MLB Player News

Walker went 3-for-3 with a walk, a two-run homer and a second run scored in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Mets.

Kevin Cron has already been sent back to Triple-A Reno, but the brief competition seems to have lit a fire under Walker. The 28-year-old has gone yard in back-to-back games and has collected six hits over his last three contests, emphatically snapping a 3-for-44 slump. On the season, Walker is slashing .259/.333/.497 with 10 homers and 22 RBI.

Guerrero went 3-for-4 with a walk, a double and a solo home run in Friday's 13-6 loss to the Rockies.

The 20-year-old's first visit to Coors Field paid immediate dividends, as he launched his sixth homer of the year in the eighth inning. Guerrero is still struggling to get rolling in the majors -- he has two three-hit performances in his last eight games but has gone 1-for-21 in the other six contests, leaving him with a .248/.322/.459 overall slash line.

Tellez was lifted from Friday night's game against the Rockies after feeling discomfort in his hamstring while running to first base, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Tellez was reportedly removed from the contest as a precaution, and even though skipper Charlie Montoyo doesn't expect this to be an issue for Tellez, his status will be something to monitor over the weekend.

Mountcastle (wrist) returned to the lineup at Triple-A Norfolk, his first action since May 24.

Mountcastle was hitless in four at-bats, fanning twice, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him struggle over the course of the next few games due to his week-long absence. He could be promoted later in the summer if he continues to hit well.

Diaz (hand) will be sent to extended spring training Friday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Diaz is still experiencing a bit of discomfort in his left hand while swinging a bat, but he'll head to Port Charlotte on Friday to see some game action. A timetable for his return remains up in the air at this point.

Blandino (knee) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Monday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Blandino hasn't played since surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL last July. Given the length of his absence, his rehab assignment is unlikely to be brief.

Votto (hamstring) is starting at first base and batting second Friday against the Nationals.

Votto missed the last three games with a tight right hamstring, but is good to go following Thursday's scheduled off day. The 35-year-old is riding a six-game hit streak in which he is slashing .444/.448/.519 with two doubles and two RBI.

Goldschmidt, who went 2-for-4 in a win over the Phillies on Thursday, operated out of the No. 3 spot in the lineup for the first time this season, Paul Casella of MLB.com reports.

Manager Mike Shildt opted to flip-flop Goldschmidt and usual No. 3 hitter Paul DeJong in the order for the series finale in an attempt to find an offensive spark. Shildt was also looking to set Goldschmidt up with more RBI opportunities, considering he'd entered Thursday having logged only 43 plate appearances with runners in scoring position all season. Although those didn't immediately present themselves Thursday, Goldschmidt could continue seeing time in the No. 3 slot that he logged 724 starts in during his eight seasons with the Diamondbacks.

Calhoun went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs batted in and two runs scored in a victory over Seattle on Thursday.

Calhoun hit a bomb to center off Mariners starter Yusei Kikuchi in the second inning and later drove home the final run of the game with an RBI single in the ninth. The two-hit night raised Calhoun's average to .310 in May after he struggled with a .174 average in April. For the season, the 31-year-old is slashing .245/.335/.495 with 11 homers and 31 runs batted in.

Abreu went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer plus another RBI and run scored in Thursday's win over the Indians.

Abreu launched a long ball to left field off reliever Dan Otero in the seventh inning to score Leury Garcia and boost Chicago's lead to 7-3. Although his average isn't quite what it used to be, Abreu's been a reliable source of power this season. Overall, he's batting .255/.304/.523 with 15 homers, 49 RBI and 28 runs scored.