MLB Player News

Vogelbach went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk in the Brewers' 2-0 loss to the Cardinals on Thursday.

Vogelbach hit one of the Brewers' two extra-base hits Thursday. He and Luis Urias were the only Brewers to reach base safely twice. The first baseman is slashing .205/.319/.359 in 82 plate appearances. He never hits for average, but he does provide solid power in the lineup. The 28-year-old often sits against southpaws.

Cabrera went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Thursday's win over the Royals.

While Cabrera's batting average is still an unsightly .179, the veteran now has four multi-hit performances in his past five games. All of the hits have been singles, so Cabrera isn't really driving the ball, but just getting on base consistently is a step forward.

Belt was scratched from Thursday's lineup against the Pirates due to left side tightness, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Belt exited Tuesday's game with the side tightness and was initially expected to return Thursday. However, LaMonte Wade will now shift to first base while Steven Duggar enters the lineup in center field.

Manager Kevin Cash said Thursday that Choi is "not quite ready" to return from the 10-day injured list while he continues to manage soreness in his surgically repaired right knee, but the Rays remain hopeful that he won't require another rehab stint at Triple-A Durham, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

After being pulled off his rehab assignment Wednesday, Choi rejoined the Rays to receive further treatment. While Choi was able to take part in batting practice Thursday, the Rays will continue to evaluate him on a day-to-day basis before the team determines his next step. Choi should factor into the mix at first base or designated hitter whenever he's ultimately activated.

Belt (side) is starting Thursday's game against the Pirates, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Belt was removed from Tuesday's game due to mild left side tightness, but he's starting at first base and batting fourth in Thursday's series opener. The 33-year-old has gone 4-for-11 with two home runs, four runs and three RBI across the last four games.

Mercedes isn't starting Thursday's game against Minnesota.

Mercedes had recorded hits in each of the last five games and went 7-for-21 with a triple, a double, five RBI and three runs during that time. Jose Abreu will serve as the designated hitter while Jake Lamb starts at first base.

Harper went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored in Wednesday's 5-2 extra-inning win over the Nationals.

The 28-year-old continued to torment his former club, going 4-for-8 over the first two games of this series. On the season, Harper is hitting .308 through 29 games with seven homers, three steals, 11 RBI and 24 runs.

Alvarez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in the Astros' 9-1 win over the Angels on Wednesday.

Alvarez homered off Patrick Sandoval in the eighth inning Wednesday. The 24-year-old continues his scorching hot start to 2021, slashing .347/.378/.619 through 127 plate appearances. He leads the Astros in OPS with .997 and has seven home runs, 22 RBI and 24 runs scored. The slugger has at least two hits in 14 of his 29 starts.

Cabrera went 2-for-4 with two RBI in Wednesday's win over the Royals.

This was Cabrera's third two-hit effort across his past four games, but it's still been a struggle for the veteran this season, as he's batting just .160 even after the good performance Wednesday. Perhaps he can build on the recent good results, though fantasy managers should temper their expectations the rest of the way.

Buxton (hip) has been cleared to throw and is expected to begin hitting in the batting cage Thursday or Friday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

The 27-year-old was ruled out multiple weeks after landing on the injured list with a Grade 2 hip strain Friday, so it's good to see him working his way back into baseball activities. Buxton can safely be considered out indefinitely until he progresses further into his rehab work.