MLB Player News

Miller started at designated hitter and went 0-for-2 in Tuesday's 14-7 extra-innings loss to Oakland.

After Kole Calhoun started at DH on Monday, Miller got the start in the Rangers' second game without Mitch Garver, who had been the primary DH before undergoing season-ending surgery on his forearm. While Garver's injury creates more opportunities for Miller, he's still subject to matchups and is often pinch hit for against lefties, as was the case Tuesday when A.J. Puk entered the contest.

Mercedes went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, a walk, four RBI and three runs scored in Tuesday's 13-0 win over the Diamondbacks.

Mercedes opened the scoring with an RBI double in the first inning. He added a two-run blast in the second and another RBI on a groundout in the eighth. The 29-year-old has produced two multi-hit efforts in nine games since his most recent recall from Triple-A Sacramento. He's now batting .296 with a homer, four RBI, five runs scored and three doubles in 31 plate appearances through his first 11 contests with the Giants.

Blackmon went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Padres.

Blackmon went deep off Padres starter Mike Clevinger in the sixth inning, and that was enough to earn the Rockies a win. With multiple hits in three straight games, Blackmon is back in a groove at the plate. The 36-year-old is up to a .271/.324/.475 slash line with 14 homers, 50 RBI, 45 runs scored and two stolen bases through 79 contests as he remains a near-everyday fixture in the heart of the order. He's tended to run a bit hot-and-cold at times, but he can be productive at home, where he's hitting .299 this season.

Manager Alex Cora said Martinez didn't appear off the bench during Tuesday's loss to the Rays due to some soreness, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 34-year-old was held out of the lineup Tuesday for what appeared to be a routine maintenance day, but Cora announced after the game the slugger is managing some soreness. It doesn't appear to be a serious issue, so Martinez could be back in the starting nine for Wednesday's contest.

Cabrera went 0-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and two RBI in Tuesday's win over the Royals. He also stole a base.

Cabrera had a productive night considering he didn't record a hit. He had a sacrifice fly and a groundout, then later stole his first base since 2020 and only his second since 2015. Speed is obviously not a big part of the veteran's game, as the last time he recorded more than a single steal in a season was 2013. Cabrera has still been reasonably effective this year with a .287 batting average.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said over the weekend that Brantley (shoulder) is without a timeline for a return, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Brantley became eligible to come off the 10-day injured list last Friday, but the 35-year-old apparently wasn't close to being activated. Baker has been notoriously evasive when asked about players' injuries this season, but he at least revealed that Brantley's aching right shoulder has been "slow to respond" since he landed on the IL on June 28. Brantley had been spotted running in the outfield Friday, but he has yet to resume any hitting activity, which will be the true barometer for the health of his shoulder. Fantasy managers shouldn't count on Brantley returning before the All-Star break, and more clarity on where he stands in his recovery may not come until the Astros reconvene after the Midsummer Classic.

Rooker was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Rooker joined the big-league club Friday and will return to the minors after going 0-for-7 with four strikeouts in two appearances. Esteury Ruiz was promoted from El Paso in a corresponding move.

Belt is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Diamondbacks, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Belt returned from a one-game absence Monday and went 3-for-3 with a double, but he'll return to the bench Tuesday since southpaw Dallas Keuchel is on the mound for Arizona. Darin Ruf will start at first base in his place.

Pederson is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Pederson will take a seat Tuesday for the second time in the past three games with lefty Dallas Keuchel pitching for Arizona. Yermin Mercedes, Austin Slater and Luis Gonzalez will start from left to right in the outfield.

Morel is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Orioles.

Rafael Ortega and David Bote will make starts in center field and at second base, respectively, the two positions that Morel has been moving between of late. With Ortega hitting well in his recent starts, the keystone is likely where Morel will find most of his opportunities going forward, assuming he can break out of his funk at the plate. After a hot start to his big-league career, Morel has fallen back to earth a bit with a .182 average and a 39.5 percent strikeout rate thus far in July. The rookie has been able to salvage some value by homering twice and driving in five runs through his first 10 games this month.