MLB Player News

Contreras went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Monday's 6-5 win over Baltimore.

Contreras has come out of the break with an influential bat. He's gone 5-for-13 with a double, two home runs and five RBI in the four games since returning from a five-game suspension. Even when the Red Sox struggled this season -- before the club's current 14-game win streak -- Contreras made an impact. He leads the team with 22 homers, 66 RBI and a .941 OPS over 92 contests.

Chaparro went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Monday's win over Colorado.

Chaparro unloaded on the first pitch he saw Monday, walloping a three-run homer to open the scoring in the first inning. The first baseman has gone 5-for-11 (.455) with three homers and 11 RBI over his past three games after totaling one long ball and seven RBI across 31 contests before the All-Star break. The right-handed-hitting Chaparro is used almost exclusively in a short-side platoon role against left-handed pitching, with Daylen Lile replacing him in the seventh inning after Colorado brought in a right-handed reliever.

Steer was sent for X-rays following Monday's game against the Mariners after being struck by a pitch in the ribs, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Steer managed to remain in the game after being drilled in the top of the seventh inning, but the team is proceeding with caution by sending him for imaging. Manager Terry Francona said Cincinnati's medical staff has yet to find anything concerning after an initial evaluation, but "the docs are still looking at him," per C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. Steer can be considered day-to-day for the time being.

Walker (hip) was called on to pinch hit during Monday's game against the Marlins, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

This is an encouraging sign for Walker, who was held out of the lineup Sunday and again Monday after picking up a right hip injury over the weekend. The team is continuing to view the 35-year-old as day-to-day and will likely re-evaluate him again Tuesday to determine his availability going forward.

Horwitz (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Bradenton on Tuesday, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Horwitz has been on the 10-day injured list since suffering a left hamstring strain June 24 against Seattle. However, his rehab has been trending in the right direction, and he'll take the next step Tuesday. Horwitz has missed nearly a month of action, so he figures to need at least a handful of at-bats in the minors before being activated.

Hoskins went 2-for-5 with two solo home runs during the Guardians' 13-4 win over the Twins on Monday.

The Guardians tied a franchise record with seven home runs during Monday's blowout win, and Hoskins was responsible for two of the six long balls off Twins ace Joe Ryan. It was the first multi-homer game of the season for Hoskins and 14th of his major-league career, the last taking place May 31, 2025 against the Phillies as a member of the Brewers. It's been a down season for the veteran first baseman, though he's gone 5-for-22 with four solo home runs over his last six games.

Kurtz (thumb), who was cleared to begin a hitting progression and fielded grounders Monday, could return from the injured list as early as this weekend against the Twins, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

This is a clear step in the right direction for Kurtz, who hadn't been able to ramp up his activity much until Monday due to a right thumb capsule sprain. The club will keep a close eye on the 23-year-old as the week progresses, and while manager Mark Kotsay did note there's a chance Kurtz could return for the A's weekend series, he admits this may be a bit of an optimistic timeline.

Walker (hip) is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins.

Walker will take a seat for the second day in a row after he was removed from Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Orioles due to right hip tightness. LaMonte Wade will pick up the start at first base Monday in place of Walker, whom the Astros are viewing as day-to-day after he was able to take part in baseball activities Sunday.

Vaughn will start at first base and bat sixth in Monday's game against the Mets.

Vaughn has maintained a stellar .856 OPS over 57 games this season, but he's nonetheless had to settle for a part-time role against right-handed pitching since coming off the injured list in early May while Jake Bauers has solidified himself as the Brewers' top option at first base. However, with Sal Frelick (shoulder) going on the injured list Sunday, Milwaukee could have near-everyday roles available for both Bauers and Vaughn in the short term. Bauers will make his second straight start in right field, which will once again open up first base for Vaughn.

Goldschmidt will start at first base and bat third in Monday's game against the Pirates.

Goldschmidt looked to be fading into more of a part-time role heading into the All-Star break, but he's now picked up starts -- all against right-handed pitchers -- in three of the Yankees' first four games of the second half. The 38-year-old is still slashing a lowly .143/.189/.257 with a 45.9 percent strikeout rate over 10 games in July, so he'll need to show some improvement to fully solidify himself as a regular in the New York lineup.