MLB Player News

Melendez went 2-for-4 with a stolen base in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Cardinals.

Melendez posted his second multi-hit effort in a row Saturday. The outfielder swiped a bag after his first single of the game, but he wasn't able to repeat the feat later, getting caught on his second steal attempt. He's not a particularly speedy player with just three steals on six attempts this season. Melendez has added a .203/.267/.400 slash line with 13 home runs, 36 RBI and 32 runs scored over 95 contests. He's been getting platooned in left field lately, with Dairon Blanco and Garrett Hampson combining to cover the position versus southpaws.

Hurter (0-1) was the pitcher of record Saturday in the Tigers' 3-1 loss to the Guardians, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk with five strikeouts over five innings.

Hurter followed opener Alex Faedo and was burned by a three-run fifth frame. The rookie has served as a bulk reliever in both of his first two major-league appearances and has posted a solid 8:1 K:BB in eight innings. He increased his pitch count from 36 to 76 on Saturday and should remain in the mix for work as a starter or bulk reliever moving forward.

Isbel went 3-for-4 with a triple, three runs, an RBI and a stolen base Saturday in an 8-3 victory versus the Cardinals.

Isbel notched his second straight multi-hit performance following an eight-game cold stretch during which he went 0-for-21 at the plate. He's tripled in each of his past two contests and is up to a career-high seven three-baggers on the campaign, tied for fifth-most in the league. Isbel is slashing .228/.284/.377 with seven homers, 30 RBI, 47 runs and eight thefts overall in 2024.

Perez went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in an 8-3 win against St. Louis on Saturday.

Perez's seventh-inning, two-run blast gave the Royals a 6-2 lead. It was the catcher's second homer thus far in August, and he's batting .303 with five RBI through nine contests on the month. Perez is up to 21 long balls on the campaign, tied for second most among MLB backstops behind Cal Raleigh (24).

Lowe went 1-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored in Saturday's 7-5 loss to the Orioles.

Lowe fouled a ball off his right knee Thursday and didn't start Friday, but it's encouraging that he's feeling well enough to swipe a bag. The outfielder has gone 7-for-21 (.333) with four extra-base hits over eight contests in August. For the season, he's maintained a .236/.295/.407 slash line with 11 steals, seven home runs, 22 RBI and 23 runs scored across 61 games.

Correa (heel) is sprinting on the field and is feeling better, but won't go on a rehab assignment until he sees how his foot responds to increased activity, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Correa was placed on the 10-day injured list July 20 due to right plantar fasciitis. It initially didn't appear he would be out long, but he still experienced pain in his heel in early August when jogging. Correa will likely go on a short rehab assignment when he's ready to play again.

Caballero went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a stolen base and an additional run scored in Saturday's 7-5 loss to the Orioles.

Caballero has a steal in four of his last five games, but his homer Saturday was his first since July 21. The infielder continues to feature most frequently at third base and shortstop. He's up to 32 steals this year while adding eight homers, 31 RBI, 44 runs scored and a .238/.295/.369 slash line over 98 contests.

Erceg earned a save against the Cardinals on Saturday, allowing two hits and striking out two batters over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Erceg entered in a tight situation with a three-run lead and two outs in the top of the eighth frame, as the Cardinals had two runners on base and Paul Goldschmidt -- who homered earlier in the contest -- at the plate. The righty reliever fanned Goldschmidt to end the frame, then remained in the contest after the Royals put up two runs in the bottom of the inning. Erceg allowed back-to-back singles to begin the ninth but retired the next three batters to secure his first save since joining Kansas City at the trade deadline. He's been lights out since becoming a Royal, recording 6.1 scoreless frames during which he's posted an 8:0 K:BB. James McArthur has been struggling and Hunter Harvey (back) landed on the injured list Saturday, so Erceg appears to be the team's reliever most likely to see save opportunities, at least for the time being.

An MRI on Lee's sore shoulder showed no structural damage, but he received a cortisone shot for his right biceps tendinitis, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Lee will wait for the cortisone shot to take effect before resuming throwing. It sounds like Lee, who was placed on the injured list Aug. 9, could miss several weeks.

Alexander allowed one run on six hits and two walks while striking out three over 4.2 innings Saturday versus the Orioles. He did not factor in the decision.

Alexander continues to operate in a bulk-relief role, and he's had success during his current stint in the majors. He's allowed two runs and posted a 15:3 K:BB over 14.1 innings over his last four appearances, and Saturday was the first time in that span he didn't come away with a win. Alexander has a 5.20 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 63:16 K:BB over 71 innings in 15 appearances (six starts) in the majors this year. If Ryan Pepiot (knee) returns to the majors next week, Alexander may be moved off the 26-man roster or feature as a traditional multi-inning reliever going forward.