MLB Player News

Morton (8-10) notched the win Friday against Minnesota, allowing two hits and three walks in six scoreless innings. He struck out five.

After conceding six runs in his last start versus the Angels, Morton bounced back in a big way Friday. It was his first scoreless appearance since June 13 with the Orioles, and the veteran right-hander has now logged a quality start in five of his last seven outings. Morton has rebounded from a disastrous beginning to the year by posting a respectable 3.95 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 77:27 K:BB over 70.2 innings since the beginning of June, though a tough assignment awaits him against the Astros next week.

Cantillo (3-3) took the loss against Atlanta on Friday, allowing one run on four hits and four walks while striking out five over five innings.

The left-hander was effective for most of the night but faltered in the fourth inning, issuing a bases-loaded walk to Nacho Alvarez that gave Atlanta a lead it wouldn't relinquish. Cantillo has now issued at least four walks in three of his last five outings, though he's managed to limit the damage during that stretch, recording a 3.55 ERA with 26 strikeouts across 25.1 innings. The 25-year-old will look to rein in the free passes and build on his recent outings in his next scheduled start against Arizona.

Rengifo is not in the Angels' starting lineup against the Athletics on Friday.

Rengifo will be on the bench for the start of Friday's contest while Christian Moore starts at the keystone and bats eighth. Rengifo has been better at the plate in the 23 games since the All-Star break with a slash line of .296/.363/.457 to go with two steals, 16 runs, three home runs and eight RBI over 91 plate appearances.

O'Hoppe is not in the Angels' starting lineup against the Athletics on Friday.

O'Hoppe will get a day off while Travis d'Arnaud serves behind home plate and bats seventh. O'Hoppe has gone 5-for-29 (.172) with four RBI in eight games since the beginning of August.

Interim manager Tony Mansolino said Friday that the Orioles are hoping Cowser (concussion) will be activated from the injured list for Sunday's game against Houston, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Cowser became eligible for reinstatement Thursday, and he's slated to be activated for the final game of a three-game set against the Astros on Sunday. Dylan Carlson and Greg Allen have been holding down left field while Cowser is sidelined.

Slaten threw a bullpen Friday and is scheduled to throw live batting practice Monday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Slaten is set to face hitters for the first time since being placed on the injured list June 1, and this is likely his last step before beginning a rehab assignment. The 27-year-old could return as soon as late August.

Francis (shoulder) has resumed a throwing progression, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reported Friday.

Francis was shut down from throwing for at least 10 days after experiencing shoulder discomfort July 18. He's since resumed a throwing program, but it's unclear how far along he is. Francis remains multiple weeks away from returning.

Julien will bat eighth and play first base Friday against Detroit.

Julien wasn't part of the initial starting lineup, but Alan Roden has been scratched, opening up a spot for Julien. Since being recalled from Triple-A St. Paul on Aug. 1, Julien is slashing .200/.259/.360 with a 29.6 percent K rate.

Roden was scratched from the lineup for Friday's game against the Tigers for undisclosed reasons.

Roden was slated to bat seventh and play left field for Friday's series opener, but he's no longer part of the starting nine. Kody Clemens will slide from first base to left field while Edouard Julien steps into the lineup. Keep an eye out for an update on Roden's status.

Stanton is not in the Yankees' starting lineup against the Cardinals on Friday.

Stanton will be on the bench to begin Friday's game while Aaron Judge serves as the designated hitter and Jasson Dominguez, Trent Grisham and Jose Caballero start in the outfield from left to right. Stanton has a 1.102 OPS with seven home runs and 17 RBI since July 25 and has recorded a hit in each of the last 15 games he's started.