MLB Player News

Brantley was named to the American League All-Star team after being voted in by the players, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Next week's affair in Miami will be Brantley's second All-Star Game, but this one comes with a different narrative. He made his first appearance in 2014, a year in which he won the Silver Slugger Award. This season, the veteran outfielder's numbers are borderline All-Star worthy, but his remarkable comeback from last year's injury-shortened campaign is deserving of the spotlight. Entering Wednesday, Brantley was hitting .297 with five home runs, 31 RBI and eight stolen bases.

Turner went 2-for-4 with his eighth home run and a pair of RBI in Tuesday's win over the Diamondbacks.

Turner has now homered seven times in 21 games since returning from the disabled list on June 9 after hitting just one through his first 39 contests. Even with this recent power binge, the career-high mark of 27 round trippers he set last season seems out of reach. At least he's no longer an empty batting average, though.

Cespedes (hamstring) is in the lineup Wednesday against the Nationals, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

The veteran outfielder had been dealing with a hamstring cramp, although he'll be able to resume his normal role in the lineup as expected. However, the game has been delayed due to inclement weather, so if the rain refuses to let up, he may get an extra day to rest the ailment despite his name being on Wednesday's lineup card. If the game is played, he'll bat third and play left field.

Torrens was a late addition to the lineup Wednesday against the Indians, Dennis Lin of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Austin Hedges was scratched due to neck stiffness, so Torrens will be thrown into emergency catching duty to replace him. Torrens will bat ninth as the Padres take on Cleveland right-hander Trevor Bauer.

Cabrera (hip) is in Wednesday's lineup against the Giants, Chris McCosky of Detroit News reports.

Cabrera left Tuesday's game due to hip tightness, but will not miss any time as he's slotted into his normal position at first base while batting third. Although Cabrera landed on the disabled list earlier this year due to the same injury, he appears ready to go for Wednesday's contest as the Tigers match up against right-hander Ty Blach.

Harper is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Mets, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

The young superstar hasn't gotten a day off for over a month, so he'll head to the bench for Wednesday's series finale. Brian Goodwin will slide over to right field to replace him, while Adam Lind fills the void in left field.

Miller (groin) will likely be activated sometime this weekend, depending on how he feels after Wednesday's rehab game, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Miller has been steadily moving closer to a return and all signs indicate he'll be back in the lineup just before the All-Star break. The slick middle infielder has had his rehab assignment moved to Triple-A Durham, where the Rays hope he can see more action at second base as he works his way back from a right groin strain that's sidelined him since early June. Miller has played in just 42 games this season due multiple DL stints.

Carpenter went 2-for-4 with a walk in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Marlins.

The slugging leadoff man has started July off in fine fashion at the plate by hitting in three straight. Carpenter is in the midst of a modest long-ball drought, however, as his last home run came June 24. The 31-year-old's current .235 average is also notably lower than any he's ever posted in the last five seasons, but a .255 BABIP and career-best 46 percent hard contact rate hint at an eventual breakout.

McCutchen went 3-for-4 with a pair of solo homers Tuesday against Philadelphia.

After being named the National League Player of the Month for June, McCutchen is off to a great start in July, going 5-for-12 with four extra-base hits. He's slashing .395/.497/.689 with eight homers and 23 RBI since May 26. While the outfielder has swiped only one of his six bags in the last 41 games, owners have no doubt enjoyed his monster turnaround. It's still a toss-up as to whether McCutchen will get dealt at the deadline, but he's definitely upped his trade value.

Choi is starting at first base and batting seventh for Wednesday's matinee game against the Blue Jays.

Choi will make his first major-league start since 2016 after having his contract selected by the Yankees on Tuesday. The 26-year-old is the latest option at first base in place of the ailing Tyler Austin (hamstring) and Matt Holliday (illness), though his audition may be a temporary one. Choi hit just .170/.271/.339 over 54 games with the Angels last season, but has shown flashes of improvement in Triple-A this year, batting .289 with 43 RBI.