MLB Player News
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Sebastian Walcott SS | TEX
Rangers' Sebastian Walcott: No letup since activation
Walcott went 1-for-4 with a walk, a solo home run and an additional run scored for Double-A Frisco on Wednesday.
Normally, a rehabbing major-leaguer like Corey Seager (back) would be the center of attention in a minor-league ballpark, but he was overshadowed by Walcott. The 20-year-old phenom crushed a no-doubt, 446-foot home run into the streets beyond the fence in left field in the first inning, his second homer in as many games. Since being activated off the injured list July 17, he's reached base safely in nine of 10 contests, going 15-for-41 (.366) with four walks, two steals, three home runs, five doubles, nine RBI and 11 runs scored. Triple-A Round Rock can't be far away.
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Chase DeLauter RF | CLE
Guardians' Chase DeLauter: On base three times
DeLauter went 1-for-3 with two walks, a stolen base and a run scored in Wednesday's 6-1 win over Cincinnati.
DeLauter is closing out a productive July, during which he's slashing .311/.382/.511 with 11 walks, four steals, four home runs, 14 RBI and 10 runs scored over 23 games. At 385 plate appearances, DeLauter is well beyond his previous career high but has maintained a consistent bat deep into his first full season in the majors.
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Travis Bazzana 2B | CLE
Guardians' Travis Bazzana: Logs two hits, RBI in win
Bazzana went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Reds.
Bazzana broke open a scoreless tie in the fifth inning, when his single plated the first of four runs scored in the frame. The second baseman, who is no longer atop the order for the Guardians, is batting .250 (10-for-40) with one home run, three RBI, two steals and five runs scored over 11 games since being removed from the leadoff spot.
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Jose Franco RP | CIN
Reds' Jose Franco: Shut down from throwing
Franco (forearm) has been shut down from throwing for a minimum of two weeks, MLB.com reports.
Franco was called up to the roster for Tuesday's doubleheader and pitched 3.2 innings before departing with discomfort in his right forearm. The report indicates the source of the problem is a flexor mass strain, and not his elbow as originally reported.
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Brandon Williamson SP | CIN
Reds' Brandon Williamson: Beginning rehab assignment Saturday
Williamson (shoulder/finger) will begin a rehab assignment Saturday at Double-A Chattanooga, MLB.com reports.
Williamson landed on the injured list in April due to a shoulder issue before suffering a finger injury late in June. The left-hander has been facing hitters and is ready for live games. He's expected to throw two innings and 45 pitches.
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Spencer Jones CF | NYY
Yankees' Spencer Jones: Homers, steals base Wednesday
Jones went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run and a stolen base in Wednesday's 6-5 extra-innings loss to the White Sox.
Jones established a season high in RBI on Wednesday. With Aaron Judge (ribs) and Cody Bellinger (hamstring) both sidelined for the foreseeable future, Jones has a chance to play a bigger role in the Yankees' outfield while he's up in the major leagues. However, the 25-year-old is still slashing only .226/.318/.381 with three homers, four doubles, 11 RBI and two stolen bases over 95 plate appearances.
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Jeff McNeil 2B | ATH
Athletics' Jeff McNeil: Posts steal Wednesday
McNeil went 2-for-4 with a stolen base in Wednesday's 4-2 extra-inning loss to the Red Sox.
McNeil wasn't initially included in the lineup, but he replaced Nick Kurtz (forearm) after the latter was hit by a pitch in the first inning. McNeil could be in for a short-term boost in playing time if Kurtz misses additional time. McNeil has done well for himself since the All-Star break, going 13-for-29 (.448) over his last 10 games. He's now batting .248 with a .642 OPS, four home runs, three steals, 33 RBI, 29 runs scored and 13 doubles over 95 contests this season. He's still in a utility role, but his recent hot hitting could help him carve out steadier playing time in the long run.
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Lawrence Butler RF | ATH
Athletics' Lawrence Butler: Knocks homer Wednesday
Butler went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a double and a walk in Wednesday's 4-2 extra-inning loss to the Red Sox.
A steady stream of opposing left-handed starters has cut into Butler's playing time lately, though he was included in Wednesday's lineup versus southpaw Patrick Sandoval. Butler has gone 3-for-10 with a homer and two doubles over his last six games despite the part-time role. Overall, the outfielder is batting .204 with a .626 OPS, six homers, 11 doubles, one triple, 27 RBI, 36 runs scored and six stolen bases through 100 contests.
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Jonah Heim C | ATH
Athletics' Jonah Heim: Goes deep in loss
Heim went 3-for-5 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 4-2 extra-inning loss to the Red Sox.
This was Heim's second homer in the last three games. The catcher will get a chance at steady playing time since Shea Langeliers (knee) is projected to miss most or all of the rest of the season. Heim is hitting .216 (16-for-74) with four homers and 13 RBI over 19 contests in July. For the year, he's batting .229 with a .720 OPS, 11 homers, 34 RBI, 23 runs scored and 10 doubles over 61 games.