MLB Player News

Santana went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in Friday's loss to the Nationals.

The homer, Santana's 14th of the season, was a two-out shot off Tim Collins. Santana's batting average is still just .225 -- the lowest of his career -- though much of that can be attributed to a frustrating run of luck early in the season. Since May 1, the first baseman has hit .264 with 12 home runs. The veteran has been a strong all-around offensive asset this season outside of that poor batted-ball luck. He's on pace for 28 home runs, the second-highest total of his career, while his 17.8 percent walk rate (third in the league behind Mike Trout and Bryce Harper) and 13.4 percent strikeout rate are both career bests.

Guerrero (strained patella tendon) is "doing great" in his rehab and is ahead of schedule by a day or two, according to general manager Ross Atkins, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

He last played June 6 and was set to miss at least four weeks, so it sounds like he could return in early July if this timetable is accurate. Once healthy, Guerrero will likely be promoted to Triple-A in relatively short order, but this injury severely hurts his chances of reaching the majors this season.

Walker was called up from Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Walker has played in 17 games with the Diamondbacks this season, going 3-for-17 with two RBI and 10 strikeouts during his brief opportunities at the big-league level. He will supply a little extra depth all around the field but don't expect him to make much of an impact. Jimmie Sherfy was optioned to Reno in a corresponding move.

Smith is not in the lineup against the Marlins on Friday.

Smith will remain on the bench for a second straight game as Jose Bautista draws another start in the outfield during the first contest of the Mets' mini road trip. Over 14 games in June, Smith has hit .233 with a .685 OPS while striking out 16 times.

Cron is not in the lineup Friday against the Astros.

Cron will sit against a tough right-hander in Gerrit Cole. Matt Duffy will be the Rays' designated hitter Friday.

Hoskins went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and a double Thursday against the Nationals.

Hoskins put the Phillies up 4-1 with his home run in the seventh inning, his 13th of the season. Entering June, Hoskins was slugging a disappointing .415, but his 12 extra-base hits in June have brought that up to .496. While that's still well off pace from his .618 mark in his rookie campaign, Hoskins has showcased his pop of late.

Rizzo went 4-for-5 with two doubles, a run scored and three RBI in Thursday's 11-5 win over the Dodgers.

It was Rizzo's first multi-hit performance since June 15 and his first three RBI game since May 28. The lefty slugger brought his season average up to .243 with 53 RBI and 23 extra-base hits.

Goldschmidt went 3-for-5 with a run and an RBI in Thursday's win against the Marlins.

Thursday marked Goldschmidt's first multi-hit effort since June 17 -- a span of eight games. Goldschmidt collected two hits and an RBI in the first two innings before rounding things off with a double in the fifth. He has clearly cooled off since his major power surge earlier in the month, but Thursday's strong outing is a positive development regardless.

Calhoun is out of the lineup against Boston on Thursday.

Calhoun will be stationed on the bench for the series finale with southpaw Brian Johnson taking the hill for the Red Sox. Michael Hermosillo will draw a start in right field in his stead.

Gurriel was placed on paternity leave prior to Thursday's game, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Gurriel will be away from the team for Thursday's series opener in Tampa Bay and could miss up to three games. In a corresponding move, the Astros recalled A.J. Reed from Triple-A Fresno.