MLB Player News

Blackmon was removed from Friday's game against the Padres after getting hit in the head by a throw, Patrick Lyons of JustBaseball.com reports.

An errant throw from Xander Bogaerts connected with Blackmon's face as he was running toward first base in the third inning. The 38-year-old outfielder was able to walk off the field on his own, but he'll likely be evaluated for a concussion in the Rockies' clubhouse.

The Orioles optioned Soto to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday.

Soto was with the Orioles for just one day and did not see any action. He's making room on the roster for the arrival of Coby Mayo.

Fry went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run Thursday in a 10-3 win against the Orioles.

Fry contributed to an impressive display by Cleveland's offense with a three-run blast in the third inning. The long ball put an end to a 43-game homerless stretch for the first-time All-Star. Of Fry's nine home runs this season, seven came during an 18-game span from May 8 to May 31.

Bryant isn't in the Rockies' lineup for Thursday's game against the Angels.

Bryant has gone 5-for-22 with two RBI and four runs scored in six games since returning from the injured list July 23. He'll get a breather for Thursday's series finale while Sam Hilliard, Brenton Doyle and Jake Cave start across the Rockies' outfield.

The Orioles recalled Soto from Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday.

Soto will come up from the minors and will serve as infield depth with Jordan Westburg (hand) heading to the injured list in a corresponding move. The 24-year-old has played in just one major-league game this season with the Reds, but he owns a .279/.378/.375 slash line through 329 plate appearances at the Triple-A level between three different organizations.

The Orioles will recall Soto from Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

With Jordan Westburg set to miss an extended period of time after being diagnosed with a fractured hand Wednesday, the Orioles will call upon Soto to replenish their infield depth. The 24-year-old was acquired from the Reds on Tuesday, and he has slashed .279/.378/.375 with 39 RBI across 329 plate appearances in Triple-A this season. Jackson Holliday and Gunnar Henderson will likely start most days at second base and shortstop, respectively, while Westburg is out. However, Soto could pick up an occasional start whenever one of the regular starters receives a day off.

Pederson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals.

Pederson will hit the bench for a third straight game, with all of those absences coming against southpaws. The 32-year-old continues to be deployed as a strict platoon player, but he's raked against righties this season, slashing .286/.387/.532 (155 wRC+) in those matchups.

Ohtani went 0-for-4 with a walk, a run and an RBI in Tuesday's extra-inning loss to the Padres.

Though Ohtani was hitless for a second straight game, he managed to swipe a bag for the fourth consecutive contest. He's already reached a career-high mark with 28 steals on the season and not only should easily reach 30 thefts for the first time but has a legitimate chance to get to 40. With 32 homers on the campaign, Ohtani is threatening to record the sixth 40-40 season in MLB history.

Stanton is starting at DH and batting fourth Wednesday versus Philadelphia.

Stanton was activated off the injured list Monday and started at DH before beginning Tuesday's game on the bench. The slugger is back starting Wednesday, and he's in a prime position in the order, batting cleanup between Aaron Judge and the newly acquired Jazz Chisholm, who's hit four homers in his past two games. That could give Stanton ample run-producing and run-scoring opportunities, though he's gone hitless in five at-bats since his return.

Vargas will start in left field and bat second in Wednesday's game versus the Royals.

The presumption was that Vargas would return to playing the infield after landing with the White Sox in a trade. However, after making his debut with his new club at designated hitter on Tuesday, he's now being used in the outfield. Vargas could still wind up playing a lot of third base and/or second base, but on Wednesday, the White Sox will have Nick Senzel cover the hot corner and Lenyn Sosa man the keystone.