MLB Player News

Altuve went 3-for-3 with two home runs, one double, two walks, five RBI and four runs scored in Friday's 18-1 win over the Dodgers.

Altuve hit a two-run blast in the third inning and then added a three-run homer as the Astros rallied for 10 runs in the sixth. The second baseman has logged three consecutive multi-hit efforts after going just 4-for-37 (.108) over the 11 games before this surge. He's now at a .269/.331/.443 slash line with 15 homers, 44 RBI, 46 runs scored and six stolen bases over 85 contests this season.

Alexander allowed two hits and two walks while striking out two over three scoreless innings to earn the save in Friday's 18-1 win over the Dodgers.

The Astros' lead was never in doubt, so Alexander had plenty of runs to work with in the blowout win. He spared the rest of the team's bullpen, turning in a 57-pitch outing to earn the first save of his major-league career. He's still at an 8.40 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and 11:10 K:BB across 15 innings between the Astros and the Athletics this year, though he's been much better in limited action with Houston as a swingman. It's unclear if he'll stay in the majors after his call-up Friday -- either way, he won't be available to pitch at any level for at least a few days.

McCullers (2-3) allowed one run on four hits and four walks while striking out four over six innings to earn the win over the Dodgers on Friday.

McCullers rebounded from giving up eight runs to the Cubs in his previous start after returning from a toe injury. While he earned a quality start Friday, he walked four batters for the third start in a row as control continues to be an issue for the right-hander. He's also had to deal with diminished velocity in his first major-league season since 2022. McCullers is at a 5.82 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 44:24 K:BB through 38.2 innings over nine starts this year. His next start is projected to be at home versus the Guardians.

Ober continues to throw while on the injured list and has received medicine to eliminate inflammation in his injured left hip, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Since Ober wasn't shut down from throwing, he has a better chance to return from the injured list when first eligible right after the All-Star break. Once the swelling is gone from his hip, he'll increase his throwing activity, and a clearer timetable for his return will come into focus.

Matthews (shoulder) is set to throw a third bullpen session Sunday and could face live hitters next week, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Matthews could be set to begin a rehab assignment in a week or so if all goes well. He's been on the shelf since June 8 due to a moderate subscapularis strain in his right shoulder. Matthews could be ready to return from the injured list shortly after the All-Star break.

Dominguez went 2-for-4 with two home runs, three RBI, a walk and a stolen base in Friday's 6-5 loss to the Mets.

Dominguez blasted multiple homers for the second time this year, and he extended his hitting streak to six games as well. The speedy switch hitter is pushing to hold onto an everyday role in the Yankees' crowded outfield. Over his last 13 outings, Dominguez is hitting a scalding .426 (20-for-47) with the aforementioned two round trippers, three doubles, one triple and four stolen bases.

Lopez (shoulder) will start throwing next week after an MRI showed his inflammation and swelling are "totally gone," Twins head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Lopez was diagnosed June 4 with a Grade 2 teres major strain in his right shoulder and was expected to be out for approximately 8-to-12 weeks. So far all the reports of Lopez's progress have been encouraging, so he could return in the earlier part of that range. However, he still has several hurdles left to clear before a timetable comes into focus.

The Twins plan to recall Adams from Triple-A St. Paul to serve as a starter, a bulk reliever behind an opener, or as a reliever in a bullpen game Saturday versus the Rays, Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports.

The Twins have an open spot in their rotation after Bailey Ober (hip) was placed on the injured list Wednesday, and Adams looks like he'll get the first chance to fill the void. Adams has started in five of his 19 appearances with St. Paul this season, logging a 3.68 ERA with a 21.8 percent strikeout rate and 7.5 percent walk rate. Adams most recently covered 2.2 innings for St. Paul on Tuesday, and because he'll be pitching Saturday on three days' rest, the Twins may be more inclined to use him out of the bullpen rather than as a traditional starter.

Bader went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs in Friday's 4-3 win over the Rays.

Friday marked the third career multi-homer game for Bader, who played the role of hero with his first career walk-off blast in the ninth inning. It was also Bader's first multi-hit effort since June 13, but he continues to play a semi-regular role in the Twins' outfield. Bader is slashing a respectable .251/.328/.420 with nine big flies, 10 doubles, 29 RBI and seven stolen bases over his 247 plate appearances.

Kuhnel signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Friday.

Kuhnel didn't have to wait long to find his next gig after being released by the Phillies on Thursday. The 30-year-old reliever turned in a 3.62 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 32.1 frames at Lehigh Valley and will remain an organizational depth piece upon joining his new club.