MLB Player News

Perez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Angels.

Perez helped the Royals finish erasing the early 3-0 deficit they faced, as he went yard in the seventh inning to tie the game. The catcher has gone just 4-for-32 (.125) over his last nine games, though all four of his hits in that span have gone for extra bases. He's up to 24 homers, 78 RBI, 47 runs scored and 33 doubles while slashing .240/.284/.444 through 133 contests. Perez has remained the Royals' primary catcher even with prospect Carter Jensen getting a September call-up, as Jensen just made his first start at designated hitter in Thursday's contest. This may continue to be a trend as long as the Royals are within striking distance in the wild-card race, but don't be surprised to see Perez get more rest if they fall too far behind.

Witt went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Angels.

Witt has hit four homers over his last 15 contests and now has 21 round-trippers on the season. During that 15-game sample, he's gone 20-for-61 (.328) at the plate, a couple steps above his .295 batting average for the year. The star shortstop has added an .860 OPS, 34 stolen bases, 77 RBI, 90 runs scored, 41 doubles and five triples over 138 games. It's a slightly down campaign compared to what Witt showed in 2024, but he's still undeniably one of the best category-coverage players in the majors.

Estevez allowed a hit and struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Angels.

Estevez has allowed just two hits while racking up nine strikeouts during his eight-inning scoreless streak. He's earned seven saves in that span and continues to lead the majors with 37 saves on the year. He's added a 2.54 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 52:20 K:BB through 60.1 innings this season and is unlikely to be challenged for the closing role during September.

Cameron allowed three runs on five hits and five walks while striking out five over five innings in a no-decision versus the Angels on Thursday.

Cameron initially wasn't expected to pitch versus the Angels, but he got the call for Thursday after Seth Lugo (back) was placed on the injured list. Cameron has been battling fatigue recently, but with Lugo joining Cole Ragans (shoulder) and Kris Bubic (shoulder) on the injured list, Cameron will likely need to stay in the rotation in September. He's allowed four or more runs in four of his eight starts since the All-Star break. He also matched his season high in walks Thursday, which he hadn't done since his big-league debut April 30 versus the Rays. Cameron has still been positive overall with a 3.03 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 88:36 K:BB across 113 innings through 20 starts, but it's clear his career-high workload across all levels is taking a toll. Assuming the Royals don't build in extra rest for the 26-year-old, he is projected to make his next start on the road in Cleveland.

Allen (7-11) took the loss Thursday against the Rays, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out four.

Allen was able to keep a hot Rays lineup in check, and one of his runs went unearned due to a Gabriel Arias throwing error in the first inning. The southpaw has been a steady presence in the Cleveland rotation for most of the season, as he's now gone at least five innings in all but one of his 16 outings since the beginning of June. While Allen holds a lackluster 4.43 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 109:59 K:BB across a career-high 139.1 innings, he may warrant some streaming appeal next week against a Royals club with a .659 OPS versus left-handed pitching since the All-Star break.

Pepiot (11-10) earned the win Thursday against the Guardians, allowing no hits and two walks in five shutout innings. He struck out six.

Although Pepiot had a 5.88 ERA over his first six starts following the All-Star break, he's become locked in on the bump since then. The 28-year-old right-hander has permitted zero runs on two hits across his past three outings, and he's now lasted at least five innings in all but three of his 29 appearances this season. Pepiot owns a 3.59 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 161:57 K:BB over 163 frames, and he'll attempt to extend his scoreless streak in what shapes up as a soft matchup against the last-place White Sox next week.

Lopez (shoulder) is expected to return from the 60-day injured list to start Friday's game against the Royals, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Lopez appears ready to rejoin the big club for the first time since early June after tossing 5.2 scoreless innings and 82 pitches in his third and final rehab start for Triple-A St. Paul this past Sunday. He's been sharp overall across three outings in the minors, compiling a 14:2 K:BB in 11.1 frames. Prior to landing on the shelf, Lopez went 5-3 with a 2.82 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 61:14 K:BB over 60.2 innings in 11 starts for Minnesota.

Chisholm exited Thursday's game against the Astros with contusions to both of his knees, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

Chisholm appeared to suffer an injury on a tag play at second base in the third inning, though at the time it didn't seem as though both legs were affected. The positive news is that he appears to have avoided serious injury, but Chisholm could undergo further imaging to determine the full degree of the injury.

Chisholm exited Thursday's game against the Astros with an apparent leg injury, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Chisholm was slid into by Jose Altuve as he applied the tag on a stolen base attempt in the third inning. Chisholm jogged off the field with a limp but took his at-bat in the top of the fourth inning before departing. The 27-year-old appeared to be favoring his knee or ankle, but more details should emerge after the game or at some point Friday.

Schultz was placed on the minor-league injured list with knee discomfort Thursday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Merkin reports that the White Sox are taking a cautious approach with Schultz, who had only recently returned from a knee injury. Schultz may not retake the mound for the rest of the minor-league season, but he is expected to participate in the Arizona Fall League.