MLB Player News

Palencia picked up the save Friday, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning to close out a 4-1 win over the Red Sox.

Called upon to protect a three-run lead, Palencia continued his excellent run in the ninth Friday, working around a base hit to record his 13th consecutive save and improve to 13-for-14 in save opportunities this season. The 25-year-old right-hander lowered his ERA to 1.53 and has now tallied 39 strikeouts across 35.1 innings of work.

Walker will bat seventh and play right field Friday against the Diamondbacks.

Walker wasn't in the initial starting nine, but he'll enter the lineup after Nolan Gorman (undisclosed) was scratched. The Cardinals activated Walker from the 10-day injured list Friday morning. He's slashing .210/.267/.295 with three homers and three steals in 191 plate appearances this season.

Gorman is no longer part of the Cardinals' starting lineup, per MLB.com.

Gorman had been nursing a back injury ahead of Friday's contest, and it's possible he aggravated the injury pregame. Brendan Donovan will shift to second base while Jordan Walker enters the lineup in right field.

Rea (8-3) earned the win Friday against the Red Sox, allowing one run on four hits and four walks over five innings while recording five strikeouts.

For the fourth consecutive start, Rea earned the win and limited the damage to two or fewer runs. The only run charged to the right-hander Friday came on a third-inning RBI double by rookie Roman Anthony, but otherwise, the veteran kept Boston in check. Over this four-game win streak, the 35-year-old has quietly pieced together a 1.90 ERA with 16 strikeouts across 23.2 innings, showcasing an ability to navigate lineups with efficiency even without overpowering stuff. Rea will look to make it five straight when he takes the mound Wednesday, July 23 against Kansas City.

Suarez (hand) will start at third base and bat fifth Friday against the Cardinals.

Suarez avoided a serious injury after taking a pitch off his left hand during the All-Star Game, and a few days of rest will allow him to remain in Arizona's lineup to begin the second half. The 34-year-old infielder slashed .250/.320/.569 with 31 homers and 78 RBI before the break and is a likely candidate to be brought up in trade discussions over the next couple of weeks.

The Brewers recalled Perkins from Triple-A Nashville on Friday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Perkins will fill in for the IL-bound Sal Frelick (hamstring), marking Perkins' first MLB action of 2025. He suffered a fractured shin in February and picked up a groin injury during his recovery before being reinstated July 13. He should see regular playing time in right field while Frelick is shelved. Perkins notched a .648 OPS with 23 stolen bases in 434 plate appearances with the Brewers last season.

The Brewers placed Frelick (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list Friday, retroactive to Tuesday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Frelick strained his hamstring while making a sliding catch during the final game before the All-Star break. After waiting to see how he felt coming out of the break, the Brewers will now place the 25-year-old on the shelf, keeping him out for at least another week. Blake Perkins was recalled from Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move and will likely take over as Milwaukee's primary right fielder until Frelick can return.

The Diamondbacks selected Richards' contract from Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Richards inked a minor-league deal with Arizona on June 19 and logged a 6.57 ERA across 12.1 innings at Reno. The 32-year-old threw three innings with the Royals in 2025 before being DFA'd and opting for free agency. He'll likely be a low-leverage reliever with the Diamondbacks.

The Diamondbacks optioned English to Triple-A Reno on Friday.

English made his MLB debut July 9, going 0-for-4 with an RBI and two strikeouts. He'll return to Reno coming out of the All-Star break, where he's slashing .336/.388/.546 with nine homers and 23 doubles over 261 plate appearances.

Alcantara signed a one-year major-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Alcantara elected free agency after being DFA'd by the Giants last week, and he'll now find work as bench depth for the D-backs. He'll fill the roster opening created by Ketel Marte's (personal) move to the restricted list, though it will still be hard for him to find at-bats with the big club.