MLB Player News

Melendez went 2-for-2 with a three-run home run in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Nationals.

Melendez launched his second homer of the season Thursday, and he's fared well at the dish overall since being called up from Triple-A Syracuse. Over his first 29 at-bats for the Mets, the 27-year-old outfielder is hitting .345 with five extra-base hits, six RBI and three walks. New York is short on available outfield options, as Juan Soto (forearm) is limited and Luis Robert (back) is on the injured list, so Melendez should play most days versus righties in the meantime.

Elder did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Tigers, allowing a run on six hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out five.

It was another strong showing from Elder, who held Detroit off the board for his first five innings. The right-hander has turned in three straight quality starts, lowering his ERA to a sparkling 1.88 with a 1.05 WHIP and 36:13 K:BB across seven outings (43 innings). Elder will look to keep rolling in his next start, tentatively scheduled for next week on the road in Seattle.

Peralta didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Nationals, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks in six innings. He struck out six.

A throwing error by Peralta himself prevented two of the runs from being earned, much to the benefit of fantasy managers. The 29-year-old right-hander has been a steady presence in the rotation for the reeling Mets, pitching at least five innings in all seven of his starts thus far, but he has walked multiple batters in six straight outings. Peralta has a solid 3.52 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 42:16 K:BB over 38.1 frames, but he should be tested during a tough matchup in Colorado tentatively set for his next outing.

Mikolas didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Mets, allowing three runs on three hits and one walk in four innings. He struck out three.

The 37-year-old right-hander continues to struggle to provide the Nationals with length. Thursday marked his sixth consecutive appearance of fewer than five innings, and Mikolas has been unable to fan more than four in any of his first seven outings. He has a hideous 8.23 ERA, 1.72 WHIP and 19:11 K:BB over 27.1 frames, so Mikolas doesn't shape up as a recommended fantasy option in his next scheduled outing against the Twins.

Harris could need a trip to the 10-day injured list if he doesn't experience improvement with his tight left quadriceps, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Harris had to miss a game last week after his quad tightened up on him, and it appears the leg issue was the reason for his absence from Thursday's lineup versus the Tigers, as well. Atlanta hopes to be able to use Harris as its designated hitter during its nine-game road trip that begins Friday, but the club might opt to IL him instead if he's not feeling better. If Harris has to miss time, Eli White would be in line for regular reps in center field.

Lowe went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a double, a walk and an additional run scored in Thursday's 6-4 win over the Rockies.

The 30-year-old first baseman is on a tear at the plate, going deep five times in his past seven games. With Eugenio Suarez (oblique) sidelined, Lowe is set to serve as the Reds' primary designated hitter in the interim. On the year, Lowe is batting .288 with nine extra-base hits, 12 RBI and seven walks over 52 at-bats.

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said Thursday that Murphy (hip) will likely rejoin the club for its series early next week in Seattle, Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Murphy got a late start to the season after having hip surgery last September, but he's nearly ready to break back into the Atlanta lineup. The veteran catcher has yet to get rolling offensively on his rehab assignment, going 5-for-32 with a 2:8 BB:K. He feels healthy, though, and is slated to catch all nine innings in back-to-back games with Triple-A Gwinnett before being activated. Murphy should handle the lion's share of starts at designated hitter for Atlanta and will also be worked in behind the plate as the team's No. 2 catcher.

Lorenzen (2-3) took the loss Thursday against the Reds, allowing four runs on four hits and three walks in 5.1 innings. He struck out five.

The 34-year-old right-hander had a hard time finding his pitch location Thursday. Lorenzen served up two home runs, walked a season-high three batters and threw only 49 of his 85 pitches for strikes, but he was able to last at least five innings in his third consecutive start. He has a poor 6.09 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 24:9 K:BB over 34 frames, making Lorenzen a fantasy option to avoid during his next scheduled outing back in Colorado against the Mets.

Abbott (1-2) earned the win Thursday against the Rockies, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out five.

Abbott turned in one of his best performances of the year so far, matching a season high in innings and punchouts. Thursday was only his second quality start and his first since his season debut, and it was also just the third time that the 26-year-old left-hander gave up fewer than three runs. Abbott still has work to do in order to improve upon his 5.97 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 24:15 K:BB (34.2 innings), and he could have his work cut out against the Cubs in his next scheduled outing at Wrigley Field.

Woodruff was removed from Thursday's game against the Diamondbacks with an apparent injury, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Woodruff didn't give up a run during his start Thursday, but he managed to record just four outs while averaging 85 mph with his fastball -- a significant decrease from his 92.6-mph season average. The veteran righty battled problems with his lat coming into the season and missed time last year with shoulder, ankle and elbow injuries, though it's currently unknown what was troubling him Thursday.