MLB Player News

Crawford went 3-for-5 with a double and a three-run home run in Thursday's 10-9 loss to the Rockies.

The 30-year-old was mired in a 12-game slump to begin the month of June (7-for-38), but a trip to hitter-friendly Coors Field was just what the doctor ordered. He may not be as exciting as some of the young shortstops that have entered the league over the past couple of seasons, but with five homers and 29 RBI through 53 games, Crawford is quietly putting up another solid campaign as a run-producing fantasy shortstop.

Cecchini was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday.

With Neil Walker (hamstring) expected to miss several weeks with a partially torn hamstring, the infield prospect will head to the big leagues to plug the holes in the Mets' injury-riddled infield. Cecchini is having a bit of a down year with the 51s, as he's hitting just .249 with three home runs and 17 RBI. Despite Cecchini's promotion, T.J. Rivera will get the first crack at starting second base duties. Neither may be long for semi-regular duty, as Amed Rosario appears to be ready at Triple-A, and the Mets are getting a lot of public pressure to promote their top prospect.

DeJong was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Thursday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

After being sent back to Memphis on Monday, DeJong will rejoin the Cardinals just three days later with Kolten Wong (triceps) headed to the disabled list. The 23-year-old started nine games at the keystone during Wong's last DL stint, so he seems to be a good bet to garner at-bats while Wong is sidelined. He slashed .244/.244/390 with a 13:0 K:BB in 41 at-bats during his first stint with the big club.

Ahmed went 0-for-3 in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Tigers.

With Yasmany Tomas (groin) on the disabled list, Chris Owings has seen increased reps in the corner outfield, which has opened up shortstop for Ahmed on a semi-regular basis. It was already the seventh start of the month for Ahmed, but after a hot May at the dish, the infielder seems to have cooled. He's collected six hits in 25 at-bats (.240) with only two runs and two RBI in June.

GM Matt Klentak said Crawford is currently sidelined at Triple-A Lehigh Valley with a "nagging groin strain," Matt Gelb of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Crawford has not played in a game since last Saturday due to the injury. Klentak said the young shortstop could be sidelined for a few more days and that the injury is not a long-term concern.

Diaz went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and two runs scored during Wednesday's loss to Milwaukee.

It isn't surprising that Diaz is struggling to repeat last season's numbers. He broke into the league with little pedigree and also cooled in the second half following a thumb injury. However, the shortstop has provided respectable numbers of late with a .300/.317/.550 slash line, two homers, four RBI and eight runs through his past 11 games.

Gordon went 2-for-4 with a double, two runs and two RBI in Wednesday's win over the A's.

By adding two hits Wednesday, the leadoff man now ranks 12th in the National League in hits. Gordon's owners love to see the speedy second baseman getting on base so he can run. He currently ranks third in the majors with 21 stolen bases in 24 attempts.

Cordoba is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Reds.

With the red-hot Jose Pirela settling into an everyday role in left field, it looks like Cordoba's easiest path to playing time these days will come at shortstop, where neither Erick Aybar nor Chase d'Arnaud have provided much production this season. Cordoba had started at shortstop in the previous two contests, but he'll give way to Aybar in the season finale with manager Andy Green not yet willing to give up on the veteran turning things around.

Baez is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Mets.

Baez is 0-for-10 with five strikeouts over his last four games, so he'll head to the bench to clear his head. Ian Happ will start at second base in his stead, batting second.

Diaz is out of the lineup for Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Brewers.

Greg Garcia will draw the start at shortstop, hitting eighth against rookie right-hander Brandon Woodruff, who is making his big-league debut. Look for Diaz to get back in the mix in the nightcap against righty Jimmy Nelson.