MLB Player News

Verdugo went 3-for-4 with two doubles in Thursday's loss to Cincinnati.

Verdugo entered Thursday in the throes of a 12-game slump during which he went 6-for-47 (.128 average). The outfielder showed positive signs of getting back on track against the Reds, not only collecting three knocks but also producing two extra-base hits -- as many as he had tallied during that entire 12-game downturn. While Verdugo is on pace to set a career high in homers and RBI this season (he has nine long balls and 43 runs batted in through 85 games), his .248 batting average and .305 OBP are both on pace for his lowest marks since his 15-game cup of coffee with the Dodgers in 2017.

Wantz (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day IL on Friday.

The move will free up a spot on the 40-man roster for Keston Hiura, who'll also join the active roster Friday. Wantz was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with elbow inflammation, and there hasn't been any further updates on the injury. He won't be eligible for reinstatement until the end of August.

The Angels selected Hiura's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday.

It's the first stint in the big leagues since 2022 for Hiura, who has slashed .270/.346/.536 with 18 home runs at the Triple-A level this season split between the Tigers and Angels organizations. He is starting at designated hitter and batting eighth Friday against the Cubs in his Angels debut.

The Angels placed Rengifo on the 10-day injured list Friday with right wrist inflammation.

It appears an MRI cleared Rengifo of any structural damage in the wrist, but with the All-Star break looming, the Angels have opted to go ahead and put the super utility player on the IL. Rengifo will be eligible for activation on July 14, the last day of the first half, but realistically he'll probably be held out at least through the break. He had been seeing most of his playing time lately at third base, and that position now figures to be occupied mostly by Miguel Sano.

Massey went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Thursday's 10-8 loss to the Rays.

Massey started at second base for the first time since he returned from the injured list June 24. Prior to Thursday's game, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reported that the Royals' plan is to get Massey some playing time in the field before the All-Star break. He had previously been limited to designated hitter as the team eases him back in following another back injury. With Massey approaching full health, Maikel Garcia may shift back to third base more frequently, while Nick Loftin and CJ Alexander are in line for reduced roles. Massey is slashing .273/.289/.516 with eight homers, 25 RBI, 21 runs scored and no stolen bases over 137 plate appearances this season.

The Rays optioned Sterner to Triple-A Durham on Friday, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Sterner was up as bullpen protection for a couple days but didn't make an appearance. Shane Baz -- who will start Friday's game against the Rangers -- will fill Sterner's roster spot.

The Rays recalled Baz from Triple-A Durham on Friday, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

He will start Friday in Texas against the Rangers, taking the rotation spot vacated by Aaron Civale, who was traded to the Brewers earlier this week. Baz will be making his first major-league start since July 2022, as he missed the entire 2023 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The young right-hander had been heating up at Durham in June, collecting a 1.57 ERA and 35:10 K:BB across 23 innings. Baz will have a good shot to remain in the Rays rotation for the rest of the season and needs to be picked up in most fantasy leagues where he's still available.

Stanek (6-2) got the win over the Orioles on Thursday, firing a clean seventh inning during which he recorded two strikeouts.

Stanek entered the game a bit earlier than customary and delivered a crisp 11-pitch effort that saw him locate nine of his offerings for strikes. The hard-throwing right-hander then became the pitcher of record when the Mariners broke open a 2-2 tie with a five-run inning in the home half of the frame. Stanek's six victories are a career high, and the ultra-efficient outing against a dangerous offense was a welcome sight after the Twins had touched him up for two runs over one inning in his most recent appearance Sunday.

Quero was promoted to Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday, MLB.com reports.

Quero maintained an .823 OPS with 12 home runs and 53 RBI across 292 plate appearances with Double-A Birmingham. It would be a surprise to see him reach the majors in 2024, though a debut early in 2025 is certainly realistic.

Rengifo (wrist) remains out of the lineup for Friday's game versus the Cubs, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The Angels are still waiting on the results of an MRI on Rengifo's wrist, which he injured during Wednesday's game against the Athletics. He's currently listed as a reserve on the team's lineup card, but Keston Hiura has been added to the taxi squad and could replace Rengifo on the active roster, depending on the latter's test results.