Cubs outfield prospect Jorge Soler has played all of 22 games above Class A, which would suggest he's still a ways from reaching the big leagues. And yet what he did in those 22 games got him promoted from Double- to Triple-A, which would suggest he's on the fast track.

As I pointed out in this week's Prospects Report, it would make sense. Soler is unique from most other prospects in that he's already signed to a long-term deal. The Cubs are paying him the same through 2020 no matter when he arrives or what he does, so they only hurt themselves by holding him back. Certainly, they want him ready, but a .415 batting average and 1.355 OPS at Double-A, if only in 22 games, is a pretty good indication he is.

If he keeps it up at Triple-A, the Cubs might decide to cash in on all the money they're paying him and run him out there for the last six weeks or so. And given his experience from Cuba, it wouldn't necessarily be a case of him just getting his feet wet.

Granted, a lot has to go right for all that to happen, but it's a likely enough scenario for you to take a flier on Soler if you don't like what you see on waivers.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt was cleared to fly with the team back to San Francisco following the conclusion of their series in Philadelphia Thursday, CSNBayArea.com reports.

Belt is recovering from a concussion, and has still not been cleared to begin physical activities. He has spent most of the team's series in Philadelphia stuck in the team's hotel, and remains without a timeline at this point.  

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard was out of the lineup for the second game in a row Thursday against the Giants in favor of Darin Ruf, and manager Ryan Sandberg told MLB.com this might become a recurring theme.

"The way I see things," Sandberg said. "I basically wanted to give Ruf two days in a row, just to get his feet wet, see him against a right-handed pitcher, then go from there. But in all likelihood, at least after today it will be a scenario of ... I'd be considering a platoon system at first base."

Howard was actually out of the lineup against a right-handed pitcher Thursday, but Sandberg said he wanted to give Darin Ruf two consecutive starts after his callup. The Phillies face two left-handed pitchers during a three-game series against the Diamondbacks beginning Friday, so Sandberg may also get him some time off then.

Howard is struggling against both right and left-handed pitchers this season, but has 10 of his 15 home runs against righties. He is hitting .229/.314/.368 against righties, compared to .209/.275/.407 vs. the opposite hand. 

The Giants are growing more concerned with first baseman Brandon Belt, who wasn't feeling much better Wednesday and had to be sent back to the hotel, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area reports.

Belt is scheduled to undergo further tests in San Franicsco as he continues to deal with a concussion. He has ben sidelined since Saturday.

The Cubs promoted outfield prospect Jorge Soler from Double-A Tennessee to Triple-A Iowa. Soler is considered the team's sixth-best prospect by MLB.com.

Soler has only played in 29 games this season -- 22 with Tennessee -- due to a hamstring injury. But he hit .415 with a .494 on-base percentage, .862 slugging percentage and 1.355 OPS with Tennessee. He also had one triple, six home runs, nine doubles and 22 RBI.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt is still days away from baseball activity, according to MLB.com.

Belt is dealing with a concussion. He's said to be "making progress," but will still need time before he's ready to return to action. Belt was placed on the disabled list July 20. 

The Phillies have recalled outfielder/first baseman Darin Ruf from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Ruf, who has missed most of the season due to knee and wrist injuries, is batting .265 with no home runs, three doubles and eight RBI in 13 July games.

The Giants announced Monday they placed first baseman Brandon Belt on the 7-day disabled list due to a concussion. Infielder Adam Duvall was recalled from Triple-A Fresno to take Belt's roster spot.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt is headed to the 7-day disabled list due to a concussion. Adam Duvall is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Fresno to take his roster spot.

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has homered in his first two games out of the All-Star break and credits his participation in the Home Run Derby as the reason for helping him snap his power drought.

Stanton had gone 75 plate appearances without a home run before parking his 22nd home run Friday.

"Having to lock in for the Derby made me feel better," Stanton said, per MLB.com. "I wasn't myself the last couple of weeks. The short time off and the Derby kind of helped me out. I think it will be all right."