MLB Player News

Harper (back) is starting Friday's game against the Pirates.

Harper exited Thursday's nightcap against the Nationals due to back spasms, but he won't miss any additional time. He's gone 6-for-11 with a home run, two doubles, three runs, two RBI and six walks across his last five games.

Soler was traded from Kansas City to Atlanta on Friday in exchange for Kasey Kalich, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The veteran slugger has an underwhelming .192/.288/.370 slash line through 94 games this year, but he's picked things up in 12 contests since the All-Star break with a 1.066 OPS, six home runs and 7:9 BB:K. Atlanta has completely remade its outfield ahead of the trade deadline, with Soler, Eddie Rosario (abdomen) and Adam Duvall all being acquired Friday following the addition of Joc Pederson two weeks ago.

Jimenez (groin) isn't starting Friday's game against Cleveland.

Jimenez will be out of the lineup for a second straight contest as he continues to manage right groin tightness. Gavin Sheets will serve as the designated hitter while Andrew Vaughn starts in left field. Jimenez won't be available off the bench Friday, but manager Tony La Russa said the 24-year-old is doing better and receiving treatment, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Ohtani went 0-for-1 with three walks and a stolen base in Thursday's loss to Oakland.

The Angels managed only three hits in the contest, so Ohtani's ability to draw free passes in the contest went for naught. Still, the two-way star managed to contribute to fantasy squads by swiping his 15th base of the season. Over his past five games, Ohtani has drawn seven walks and stolen three bases in addition to slamming three home runs.

Miller went 2-for-4 with a grand slam and an additional run scored in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Nationals.

Miller went 0-for-2 in the first game, but he made his presence felt in the eighth inning of the nightcap in a big way. His extra-inning grand slam off reliever Sam Clay lifted the Phillies to a huge win. and it also allowed Miller to reach double-digit homers for the second time in the last three seasons and for the fifth time in his career. The infielder is hitting .235 with a .764 OPS on the year.

Vientos went 2-for-5 with two solo home runs for Double-A Binghamton on Thursday.

The 21-year-old has been producing a lot of souvenirs lately, slugging eight of his 20 homers on the season over the last 18 games while slashing .273/.347/.682. Vientos remains on track for a potential 2022 big-league debut, particularly if he adapts well to a flexible defensive role -- he's played 10 games each at first base and in left field this season for Binghamton in addition to his regular work at the hot corner.

Lewis (knee) is projected to return from the injured list in late August, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Lewis has been sidelined since June 1, but the team has remained optimistic that he would be able to return at some point this season. It appears that remains a realistic possibility, as Lewis has recently begun hitting in the batting cage and should continue to progress in his rehab.

Canha went into Thursday night's game against the Angels having posted a .455 on-base percentage in the 44 plate appearances encompassing the 10 contests since his July 17 return from the injured list.

The veteran has been an especially savvy hitter the last few seasons, but Canha is seemingly taking his craft to a new level of late. His latest busy night on the basepaths heading into Thursday came the night prior, when he went 2-for-3 with two RBI, two walks, a stolen base and a run in a win over the Padres. Canha reached safely in all 10 contests during the sample as well, pushing his season OBP to to an elite .385.

Cabrera went 3-for-3 with a pair of solo home runs and a walk Thursday against the Orioles.

The veteran slugger certainly responded well to Wednesday's day off, coming back Thursday with his first multi-homer performance since May. Cabrera took Alexander Wells deep in the fifth inning and did the same off Adam Plutko in the seventh for his nine and 10th long balls of the year. After being held without a homer over his first 18 games in July, Cabrera has gone yard three times in his last three contests during a 6-for-11 stretch at the plate. He's hitting .247 in 326 plate appearances overall this season with a .679 OPS that would be a career low.

Harper was removed from Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Nationals with back spasms, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

It's not believed to be a serious issue, as Harper expects to be back in the lineup for Friday's series opener in Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old should be considered day-to-day for now.