MLB Player News

With Michael Harris II (quad) feeling better, the Braves are going with a reserve infielder instead of another outfielder. Azocar was playing well in Triple-A, hitting .270/.348/.420 with a pair of homers, 11 RBI, and eight stolen bases in his first 113 plate appearances. He could return to the Braves on a minor league contract if he clears waivers.

Albies’ home run was his 15th of the season. He hit a solo shot off Wandy Peralta in the sixth inning. Albies was just 2-for-13 with a run scored and two RBI in the last three games entering play Monday. He’s hitting .266 with a .755 OPS and 54 RBI.

Rodríguez appeared to be struck on the left hamstring by an errant throw from Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz during the fifth inning. He left the dugout with a trainer following the play. There should be a definitive update from the club shortly.

Harris’ home run was his eighth of the season. He hit a solo shot off JP Sears in the fifth inning. It’s his second home run in the last three games. Harris now has six RBI in four games since the All-Star break. He’s hitting .301 with an .837 OPS and 59 RBI this year.

Alvarez’s three balls in play tonight checked in at 114.2, 113.8 and 108.3 mph. The AL MVP favorite is now tied with Kyle Schwarber for the major league lead with 33 homers. He’s second in the majors with a .324 average and 75 RBI and first with a 1.083 OPS.

He allowed just two hits, but unfortunately, those were both two-run homers that followed walks. Blanco averaged 94.0 mph with his fastball, which is up a tad from 93.4 mph during his breakthrough 2024 and 93.2 mph in his nine starts prior to surgery last year. He doesn’t warrant an immediate pickup in shallow leagues after this, but it was a promising outing that suggests he might be of some use once he settles in. He’ll likely face the White Sox on the road on Sunday.

All of the runs came in the second, which featured three walks, two singles and two homers before Jose Altuve grounded into a double play to end things. Dating back to before his month-and-a-half IL stint, Junk has given up two homers and at least six runs in three of his last five starts. His rotation spot should be safe with Max Meyer just landing on the IL, but he doesn’t seem like a very good bet right now. He’s due to face the Padres this weekend.

Peña’s slam off Janson Junk gave the Astros a 5-2 in the second, and Yordan Alvarez made it back-to-back shots afterwards. Peña’s homer was his seventh in 54 games during an injury-plagued season. He was back in the lineup tonight after leaving Saturday and missing Sunday’s game due to a hamstring cramp.

Walker missed a second straight start with hip tightness, but it looks like he’ll be good to go on Tuesday. LaMonte Wade Jr. went 0-for-2 with a walk before Walker replaced him at first base tonight.

Sears gave up three hits, walked none and struck out three. He fell to 2-3 with the loss. Sears allowed an unearned run in the fifth inning when a catcher’s interference allowed Mauricio Dubon to reach base and later score. Sears has a 4.38 ERA. He’s lined up to face the Marlins on the road this weekend.

Elder gave up five hits, walked one and struck out four. He improved to 6-6 with the win. Elder had only allowed a solo home run to Manny Machado after six innings. He was removed after allowing another solo home run to Ty France to begin the seventh inning. The win was Elder’s first since June 2 and the quality start was his first since June 7. He’s lined up to face the Orioles on the road this weekend.