MLB Player News

Smith was not in the starting lineup Friday due to what manager Bruce Bochy referred to as "general tightness," Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

It's the same condition that led to Smith being held out of Tuesday's starting lineup. He eventually entered Friday's game as a pinch hitter, popping out in the ninth inning. With Corey Seager not playing the field yet as he battles a hamstring issue, Ezequiel Duran started at shortstop.

Seager returned to the lineup and went 0-for-3 with a walk in Friday's 3-2 loss to Seattle.

Seager was back in the lineup as the DH after being scratched Thursday due to ongoing issues with his hamstring. The one time he did reach base Friday -- a two-out, eighth-inning walk -- he was lifted for a pinch runner. That likely means manager Bruce Bochy didn't want Seager to risk aggravating his injury while trying to score a tying run, so the manager went with the speedier Travis Jankowski. For Seager, the walk extended his on-base streak to 30 games (.415 OBP).

Kepler went 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI in Friday's win over Oakland.

Kepler did most of his damage with a three-run shot in the sixth inning but later delivered a clutch walk-off single in the 10th. He entered Friday's game with a .398 OPS in 11 games this month and the home run was his first since May 22. Kepler is now slashing .263/.326/.433 with 19 extra-base knocks and 27 RBI through 190 plate appearances.

Duran (2-2) allowed a walk over two scoreless innings Friday. He struck out one and earned a win over Oakland.

Duran kept the Athletics off the board in the ninth and 10th frames as the Twins eventually delivered the walk-off win. He's 2-0 with a hold over his last three outings since coughing up three runs against the Pirates on June 8. The 26-year-old righty has not picked up a save since June 2. For the season, Duran's ERA is down to 3.66 with a 17:8 K:BB and 10 saves through 19.2 innings.

Miller struck out one batter and walked one over 1.2 innings Friday against Minnesota. He was charged with a blown save during the loss.

Miller entered the game in the eighth inning with the bases jammed and immediately walked in the game-tying run. He then retired five straight batters before the Twins went on to win in the 10th. Miller's ERA dropped to 2.27, as he was not charged with a run, but he's now blown two of his last three save chances dating back to May 30.

Spence yielded four runs on nine hits and a walk over 5.2 innings in a no-decision Friday. He struck out three during the loss to the Twins.

Spence worked around some light threats for most of his start and gave up just one run through five frames. He was two outs away from a second straight quality start before Max Kepler ripped a three-run shot, and Spence was removed from the game shortly thereafter. Since moving into the rotation, Spence has posted a 3.69 ERA through six career MLB starts. His next outing is projected to be at home against Kansas City.

Woods Richardson allowed four runs on four hits and four walks over four innings in a no-decision Friday. He struck out four during the win over Oakland.

Woods Richardson was the victim of a Shea Langeliers grand slam in the first inning but otherwise kept the Athletics off the board. Woods Richardson threw just 45 of 80 pitches for strikes as he struggled with his command and control. It was the first time this season he walked more than two batters and it was his second-shortest outing. Woods Richardson's ERA is up to 3.29 with a 46:15 K:BB through 54.2 frames. His next start is lined up to be at home against the Rays.

Moniak went 3-for-5 with a triple, two doubles, two RBI and one run scored in Friday's 8-6 win over the Giants.

Moniak supplied a two-run double in the third inning. He's hit safely in six straight games, going 8-for-19 (.421) with five RBI, four walks and two stolen bases in that span. Kevin Pillar has been excellent since joining the Angels in May, but he'd been platooning with Moniak until recently. With Taylor Ward slumping and potentially on the trade block, there could be room for Pillar in left field and Moniak in center, though the latter will have to keep hitting to maintain playing time. Moniak is slashing .192/.241/.282 with two home runs, six doubles, one triple, 14 RBI, 15 runs scored and four steals over 166 plate appearances this season.

Neto went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and an additional run scored in Friday's 8-6 win over the Giants.

The shortstop has three homers and 10 RBI over 12 contests in June, going 10-for-43 (.233) this month. Neto may not be making consistent contact, but the increased power is a positive nonetheless. He's maintained a .250/.298/.435 slash line with nine homers, 28 RBI, 26 runs scored, eight stolen base and 16 doubles through 67 contests this season.

Estevez struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 8-6 win over the Giants.

The Giants rallied late, but Estevez shut the door with a 17-pitch ninth inning. He's up to 11 saves this season, five of which have come over his last seven appearances. The closer has added a 3.86 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 20:3 K:BB and three blown saves through 21 innings. The Angels don't often have leads to protect, but Estevez should continue to close as long as he's with the team -- though as a pending free agent, he will be a trade target over the next six weeks.