MLB Player News

Lopez went 2-for-4 with a run and two stolen bases against Arizona in a 2-0 win Thursday.

Lopez was the only batter on either team to record multiple hits in the low-scoring affair. He manufactured a run in the first inning by knocking a single, reaching second base on a disengagement violation, stealing third and then coming home on a sacrifice fly. The speedy infielder added another theft later in the game for his third multi-steal performance of the campaign. Lopez is in the midst of the best season of his career, as he leads qualified MLB hitters with a .344 batting average while adding five homers, 18 doubles (tied for fifth most), three triples, 30 RBI, 42 runs and 13 steals through 68 games.

Kelly (5-5) took the loss against Miami on Thursday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out one batter over six innings.

Kelly didn't allow any extra-base hits and was efficient in getting through six frames on 74 pitches. However, the two runs he allowed were enough to saddle him with the loss, as Arizona managed just three hits and no runs against five Marlins hurlers. Kelly did notch his fifth quality start of the campaign and rebounded well after yielding seven runs over five innings against Washington in his previous outing. He'll carry a 5.46 ERA and 1.45 WHIP into his next start, which is scheduled to be at home against the Angels.

Fairbanks earned a save against the Diamondbacks on Thursday, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.

Fairbanks was called upon to protect a 2-0 lead in the ninth inning and made quick work of Arizona, retiring the side in order on 13 pitches. It was one of the better outings in what has been an inconsistent campaign for the veteran reliever, and Thursday marked just the third time over his past 12 appearances that he didn't allow a hit or a walk. Fairbanks continues to serve as Miami's primary closer despite holding a 6.63 ERA and 1.47 WHIP through 19 innings spanning 21 outings on the season. He's converted eight of 10 save chances and has a 27:11 K:BB.

Phillips (1-1) earned the win over Arizona on Thursday, allowing two hits and issuing two walks while striking out five batters over five-plus scoreless innings.

Phillips served as a bulk reliever in his previous outing June 5, but he was deployed as a starter Thursday. The right-hander excelled in that role, limiting the Diamondbacks to just one hit through five frames. Phillips went back out for the sixth and yielded a single before being lifted at 70 pitches. Having worked out of the bullpen for most of the campaign, Phillips isn't yet up to a full starter's workload, topping out at 82 pitches in that June 5 piggyback appearance. He should be able to push his pitch count up as he settles into the rotation, and he may be worth a look for fantasy managers in need of pitching given his 2.95 ERA across 18.1 innings since moving into the rotation. His 14:8 K:BB over that span is less appealing, however.

Pham is expected to opt out of his minor-league contract with the Orioles, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Pham signed a minor-league contract with the Orioles on May 16 and has since slashed just .172/.246/.345 with three homers, nine RBI and 10 runs scored through 65 plate appearances while primarily playing at Triple-A Norfolk. The 38-year-old outfielder isn't likely to make much of a contribution in the majors at this stage in his career, so he will likely have to settle for another minor-league deal in free agency or consider retirement.

Manager Will Venable said Thursday that the team is considering promoting Smith to start Saturday's game against the Dodgers, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

The White Sox don't currently have a probable pitcher listed for Saturday's contest, but Smith could get the nod after posting a 3.76 ERA and 1.32 WHIP while striking out 79 batters in 52.2 innings at Triple-A Charlotte. The 22-year-old southpaw has found consistent success on the mound throughout his minor-league career, though that consistency would certainly be put to the test while making his MLB debut against one of the league's most dynamic offenses. Venable noted there is also a chance the team keeps Smith in the minors for a while longer and relies on its bullpen to get through Saturday.

Carey (heel) has gone 1-for-7 with a double and an 0:4 BB:K in two games since being reinstated from High-A Rome's 7-day injured list Tuesday.

Carey had been on the shelf for just under two months due to a heel injury before being cleared to return to the Rome lineup after completing a six-game rehab assignment in the rookie-level Florida Complex League. The 19-year-old outfielder is slashing .250/.316/.423 with one home run and one stolen base over 57 plate appearances in the South Atlantic League this season.

The Diamondbacks will reinstate Lawlar (wrist) from the 60-day injured list ahead of Friday's game against the Reds, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports.

Lawlar has been on the shelf since early April due to a fractured right wrist. He was cleared to begin a rehab assignment May 30 and has since gone 6-for-28 with four walks, two RBI and five runs scored over eight games. Once activated, he'll be a candidate to start in the outfield until Lourdes Gurriel (hamstring) returns from the IL.

Montgomery (back) will start at third base and bat cleanup in Thursday's game against Atlanta.

The 24-year-old infielder will step back into the starting nine after a tight back kept him from playing the past two days. Over his first six games of June, Montgomery has gone 3-for-23 (.130 average) with a home run, three runs and two RBI while striking out at a 44.4 percent clip.

Schultz (knee) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Manager Will Venable said that Schultz will throw at least one more bullpen session before the White Sox potentially plot out a rehab assignment for the rookie left-hander, who has been on the shelf since May 26 due to right knee patellar tendinitis. Prior to landing on the injured list, Schultz went 2-4 with a 5.82 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 33:22 K:BB across 38.2 innings.