MLB Player News

Birdsong did not factor into the decision in a win over the Cubs on Wednesday, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks over 4.2 innings while striking out five.

Birdsong began to struggle with his command in the second inning, issuing walks to two of the first three batters he faced while also allowing a runner to advance on a wild pitch. He would go on to surrender one run in the frame before pitching a scoreless third, but he was again tagged for a run in both the fourth and fifth frames. The rookie right-hander had an up-and-down MLB debut, even producing nine whiffs on the night, though he'll need to work on his command if he hopes to stick around in the Giants' rotation.

Thomas (hamstring) started in center field and played seven innings for Triple-A Reno on Wednesday.

Thomas played in the field on back-to-back days, bolstering the Diamondbacks' hopes of having him rejoin the parent club this weekend against the Athletics. Per Arizona assistant general manager Mike Fitzgerald, the outfielder will play Friday and Saturday for the Aces. After that, he could return to the Diamondbacks, per Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. Thomas is 1-for-7 in two games at Reno and 8-for-20 overall on the current rehab assignment, including a stint at the Arizona Complex League.

Gallen (hamstring) could be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Saturday against Oakland if he recovers well from Thursday's bullpen session, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Thursday's bullpen session will be the second one thrown by Gallen, who also has a couple of simulated games under his belt since he landed on the injured list. The right-hander hasn't appeared in a game since May 30, when he threw just six pitches against the Mets before being removed due to the hamstring strain.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Wednesday the club is looking for Moreno (thumb) to return after a minimum stay on the 10-day injured list, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports. He's eligible to return next Tuesday.

Moreno, who has been hitting off a tee and playing catch, will begin ramping up Thursday. That's when he'll catch a bullpen session thrown by injured ace Zac Gallen (hamstring). After that, the catcher is scheduled for a game in the Arizona Complex League over the weekend, setting up a potential return Tuesday, when the club kicks off a three-game set on the road against the Dodgers.

Nelson (5-6) was charged with the loss against Minnesota on Wednesday, allowing six runs on 10 hits over 3.2 innings while striking out three.

After pitching a scoreless first inning, Nelson went on to get tagged for runs in each of the next three frames before being relieved by Scott McGough with two outs in the fourth. The second inning was especially disastrous for the 26-year-old as he failed to retire any of the first four batters he faced and also hit Byron Buxton and Willi Castro with pitches. Nelson has now allowed at least five runs in two of his last four starts, while Wednesday marked the first time he's given up 10 or more hits since May 17 against Detroit.

Ohtani went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Wednesday's win over the White Sox while also drawing two walks.

For the second game in a row, Ohtani crushed a leadoff home run to open the contest, giving the superstar slugger 25 long balls on the season and 11 in the month of June. He's now homered in five of his last six games and has posted at least one RBI in 10 straight, raising his league-leading average to .322 on the campaign. Ohtani has also drawn at least one walk in six consecutive games.

Stone (9-2) picked up the win over the White Sox on Wednesday, allowing four hits and no walks in a complete-game shutout while striking out seven.

Stone was spectacular Wednesday, matching his season high with seven strikeouts en route to recording the first complete game of his major-league career. The right-hander retired the side in order in five of his nine frames and didn't allow a runner to reach second base outside of a leadoff double from Gavin Sheets to open the second. Stone has now won each of his last five decisions (spanning six starts) and has also posted at least six strikeouts in five of his last six outings. Furthermore, Wednesday marked the first time that he didn't walk a batter in his last five starts.

Taylor went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run, an additional run and a walk against the Yankees on Wednesday in a 12-2 victory.

Taylor's biggest contribution was a three-run blast in the sixth inning that essentially put the game on ice, giving the Mets a 10-2 lead. It was the outfielder's first homer since April 24 -- a span of 42 games and 94 at-bats. Taylor has made two straight starts in right field with Starling Marte (knee) on the injured list, so he may have a chance to turn around what has so far been a quiet first season as a Met.

Alvarez went 3-for-3 with a home run, a double, a walk, three total runs and three total RBI in a 12-2 victory versus the Yankees on Wednesday.

Alvarez touched up Yankees starter Luis Gil for a two-run homer in the third inning and added a run-scoring double in the fifth. The catcher also singled for his third three-hit performance during his current nine-game hitting streak. Alvarez has been scorching during that stretch, batting .516 (16-for-31) with three home runs, nine RBI and a 7:7 BB:K. His slash line is up to an impressive .313/.383/.521 on the campaign.

Bauers went 1-for-4 with a grand slam during Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Rangers in 10 innings.

Bauers got the Brewers on the board in the third inning, plating Jackson Chourio, Christian Yelich and Willy Adames on a grand slam off Nathan Eovaldi. The grand slam was the second of Bauers' career. Though he's been splitting time with Rhys Hoskins at first base, Bauers is batting .273 with nine RBI and seven runs in his last 18 games.