MLB Player News

Blackmon went 2-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base in Sunday's 10-3 loss to the Phillies.

The Rockies' dynamic leadoff man heads into the All-Star break with a six-game hitting streak, and also having hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games. Blackmon has yet to homer in the new month, but is contributing in virtually every other category. He's currently hitting .341 in July following Sunday's production, with two doubles, three runs and four stolen bases.

Cespedes (quadriceps) is unsure if he'll be ready to play Friday's game following the All-Star break, James Wagner of The New York Times reports.

Even though his quad is feeling better, Cespedes's status for Friday's game is still uncertain. If the slugger misses more time, he'll be replaced in the outfield by Alejandro De Aza.

Buxton (knee) is out of the lineup for Sunday's matchup against Texas, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Buxton's MRI on Saturday revealed a bone bruise on his right knee so he'll expectedly get a rest day as Eddie Rosario makes the start in center and bats seventh. It's likely Buxton will be good to go following the four-day All-Star Break. The 22-year-old has struggled in the first half of the season but has shown some signs of life the past seven games, slashing .348/.400/.609 over 23 at-bats.

Brantley (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Short-Season-A Mahoning Valley on Monday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Brantley is expected to play five innings for Mahoning Valley on Monday and if all goes well, he will advance to Low-A Lake County on Wednesday and Double-A Akron by the weekend. The 29-year-old has been out of game action since May 9 as he recovers from shoulder and biceps discomfort but appears to be nearing 100 percent. When the outfielder eventually returns to big league action, he'll resume a .231/.279/.282 slash line through 39 major league at-bats this season.

Reed is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against Oakland.

The Astros will deploy Marwin Gonzalez at first base with Oakland starting southpaw Sean Manaea. Reed has just five hits (two homers) in his first 34 at-bats in the majors, but he'll likely continue to see most of the playing time at first base against right-handed starters.

McCutchen went 2-for-5 with a solo homer, three RBI and a run in Saturday's 12-6 victory over the Cubs.

He evened things up at four apiece in the third with a 419-foot shot off Jon Lester, his first long ball since June 25. McCutchen came back to add the go-ahead runs in the next frame with a clutch single that plated Eric Fryer and Jody Mercer, snapping a 5-5 tie. The 29-year-old slugger now has consecutive multi-hit outings and is slashing .313/.389/.469 overall in 32 July at-bats.

Vargas went 2-for-4 with two doubles in Saturday's win over the Rangers. He's 5-for-11 with two home runs and three doubles in four games since being recalled from Triple-A.

It was thought initially that Vargas may only be in the majors for a few days, but his hot bat could keep him in the lineup and force the Twins to juggle their roster.

Miller went 1-for-4 with a solo homer Saturday at the Red Sox.

Miller's 14th homer of the year gave the Rays a 1-0 lead in the first inning of a losing effort. He's now left the yard four times in nine games this month to raise his slugging percentage to .465 on the season.

Buxton's MRI confirmed a bone bruise in his right knee, as there was no structural damage, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.

He is out of Saturday's lineup, making way for Danny Santana to start in center field and hit ninth. Buxton will apparently be available soon, although with just one more game before the All-Star break, they may opt to hold him out until the start of the second half.

Buxton (knee) is out of Saturday's lineup, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.

He suffered a bruised knee in Friday's game and was set for an MRI Saturday, although the results are still unknown. Danny Santana will start in center field and bat ninth against the Rangers. It would not be surprising if Buxton was held out through the All-Star break.