MLB Player News

Brazoban (4-2) picked up the win Friday over the Yankees, walking one and striking out three in a scoreless seventh inning.

The right-hander has been struggling lately but came through in a big spot, preventing the Yanks from increasing a one-run lead by fanning DJ LeMahieu, Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger before the Mets took the lead for good in the bottom of the frame. Even after that performance, Brazoban still carries a 10.97 ERA, 2.16 WHIP and 12:14 K:BB in 10.2 innings since the beginning of June, and his usage Friday came with Ryne Stanek and Edwin Diaz both unavailable after having worked two straight days. Brazoban will likely need to string together at least a few more good outings before he'll be a regular member of the high-leverage crew again -- the decision was his first win, save or hold since June 24.

McNeil went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Friday's win over the Yankees.

Getting a start at second base and batting fifth, McNeil put the Mets in the lead by taking Luke Weaver deep in the seventh inning, then helping squelch a potential Yankees rally in the ninth with a spectacular defensive effort -- on a DJ LeMahieu flare headed for right field, McNeil raced to his left, reached out and snagged the ball on a bounce after it looked like it had gotten past him, and got up in time to record the out at first base. The 33-year-old continues to split his time between the keystone and center field, and since the beginning of June he's slashing .271/.336/.500 with six homers, 12 runs and 16 RBI in 27 contests.

Soto went 3-for-4 with a double, a two-run home run and a second run scored in Friday's win over the Yankees.

After starring in the Bronx in 2024, Soto headed to Queens as a free agent this winter and has been one of the hottest hitters in the league since late May. Over his last 33 games, the 26-year-old superstar is slashing a massive .342/.482/.739 with 13 homers, three steals, 25 RBI and 30 runs.

Interim manager Warren Schaeffer said Friday that he plans to not start Doyle for the duration of Colorado's series against the White Sox, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Schaeffer cited Doyle's recent struggles at the plate as the reason for his benching, as the 27-year-old outfielder has slashed just .175/.204/.272 since the beginning of June. While Doyle uses the weekend to regroup, Yanquiel Fernandez is a likely candidate to benefit from additional playing time.

Norby went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's loss to the Brewers.

The third baseman took Quinn Priester deep in the fourth inning, snapping a 13-game homer drought for Norby and giving him his fifth long ball of the season. He's had trouble building much momentum at the plate after getting a belated start to the campaign due to an oblique injury he suffered in spring training. Since the beginning of June, Norby's slashing just .204/.262/.286 with two homers, three steals, eight RBI and 11 runs in 28 contests.

Marsee is slashing .352/.420/.750 with nine homers, five steals, 16 runs and 19 RBI over his last 23 games for Triple-A Jacksonville.

Acquired from the Padres as part of the package for Luis Arraez last year, Marsee's status has tumbled drastically since he was a borderline top-100 prospect heading into 2024, but the 24-year-old outfielder is doing his best to regain some shine. There are still warts in his profile -- he's been caught stealing eight times during his current hot streak, for instance -- but if Miami's big-league roster develops a hole, either via injury or by trading someone like Jesus Sanchez, Marsee could be the next man up.

Joe (illness) started at first base and went 0-for-3 for Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

Joe played five innings for the Bats in what was the start of a rehab assignment. He can be activated at any time, but Joe would have a depth role if the Reds bring him back to the majors.

Espinal started at second base and went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in Friday's 9-6 win over Philadelphia.

Espinal, who was a prominent member of the third-base rotation while Noelvi Marte was on the 10-day injured list, was moved off the hot corner Friday with Marte's return. He drew the start at second base while Matt McLain served as the Reds' designated hitter, but Espinal's inclusion in the lineup was likely a byproduct of the Phillies sending a lefty starter (Jesus Luzardo) to the hill. The right-handed-hitting Espinal isn't expected to see regular playing time versus righties now that Marte is back in the fold.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said Friday that he hopes Walker (appendix) will be ready for activation from the 10-day injured list within the next two weeks, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Walker seems to be physically ready to return after landing on the IL on June 25 due to appendicitis. However, the Cardinals are having him work on a swing adjustment, and they have specific staff at Double-A Springfield -- where Walker is on his rehab assignment -- that they believe can help with that adjustment. The Cardinals could hold off on activating Walker until the start of the second half, as that would be the two-week mark from Mozeliak's statement Friday.

Marte went 0-for-2 with a walk and an RBI in Friday's 9-6 win over the Phillies.

Marte was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday and started at third base. He's expected to be the primary starter at the hot corner, but manager Terry Francona could occasionally use the position to get at-bats for others.