MLB Player News

Wright (shoulder) struck out five and gave up one hit and one walk over 3.2 innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

Wright's rehab assignment moved up to Triple-A Omaha after beginning at Double-A Northwest Arkansas. The 29-year-old hasn't pitched in the majors since September 2023 with Atlanta due to shoulder surgery and subsequent setbacks. The road back has been long and challenging, and while there may not be a clear spot in Kansas City's rotation, Wright is expected to be activated soon and could contribute out of the bullpen.

Rooker went 3-for-4 with one double, three RBI, three runs scored and one walk in Thursday's 14-3 victory over the Twins.

Rooker opened the scoring with an RBI single in the first inning of what turned into a blowout. The 30-year-old has been especially impressive over his past 15 games, slashing .373/.448/.610 with eight extra-base hits. On a struggling Athletics team, Rooker has emerged as one of the league's top power hitters with 82 homers since the start of 2023.

Muncy went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run in Thursday's 14-3 victory over the Twins.

Muncy was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday after being optioned to the minors April 20. The 22-year-old struck out three times in his return Tuesday but redeemed himself with a three-run homer in the first inning Thursday. The 2021 first-round pick has posted markedly different results across levels, slashing .325/.397/.504 in 31 Triple-A games compared to .195/.225/.325 over 23 contests in the majors.

Butler went 2-for-4 with three runs scored, two walks and one steal in Thursday's 14-3 victory over the Twins.

Butler didn't drive in a run, but he extended his hot streak in Thursday's lopsided win. The 24-year-old has been on a tear lately, slashing .383/.464/.700 with 12 extra-base hits in his past 15 games. Sporting a .805 OPS on the season, the right fielder has been a major bright spot atop the lineup for a struggling Athletics team.

The Twins intend to promote Adams to the majors Friday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

The Twins' pitching staff is shorthanded in the absence of Pablo Lopez (shoulder), and David Festa was crushed filling in for a start Thursday. Meanwhile, Adams is another of the team's top pitching prospects and has turned in a 37:10 K:BB across 42 innings with Triple-A St. Paul this season while working in a bulk-relief role. That usage suggests Adams will begin his big-league career in the bullpen, but it wouldn't take him long to stretch back out to pitch as a traditional starter.

Smith went 2-for-4 with a stolen base in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Rays.

Smith was caught stealing on his first attempt of the game, but he found success on his second try. The utility player has upped his speed productivity lately, swiping three bags while going 8-for-28 (.286) over his last seven games. He's at a .266/.333/.397 slash line with five home runs, 16 RBI, 22 runs scored and eight steals on 11 attempts through 54 contests this season. Smith continues to find a place in the lineup without having a set position -- he's seen time at first base, third base, shortstop and designated hitter in the last week alone.

Burger went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Rays.

Burger has gone 7-for-23 (.304) with three RBI over his last six games. The homer was his first since May 25 versus the White Sox. The infielder is up to eight homers, 24 RBI, 22 runs scored, 10 doubles, one stolen base and a .220/.250/.407 slash line over 52 games this season. Burger continues to offer some power, but it has come with mediocre plate discipline and a low batting average this year.

Semien went 3-for-4 with two solo home runs in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Rays.

Semien went deep in the fifth and seventh innings to give the Rangers a 3-1 lead. Things unraveled in the ninth for Texas, but Semien continued a productive stretch that has seen him homer three times over the last six games for half of his output on the year. The second baseman is at a .210/.298/.308 slash line, 23 RBI, 21 runs scored and five stolen bases over 62 contests. Considering he has just nine extra-base hits on the year after posting 52 of them in 2024, he is due for a bit more power.

Garcia (1-3) allowed three runs on four hits and a walk over two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss and a blown save in Thursday's 4-3 defeat versus the Rays.

Garcia may have been rusty, as he had not pitched since May 28 versus the Blue Jays. This was his first blown save since appearing to take over the closer role in late May, but he has allowed six runs over his his last 5.1 innings. The 28-year-old is at a 3.28 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 23:9 K:BB while adding three saves, 10 holds and two blown saves over 24.2 innings this season. The Rangers' bullpen situation continues to be somewhat fluid, so Garcia is unlikely to suddenly lose all of his high-leverage work, but he'll need to regain his footing soon to be a long-term option in the ninth inning.

Leiter allowed a run on three hits and a walk while striking out six over five innings in a no-decision Thursday versus the Rays.

Leiter has allowed three hits or fewer in five of his last six outings, a stretch in which he's gone at least five innings during each start. Thursday's effort was the first time in that span that he hasn't issued multiple walks, and the solo shot he allowed to Junior Caminero was the lone run on his line. Limiting baserunners is always good to see, and that's helped Leiter find decent success lately, though he's earned just two wins despite having a 2.20 ERA over his last five starts. On the year, he has a 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 42:24 K:BB through 51.2 innings. The right-hander's next start is projected to be at Minnesota next week.