MLB Player News

Bazzana went 2-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Tigers.

The rookie second baseman hooked a Keider Montero changeup over the wall in the right-field corner in the fourth inning, one of only four hits the Guardians managed on the night. The homer was Bazzana's second in his first 19 big-league games, and his top-of-the-order skill set has been on full display, as he's slashing .299/.427/.403 with seven steals, nine RBI, 10 runs and a 13:13 BB:K. He's working on a six-game hit streak.

Smith gave up two hits and struck out three in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his 15th save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Tigers.

The 27-year-old right-hander continues to perform at an elite level, converting his 12th straight save chance dating back to April 16. Over that stretch, Smith has delivered a 1.32 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 23:2 K:BB in 13.2 innings. His 15 saves on the season have him tied for the major-league lead with the Padres' Mason Miller.

Messick didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Tigers, giving up three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out six.

A two-run homer by Spencer Torkelson in the second inning and a throwing error by Austin Hedges in the fourth accounted for all the damage off Messick, who left the mound after 81 pitches (45 strikes) with the score tied 3-3. The southpaw has allowed more than two earned runs only twice in 10 starts this season, and through 58.2 innings he sports a 2.45 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 64:17 K:BB as he steams toward a breakout campaign. Messick will look to get back in the win column in his next outing, which lines up to come on the road this weekend in Philadelphia.

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.