MLB Player News
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Kyle Manzardo 1B | CLE
Guardians' Kyle Manzardo: Pokes homer in win
Manzardo went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 10-6 loss to Toronto.
Manzardo entered as a pinch hitter for David Fry in the seventh and finished the game at designated hitter. He eventually launched his 12th home run of the season -- and first in 13 games -- in the ninth inning. Manzardo had a nice start to the season as the team's primary DH -- he homered eight times and had a .557 slugging percentage through the first 26 contests -- but he has since lost playing time to Fry as his power stroke has waned. Since April 30, Manzardo has just four home runs and is slugging .378 over 41 games.
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Pavin Smith RF | ARI
Diamondbacks' Pavin Smith: Starts at first base
Smith started at first base and went 1-for-4 in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the White Sox.
Smith got the nod at first when Josh Naylor (shoulder) was scratched. The latter suffered a shoulder injury on an aggressive swing during Monday's game and was eventually removed from that contest. The fact he was nearly ready to play Tuesday suggests Naylor could start Wednesday. In that event, Smith would likely move back to designated hitter with Arizona set to face Chicago right-hander Sean Burke.
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Yandy Diaz 1B | TB
Rays' Yandy Diaz: Reaches base four times
Diaz went 3-for-4 with a double, a run scored and a walk in Tuesday's win over the Royals.
Diaz collected hits in the first, third and fifth innings and came around to score in the latter. He's been on an unreal tear lately, collecting multiple hits in six straight contests and 11 times during his active 14-game hitting streak. During that span, he's gone 29-for-60 (.483), raising his season slash line to .289/.338/.470 with 29 extra-base hits and 36 runs scored.
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Yordan Alvarez DH | HOU
Astros' Yordan Alvarez: Resumes swinging bat
Alvarez (hand) hit off a tee Sunday and is scheduled to do so again Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
It's the first time he's swung a bat since an MRI on his right hand in late May revealed a previously undiagnosed fracture. Alvarez has been shelved since early May and will need to go through a hitting progression and likely a rehab assignment before returning to the Astros' active roster.
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Jesse Winker DH | NYM
Mets' Jesse Winker: Nearing rehab assignment
Winker (oblique) is on track to begin a minor-league rehab assignment by this weekend, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.
The Mets shifted Winker from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL earlier Tuesday, but he's nearly ready to play in games and will initially serve as a designated hitter during his rehab assignment. He is eligible for activation July 4 and should be ready to go at that time, barring any setbacks. Once reinstated, Winker could settle back into a strong-side platoon role for the Mets.
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Moises Ballesteros C | CHC
Cubs' Moises Ballesteros: Raking at Triple-A
Ballesteros is slashing .336/.396/.504 with eight home runs across 62 games for Triple-A Iowa.
Ballesteros is tied for the International League lead in hits with 81 as he continues to knock on the door of the majors. The 21-year-old made his MLB debut back in May, appearing in five games for the Cubs while Ian Happ was on the injured list. Ballesteros could get the call the next time Chicago needs someone to fill in temporarily, but he may force his way into an even bigger role based on his performance in the minors. Ballesteros remains an intriguing prospect with plenty of fantasy potential, particularly if he sticks behind the plate long-term.
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Jesse Winker DH | NYM
Mets' Jesse Winker: Shifted to 60-day injured list
The Mets transferred Winker (oblique) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Tuesday.
Winker was moved to the 60-day IL in order to free up a spot on the 40-man roster for Frankie Montas (lat), who was activated from the 60-day IL ahead of his start Tuesday against Atlanta. The transaction does not alter Winker's timetable, as he is coming up on the 60-day mark of his absence with a right oblique strain and still appears to be at least a couple of weeks away from a return.
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Luke Keaschall 2B | MIN
Twins' Luke Keaschall: Begins hitting off a tee
Keaschall (forearm) has started hitting off a tee, MLB.com reports.
Keaschall suffered a fractured right forearm in late April. It's encouraging that he's doing some activity, but he'll ultimately need his bone to completely heal before he begins a minor-league rehab assignment. He's not expected to return until some point in July at the earliest.
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Josh Bell DH | MIN
Nationals' Josh Bell: Belts 10th long ball
Bell went 2-for-4 with a home run and three total RBI in a 10-6 victory versus San Diego on Monday.
Bell was one of three former Padres to shine against San Diego on Monday, joining CJ Abrams (3-for-5, three runs) and James Wood (3-for-5, homer, four RBI). Bell's contributions included a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, a run-scoring single in the fifth and a solo home run in the ninth. He's still batting a meager .197 on the campaign, but Bell hasn't been entirely unproductive, as he ranks fourth on the team in both homers (10) and RBI (28).