MLB Player News

Hays went 3-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored in Tuesday's 4-0 win over Atlanta.

Hays hadn't started since Thursday after getting plunked in the ribs during that day's game. He had half of the Orioles' hits in his return to the starting lineup, and he played the full game in left field, so it appears he's 100 percent after short absence. The outfielder has gone 14-for-40 (.350) over his last 15 contests with six extra-base hits and six RBI in that span. His cold start to the year is still evident in his .234/.291/.362 slash line through 103 plate appearances, but Hays could reclaim a near-everyday role if he keeps hitting well. He's added two home runs, 10 RBI, 11 runs scored and no stolen bases over 38 games.

Mateo (concussion) went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Tuesday's 4-0 win over Atlanta.

Mateo missed just over a week due to a concussion, and he provided a big blast in his first at-bat back from the injured list. His second-inning homer ended up being plenty of offense for Baltimore in this contest. Mateo his .246 over the 20 games prior to his absence, and he's at a .248/.295/.470 slash line with four homers, 16 RBI, 20 runs scored and 10 stolen bases through 43 contests overall. While he started at shortstop Tuesday to give Gunnar Henderson a breather, Mateo's playing time will likely be primarily at second base moving forward, which will push Jordan Westburg over to third and Ramon Urias back into a utility role.

Garcia struck out three without allowing a baserunner over 1.1 innings to earn the save in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Brewers.

Garcia inherited two runners from Trevor Richards in the eighth inning, and the Brewers pulled off a double steal to get them both in scoring position. It didn't matter, as Garcia struck out Blake Perkins before pitching a clean ninth to get the four-out save. This was Garcia's fifth save of the year, three of which have come in June while Jordan Romano (elbow) has been on the injured list. Garcia has added nine holds and one blown save while pitching to a 1.98 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 37:7 K:BB through 27.1 innings this season. As long as Romano is out, Garcia appears to be the top option for saves in the Toronto bullpen.

Kikuchi (4-5) allowed three hits and four walks while striking out five over five shutout innings to earn the win over the Brewers on Tuesday.

Kikuchi's four walks ran up his pitch count quickly, but it was an otherwise strong performance. This was just the second time in his last 11 outings that he's walked multiple batters. The southpaw has won his last two starts and now has a 3.26 ERA on the year with a 1.23 WHIP and 76:19 K:BB through 77.1 innings over 14 starts. Kikuchi's next start is projected to be at home versus the Red Sox.

Eflin allowed two runs on seven hits over 5.2 innings in a no-decision Tuesday against the Cubs. He struck out three.

Eflin was solid Tuesday, holding Chicago to one run on a Christopher Morel homer through his first five innings. However, he'd ultimately depart with two outs in the sixth before the Rays' bullpen would allow an inherited runner to score. Eflin has now allowed four runs in 9.2 innings over two starts since returning from a brief stay on the injured list. Overall, he's 3-4 with a 4.06 ERA,1.15 WHIP and 50:4 K:BB across 12 starts (68.2 innings). Eflin is currently scheduled to face Atlanta on the road in his next outing.

Kiermaier was removed from Tuesday's game against the Brewers due to a right knee contusion, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Kiermaier fouled a ball off his knee in the fourth inning and eventually came out of the game in the seventh. Because the Jays are only calling his injury a bruise, it's likely he avoided a serious injury, but it's possible the 34-year-old sits out a game or two in order to heal.

Maeda (abdomen) allowed one run on one hit across four innings and did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's 5-4, extra-inning loss to the Nationals. He walked four and struck out five.

Maeda was dialed in other than the four walks, which matched a season high, and he managed to lower his ERA a bit to 5.89. The righty threw only two pitches in his last outing Wednesday before departing with right abdominal discomfort, but he wasn't forced to miss any turns through the rotation. The Tigers were still understandably cautious with Maeda, as he tossed just 77 pitches Tuesday. The veteran should be able to go a bit longer in his next scheduled start, which is penciled in for Sunday against the Astros on the road.

Greene went 1-for-5 with a triple, a run scored and three RBI in Tuesday's 5-4, extra-inning loss to the Nationals.

Greene's triple came with the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth inning, pushing his season RBI total to 28. The young outfielder is still batting just .242 after hitting .288 in 2023, but his .793 OPS is in line with last year's .796 mark. Greene is a dynamic talent, and if he can push his average up even a little bit, he should be able to have a sizable fantasy impact the rest of the way.

Suarez (3-0) earned the win Tuesday against Atlanta, allowing four hits and three walks over 5.1 scoreless innings. He struck out four.

Suarez continues to impress as a starter in Baltimore -- he's made four straight starts, allowing just three runs over 19.1 innings. The 34-year-old Suarez, who last pitched in 2017 prior to this season, now has a 1.61 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP and 37:14 K:BB across 44.2 innings. Suarez figures to stick in the rotation until Dean Kremer (triceps) is able to return. He's currently lined up for a road matchup with the Yankees in his next start.

Hiura signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Tuesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Hiura was released by Detroit on June 3 after slashing .232/.312/.401 through 199 plate appearances in Triple-A. The 27-year-old hasn't played in the majors since 2022 and will fill in as an organizational depth piece at Triple-A Salt Lake.