MLB Player News

Fletcher started and went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Saturday's 11-5 win over Seattle.

There was concern that the rookie would fall on the short side of a platoon at the hot corner with Luis Valbuena following Albert Pujols' return from the disabled list last week, but Fletcher has put the position battle to rest by making his 11th consecutive start. The 24-year-old isn't providing much pop this season (.394 slugging percentage), but he's batting .294 and should build on his 12 runs scored while batting leadoff against southpaws and ninth (effectively the "second leadoff hitter") against righties.

Mondesi didn't get the start in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Yankees, but he came into the game in the ninth inning, and went 1-for-1 with two stolen bases.

He led off the inning with a single against Aroldis Chapman, and then took matter into his own hands after Alex Gordon and Alcides Escobar failed to advance him by stealing second and third before Chapman was able to close out a 5-4 Yankees win. Even with Mike Moustakas now in Milwaukee, there's no guarantee Mondesi will see consistent playing time down the stretch, but his .294/.310/.471 slash line with three homers and eight steals in 24 games suggests he's a much better option in a starting role than either Hunter Dozier or Escobar.

Herrera went 2-for-4 with two doubles, one walk, two RBI and two runs scored in Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader against the Yankees.

Herrera drove in a pair in the third frame on a double to right field, handing the Royals an early 2-0 lead. He's recorded a base knock in seven of his past 10 tilts, going 10-for-38 with three extra-base hits and four RBI over that stretch. He has not homered in 39 appearances this season.

Gordon went 3-for-5 and recorded a stolen base in an extra-inning loss to the Angels on Friday. He was also caught stealing on another attempt.

The speedster fulfilled his leadoff role in trademark fashion, banging out multiple hits for the sixth time in July. Gordon has enjoyed an offensive breakout overall during the current month, as evidenced by a .333 average over 78 plate appearances. The 30-year-old has now coaxed his season average up 11 points to .291 since July 1, which represents its highest point since June 23.

Wendle went 1-for-3 with two walks and a run in a loss to the Orioles on Friday.

Wendle is wrapping up the best month of his season in fittingly strong fashion, as he's now 5-for-12 with a double, two walks and two runs over the last three games. The 28-year-old has also collected nine multi-hit efforts on his way to a .373 average for the month, a tear that's boosted his season figure 26 points to .286 since July 1.

Lindor went 2-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI in Friday's 8-3 win over the Tigers.

His two-run shot in the fifth inning got Cleveland on the board before he wrapped up the scoring with a solo blast in the ninth. Lindor now has 27 home runs on the year to go along with his .294/.369/.571 slash line, and he's easily on pace to top the career-high 33 he slugged last season.

Correa (back) hopes to embark on a minor-league rehabilitation assignment at some point next week after resuming baseball activities last weekend, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Correa was able to aggressively hit off a tee a couple times this week and is set to field ground balls prior to Houston's game against Texas on Saturday. The shortstop added that he's been running and participating in agility drills without any issues and that his back "feels great." He will likely need to compete in multiple games at the minor-league level before rejoining the Astros' roster, but this is obviously another step in the right direction.

Correa (back) hit off a tee for a second consecutive day Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Manager A.J. Hinch described Correa as "aggressively" hitting off a tee. The injured shortstop has slowly ramped up his baseball activities and will likely require a brief rehabilitation stint before returning to Houston's active roster.

Wendle went 2-for-3 in a win over the Yankees on Wednesday.

Wendle has put together a well-rounded offensive effort in July, as his .367/.433/.617 line over 67 plate appearances is partly comprised of four doubles, a triple and three home runs. The 28-year-old has supplemented his solid offensive contributions with plenty of defensive versatility, logging time at second base, third base, shortstop and left field thus far in 2018.

Fletcher went 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored in Wednesday's 11-3 win over the White Sox.

Fletcher got a rare start at second base while Ian Kinsler received a day of rest. The rookie has started 11 consecutive games for the Halos, but a good chunk of those starts was due to Albert Pujols' stay on the disabled list. With the latter back in action, Fletcher will have to outplay Luis Valbuena at the hot corner in order to continue his recent run of playing time.