MLB Player News

Lowder will pitch out of the bullpen until the All-Star break, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox19 Now reports. "When we get to next Sunday, we'll see where we're at and map it out from there," Reds manager Terry Francona said over the weekend. "We're not trying to make Lowder a bullpen guy. We're trying to figure out ways to protect our staff, win games and get through this next week."

Lowder's transition to the bullpen was triggered by the return of Hunter Greene to the rotation. Lowder is expected to provide length as a reliever but could also get use in high-leverage spots when a right-hander is needed.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday that Cruz (hand) is progressing well and will hopefully return from the 10-day injured list at some point shortly after the All-Star break, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

After shedding the cast on his fractured left hand, Cruz reported to the Pirates' facility in Florida last week to resume baseball activities. He looks poised to remain in Florida through at least the upcoming week to continue the ramp-up process, and if all goes well, Cruz could be ready for a rehab assignment once minor-league games resume following the All-Star break. The Pirates remain optimistic that Cruz will be ready to come off the IL before the end of July.

Soderstrom (hip) hasn't resumed baseball activities since landing on the 10-day injured list June 29 and will remain out through the All-Star break, MLB.com reports.

The Athletics likely won't have a more precise target date for Soderstrom's return until the discomfort in his right hip has subsided enough for him to take part in full hitting and fielding drills. While Soderstrom is on the shelf, Carlos Cortes and Colby Thomas could end up forming a platoon in left field, though Zack Gelof may also get some looks at the position if the Athletics are keen on opening up more opportunities in the infield for the likes of Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, Alika Williams and Max Muncy.

Wilson (thumb) hasn't resumed hitting since landing on the injured list June 29 and isn't expected to be available to play until after the All-Star break, MLB.com reports.

The Athletics likely won't have a good feel for a target date for Wilson's return until he's able to resume full baseball activities, but the 24-year-old appears to be shut down from activity for now while he waits for the swelling in his right thumb to subside. Since Wilson was placed on the IL, Alika Williams and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer have been sharing time at shortstop.

Carroll went 1-for-4 with a walk, a double and an RBI in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Brewers.

Carroll doubled in Arizona's first run in the opening inning, and his seventh-inning walk contributed to the team's second run. It was a perfectly fine day for the outfielder, but Carroll has been mired in a slump. Entering Sunday's game, he had just one hit over the previous 24 at-bats. The left-handed hitter told Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports that right-handed pitchers have been problematic. Carroll, who owns a career OPS of .857 against righties, has fallen to .768 in 2026.

Tawa started at third base and went 0-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base in Sunday's 3-2 loss to Milwaukee.

Tawa, who was called up Sunday and gave Nolan Arenado a breather at the hot corner, stole his first base in three attempts in the majors this season. He's also had a couple of steals (caught once) in the minors. Tawa is not a volume base stealer but has swiped between 10 and 14 bags in each of five previous seasons of professional ball. He gives the Diamondbacks more flexibility off the bench than the player he replaced, LuJames Groover, who was buried at first base behind Pavin Smith and Ildemaro Vargas.

Witt went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, a steal and a walk in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Phillies.

Witt didn't drive in any runs but still made an impact offensively, reaching base three times and scoring twice. After drawing a walk in the eighth inning, the speedy shortstop swiped second base for his 30th stolen base of the season. Only Nasim Nunez (32) has more stolen bases than Witt this season. Since re-entering the lineup after dealing with a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee, the 26-year-old is slashing .241/.303/.483 with two homers, four RBI, six runs and two stolen bases across eight games.

Neto went 3-for-5 with a solo home run, a double, an additional RBI and an additional run scored in Sunday's 7-5 loss to the Red Sox.

With two outs in the ninth inning, Neto turned on an Aroldis Chapman fastball for a solo homer to cap off a three-hit performance for the shortstop. Over his past 18 games, Neto is slashing .271/.320/.614 with six homers, 13 RBI and 13 runs scored. The 25-year-old has put together another solid campaign in 2026, slashing .231/.323/.458 with 19 homers, 45 RBI, 61 runs scored and 11 stolen bases across 89 games, though he's striking out at a hefty 31.8 percent clip.

Adell went 3-for-4 with two RBI in Sunday's 7-5 loss to the Red Sox.

Adell tallied three singles, with his knocks in the first and eighth innings each plating a run. It was a much-needed performance for the right fielder, who entered Sunday's game 0-for-13 over his previous four contests. After launching 37 homers last season, the 27-year-old hasn't been able to replicate that power production in 2026, slashing .245/.290/.387 with 11 homers, 47 RBI, 39 runs and three stolen bases through 90 games.

Duran went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in Sunday's 7-5 win over the Angels.

Duran snapped a 15-game homerless streak, during which he went 4-for-50 (.080), with a two-run blast in the second inning to get the Red Sox on the board. The 29-year-old has struggled mightily at the plate this season, slashing .197/.259/.361 with 13 homers, 43 RBI, 39 runs and 14 stolen bases across 81 contests. Despite his struggles, Duran has continued to operate as the club's primary left fielder, though he cedes some playing time to Nate Eaton against southpaws.