MLB Player News

After a terrible start to his contract year, Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera has gained consistency and production.

Cabrera bottomed out at .205 on May 6, but has 36 hits in 118 at-bats since for a .305 mark. He has scored 26 runs in 29 games during that stretch and has sweetened his stat line to .255/.324/.400.

His range and dependability on defense, however, has been weak and it remains to be seen if he will be dealt at the trading deadline to make room for promising minor leaguer Francisco Lindor. Much could depend on whether Cleveland remains in contention for a playoff spot or division title.

White Sox slugger Jose Abreu did what he's been doing much of the season Wednesday night - he slugged a home run to help his team win.

Abreu deposited a Justin Verlander pitch 412 feet into the stands in the second inning and added two more hits and a walk in a runaway victory. His stat line now stands at an impressive .270/.323/.627. That slugging percentage ranks second in the majors.

Astros designated hitter Chris Carter couldn't push his average to the Mendoza Line on Wednesday night, but he did hit two over the fence to key a win over Arizona.

Carter ended the night at .199 after smashing solo home runs off Brandon McCarthy in the fourth and seventh innings. A total of 24 of his 38 hits this season have been for extra bases, including 12 taters.

White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu launched his 18th home run of the season Monday night against the Tigers.

Abreu took starter Rick Porcello deep for a two-run shot in the sixth inning. He added double and finished 2 for 4 with a run scored and two RBI in a 6-5 win. He is hitting .260 with 18 homers and 49 RBI in 200 at-bats.

The Angels are using Kole Calhoun and Collin Cowgill as a platoon in right field. Since Josh Hamilton's return, Calhoun has played the four games against right-handed starters, with Cowgill starting twice against lefties, notes MLB.com.

Against lefties, Cowgill is hitting .306/.377/.452 while Calhoun is batting .250/.250/.375.

Astros designated hitter Chris Carter made his lone hit count on Sunday, launching a grand slam in a win over the Twins.

Carter took reliever Brian Duensing deep in the seventh inning for the slam. He finished 1 for 4 with two runs scored and four RBI in a 14-5 victory. He is hitting .194 with 10 homers and 27 RBI in 186 at-bats.

Indians catcher/infielder Carlos Santana reached base four times during Saturday's contest against the Rangers in Arlington.

Santana took reliever Tanner Scheppers deep for a two-run shot in the seventh inning. He added a single and finished 2 for 2 with two walks, two runs scored and two RBI in an 8-3 victory. He is hitting .171 with seven homers and 19 RBI in 181 at-bats.

Astros designated hitter Chris Carter has been benched Saturday in Minnesota.

Carter has received occasional days off, greatly due to his all-or-nothing production at the plate. Of his 35 hits this season, 21 have been for extra bases, but he still owns a .193 batting average and .290 on-base percentage.

He has just three hits in his last 21 at-bats and 65 strikeouts in 181 at-bats on the year.

Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun clubbed his fourth home run Friday against the White Sox.

Calhoun wasted no time getting to work, hitting a solo shot in the bottom of the first inning. He would later double during the game. Calhoun finished 2 for 4, with one run scored and three RBI. He's hitting .231/.297/.435 over 108 at-bats.

Indians designated hitter/catcher/third baseman Carlos Santana is set to man the first of those roles Friday night in Texas after his activation from the 7-day concussion disabled list.

Santana can only hope the time off can fix his timing at the plate. He has been a mess all season with a .159 average and .301 slugging percentage, which is why he's batting eighth against the Rangers.