MLB Player News

Kwan batted seventh and went 1-for-2 with a walk, a double, an RBI and a run scored in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Tigers.

After years serving as the Guardians' primary leadoff batter, Kwan's early-season slump prompted a recent drop in the batting order. Over the last four games he's hit either sixth or seventh, and he's been an on-base machine, going 2-for-8 with eight walks and five runs scored. He's also provided the usual Gold Glove defense in left or center field. He told Tim Stebbins of MLB.com that his swing feels better, and he's being aggressive when appropriate. To Kwan's credit, the slump hasn't led to him chasing (91st percentile), and Kwan will take the free base (15.7 BB%) if pitchers aren't in the zone.

McLain batted leadoff and went 0-for-5 with an RBI in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Phillies.

McLain had spent a good portion of May in the bottom third of the order, but a productive 11-game stretch (1.067 OPS, three HR, 10 RBI) prompted manager Terry Francona to put him atop the order the last two games, once each against a lefty and righty. Although it didn't work out Tuesday, the manager has noodled around with various leadoff options after seemingly moving away from the slumping TJ Friedl. McLain was a staple and thrived in the upper third of the order when he first arrived to the big leagues in 2023.

Bleday went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI in Tuesday's 4-1 win over Philadelphia.

Bleday, who plated what proved to be the game-winning run on a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, later snapped an 0-for-13 stretch with a seventh-inning double. He'd been one of the Reds' best sources off offense since his arrival in late April before the recent skid. Bleday still maintains a foothold in the starting lineup and is slashing .292/.402/.653 along with six home runs and 20 RBI through 21 games.

Del Castillo went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Tuesday's 5-3 win over San Francisco.

Del Castillo delivered a two-out, run-scoring single in the bottom of the ninth, which set the table for an eventual walk-off, three-run home run by Ketel Marte to complete the come-from-behind win. Del Castillo, who had singled earlier in the game, snapped an 0-for-16 run that dropped his average below .200. He's spent most of his time as the designated hitter this season and has eight starts at catcher. Del Castillo could get more opportunities behind the plate going forward after the Diamondbacks placed James McCann (quad) on the injured list Tuesday. Arizona called up catcher Aramis Garcia from Triple-A Reno to share the backup duties with Del Castillo.

Carroll went 1-for-3 with a walk, a triple and a run scored in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Giants.

Carroll ripped an opposite-field triple in the first inning, and following an error on a relay throw, he gathered himself to score the first run of the game. The throw plunked Carroll on the top of the head. After he initially looked to be shaken on the play, Carroll stayed in the game. The triple, his sixth of the season, extended a hit streak to eight contests, during which Carroll's gone 11-for-26 with three doubles, two triples, four home runs, two stolen bases, 10 walks, four RBI and 10 runs scored.

Miller (back) has resumed light baseball activities, Paul Casella of MLB.com reports.

Miller had been shut down from baseball activities for roughly the past two weeks, so it's encouraging to hear he's back to progressing in some capacity. The 21-year-old top prospect has been plagued by a lower-back injury since February, and his return to action still doesn't seem to be particularly close. The Phillies are likely to continue taking a cautious approach with Miller's recovery going forward.

Benintendi went 1-for-4 with one RBI and one stolen base in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Mariners.

Benintendi delivered an RBI single in the ninth inning for the go-ahead run. He promptly stole second but was left on base. The veteran outfielder hasn't used his speed as much this season, and he's primarily worked as the designated hitter. He's batting .239 with a .673 OPS, three home runs, 20 RBI, 17 runs scored, seven doubles and two triples through 44 contests. His theft Tuesday was his first attempt of the year.

Taylor struck out three batters in a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Mariners.

Seranthony Dominguez wasn't used Monday but threw 32 pitches Sunday, so he may have been given some extra rest. In any case, Taylor was able to get the job done for his first save of the season, continuing a strong May in which he's allowed one unearned run while adding a 15:4 K:BB across 10 innings. He has a 1.78 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 38:8 K:BB through 25.1 innings over 19 appearances, including four outings as an opener. His background as a starter gives him multi-inning capabilities out of the bullpen, but he's been dominant enough so far to work his way into high-leverage work as well. In addition to the save, he's added two holds and a blown save.

Kay allowed one run on one hit, three walks and two hit batsmen while striking out five over 5.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Mariners on Tuesday.

Kay didn't have his best control, but the Mariners' bats failed to punish him for it. He's now allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of his last four starts, adding a 19:8 K:BB across 21.1 innings in that span. For the season, he's at a 4.27 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 34:22 K:BB through 46.1 innings over 10 appearances (eight starts). The southpaw is projected to make his next start at home versus the Twins.

Castillo (1-5) allowed two runs on a hit, two walks and a hit batsman while striking out four over 2.1 innings, taking the loss Tuesday versus the White Sox.

Castillo was fine through two innings, but manager Dan Wilson left him in for the start of the ninth. That ended up being a mistake, and Andres Munoz failed to stop the White Sox's rally after coming in for mop-up duty. Castillo's poor relief outing stands in contrast to a superb start from Bryce Miller, who appears to have bumped Castillo out of the rotation. Castillo is at a 6.41 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 47:18 K:BB through 46.1 innings over 10 outings (nine starts). It'll likely take an injury to another pitcher for Castillo to get back in the rotation at this point.