MLB Player News

Indians first baseman Carlos Santana went 1 for 4 with a grand slam home run in the Indians' win over the White Sox on Friday night.

If you're only going to collect one hit, popping one over the fence with the bases loaded against a pitcher like Chris Sale is making the most of it. Santana now has 16 long ones and 72 RBI, but hasn't done much in the average department at .237 for the year. Most damaging from a fantasy perspective is the fact that he will lose catcher and third base eligibility next season.

Rays infielder Asdrubal Cabrera (knee) plans to resume baseball activities Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Cabrera's knee showed no structural damage in an MRI, so he should be fairly close to coming back. It might be a matter of comfort for the 29-year-old, so Saturday's activities could help determine his return date.

Indians first baseman Carlos Santana went 3 for 5 with a double and a run scored in an 8-4 loss to the Royals on Thursday.

It's been a strange season for Santana as most numbers are on par with where they should be aside from the average. The power is a bit down, but his 11 steals should make up for that. The .237 average is lacking, but his .363 OBP is very good, as he ranks top-five in walks. Unfortunately, Santana is going to lose catcher and third base eligibility next season and that will drop his value significantly.

Rays veteran shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (knee) hopes to be back in action in the next few days after an MRI showed no damage beyond a strain, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

More damage would have likely meant the end of the season for the 29 year old, but he should be able to come back for the last couple weeks. Nick Franklin and Tim Beckham will get the starts at shortstop until he returns.

White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu is catching a break Thursday, per Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago.

It's just a standard day off for the slugger, who has seven hits and two home runs in his last three games. Mike Olt will get the start at first base and hit sixth Thursday.

Rays slumping shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (knee) is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Yankees, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune reports.

Cabrera exited the game Tuesday with a left knee strain, but he's considered just day-to-day with the issue. The club will give him a day off Wednesday, however, with Nick Franklin replacing him at shortstop and batting seventh for the Rays.

The veteran had been on a roll, but a 1-for-11 slide and the knee ailment have halted his momentum.

Rays shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera left Tuesday's game with a left knee strain and he is listed as day-to-day, the Tampa Tribune's Roger Mooney reports.

X-rays were negative, so Cabrera could still return to action this season, but given the Rays' middle infield depth, it would not be surprising if he was given a few days to get right. Nick Franklin replaced Cabrera on Tuesday.

Astros infielder Marwin Gonzalez (finger) is not in Tuesday's lineup.

Gonzalez continues to battle swelling in his finger, and the Astros will go with Chris Carter at first base Tuesday versus Rangers left-hander Derek Holland.

The Blue Jays have recalled catcher Josh Thole from Triple-A Buffalo. Thole was sent down to the minors in early June, after going 7 for 26 in nine games for Toronto.

His numbers haven't gotten a whole lot better with Buffalo, as he owns a .228 average with no home runs in 45 games.

But, Thole does have plenty of experience in catching knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, who is scheduled to start Sunday against the Angels. So it is likely that Thole will be in the lineup for the series-finale on Sunday.

To clear room on the roster, first baseman Matt Hague was sent down to Triple-A. 

The Blue Jays have promoted emerging corner infielder Matt Hague and outfielder Ezequiel Carrera from Triple-A Buffalo.

Neither are spring chickens in baseball years. The 29-year-old Hague has just 72 big league at-bats, but is tearing it at in the minors with a league-leading .348 average and .427 on-base percentage.

The 28-year-old Carrera performed well in a stint with Toronto earlier in the season, posting a .279 average before being designated for assignment on Aug. 1.