MLB Player News

Downs started at third base and went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts in Saturday's 4-1 loss to the Blue Jays.

Downs filled in for the injured Rafael Devers, who was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a hamstring injury. Downs and Bobby Dalbec are the most likely fill-ins at the hot corner without Devers, who the Red Sox expect to return when eligible, per Betelhem Ashame of MLB.com. The Devers transaction plus one involving Enrique Hernandez (hip), who was transferred to the 60-day injured list, means Downs could be up with the team indefinitely. Downs is batting .156/.176/.281 over 11 games.

Duran started at third base and went 1-for-3 with a double, a walk and a run scored in Saturday's 3-1 loss to Oakland.

Duran, who was called up following the All-Star break, has started all three games since -- once at second base and the last two at third. The righty hitter has been in the lineup against both lefties and righties, and the Rangers may see how he develops in an everyday role. Duran's hit in all three games and, for now, has marginalized Josh Smith and Charlie Culberson.

Witt went 2-for-5 with a home run, a double, three RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Rays.

Witt opened the scoring with an RBI double in the third inning, and he added a two-run homer in the eighth to end it. He also stole third in his first trip on base as part of a double-steal with Andrew Benintendi. Witt's been running without much hesitation lately -- he has six steals in his last 10 contests. He's batting .349 (15-for-43) in that span. For the season, the rookie is up to a .256/.299/.457 slash line with 14 homers, 50 RBI, 51 runs scored, 19 steals, 19 doubles and five triples in 90 games.

Witt went 1-for-5 with a stolen base and a run scored in Friday's 7-3 loss to the Rays.

Witt has logged six of his 18 stolen bases this season since the beginning of July. It's been a productive month at the plate as well, as the rookie infielder is slashing .296/.324/.408 in his last 17 contests. For the year, he's up to a .254 batting average with a .745 OPS, 13 home runs, 47 RBI and 49 runs scored through 373 plate appearances.

Seager went 0-for-4 with a run scored in Friday's 5-4 loss to Oakland.

Seager made his first start post break after sitting out Thursday's game. Presumably, he was given an extra day because he participated in the All-Star festivities, taking part in the Home Run Derby.

Bichette went 3-for-5 with a double, three runs and two RBI in Friday's 28-5 win over the Red Sox.

Bichette was one of six Blue Jays hitters to come around to score at least three times on a night the franchise established a new single-game record for runs. The 24-year-old hasn't quite lived up to draft-day expectations, but he's at least shown some improved production in July with a .292 average, two home runs, two stolen bases, 11 RBI and 10 runs in 18 games so far this month.

Anderson isn't starting the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Guardians, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Anderson was replaced by a pinch hitter late in Friday's 8-2 loss to Cleveland, but his absence from the lineup for Saturday's matinee is simply to give him a chance to rest since he had a busy schedule during the All-Star break. Leury Garcia is taking over at shortstop and batting eighth.

Anderson went 2-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base in Friday's 8-2 loss to the Guardians.

The shortstop was the only White Sox batter to record multiple hits in a rough night at the office for the club. Anderson extended his hitting streak to seven games in the process, and on the season he's slashing .313/.353/.417 with six homers, 12 steals, 24 RBI and 45 runs through 66 contests.

Smith is not in the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the Athletics.

Smith will get a day off to open the second half of the season as the team opens a four-game series in Oakland. Ezequiel Duran will take over at third base and bat seventh in the series opener.

Story (hand) tracked pitches Friday but isn't yet swinging a bat, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Story is feeling better following the All-Star break but hasn't yet been cleared for full activity. The 29-year-old should be on the injured list longer than the minimum of 10 days, and a clearer timetable for his return will presumably come into focus once he's able to ramp up his workload.