MLB Player News

Indians third baseman Carlos Santana hit two home runs Friday against the Royals. 

Santana struck twice against Yordano Ventura. In the fourth inning, Santana crushed a 97 mph fastball out to right center for a solo shot. He did one better in his next at-bat, belting a 100 mph fastball out to right for a two-run shot. He finished 2 for 3, with two runs scored and three RBI. 

White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu hit his 30th home run Friday against the Twins.

Abreu got to work immediately, hitting a home run in his first at-bat. With two men on, Abreu crushed a hanging curveball out to center for a three-run shot. Abreu also singled and was hit by a pitch during the game. He finished 2 for 5, with two runs scored and three RBI. 

Though he was hoping to return in time for the start of this weekend's series against the Royals, Indians infielder Asdrubal Cabrera is out of the starting lineup for Friday's game. Cabrera has not played since Monday as a result of the injury. 

Astros designated hitter Chris Carter provided the team's lone offensive contribution Thursday, in a 13-1 loss to the Athletics.

Carter went 1 for 4 in the loss, clubbing a solo home run to account for the Astros' only run. He moved into ninth place in the American League with his 20th home run, and is now hitting .213/.288/.480 in 296 at-bats.  

Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera increased his activities on Thursday, as he continues to work his way back from a back injury. Manager Terry Francona remains hopeful of a return this weekend against the Royals, particularly on Saturday.

Cabrera is hitting .247/.308/.392 over 365 at-bats.

Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera was not in the team's starting lineup Thursday.

Cabrera is dealing with a back injury. He has not played since July 21 due to the issue. Cabrera is hitting .247/.308/.392 over 365 at-bats.

Angels infielder C.J. Cron has been recalled Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Cron will replace Grant Green on the active roster. Green was placed on the disabled list Wednesday. Cron has received 175 at-bats in the majors this season. He's hitting .269/.297/.480.

White Sox slugger Jose Abreu has recovered enough from a back ailment to return to the lineup Wednesday against Kansas City. He missed the game Tuesday night.

Abreu returns on a tear. He has hit safely in 30 of his last 31 games and has raised his average from .260 to .292 during that stretch. He leads the majors with 29 home runs.

Astros DH Chris Carter doubled twice for the second straight game during a 3-2 win Tuesday at Oakland. He finished 3 for 5 with two RBI.

Carter has totaled six multi-hit games in July. He is batting .333 (18 for 54) with a .373 on-base percentage, .759 slugging percentage and 1.132 OPS in 14 games this month. He also has five doubles, six home runs, 13 RBI, 11 runs, three walks and 18 strikeouts.

An ailing back has Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera sidelined again Wednesday afternoon in Minnesota. Just-promoted Jose Ramirez is in the lineup instead.

Cabrera was removed from the game Monday with back spasms.