MLB Player News

Rizzo (back) received an epidural Friday and will likely be unavailable until at least Tuesday, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

Rizzo has been dealing with a back issue for a few days and recently remained in California to see a specialist. He'll be forced to miss the Yankees' weekend series against the Rays, but manager Aaron Boone hopes that the first baseman will be able to avoid a trip to the injured list.

Steer, who is starting at third base and batting seventh Friday, will be in the lineup as much as possible down the stretch, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

This makes sense, as Steer is one of only a few healthy hitters who could be a part of the Reds' long-term core. The 24-year-old was a shortstop in college before being a third-round pick of the Twins in 2019, but he primarily played third base this year in the minors while also seeing 20-plus games at second base and short. He slashed .259/.354/.479 with 15 home runs in 71 games at Triple-A split between St. Paul and Louisville.

Casas will remain at Triple-A Worcester for now but could be added to the major-league roster later in September, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora noted Thursday the prospect could still be up with the team before the end of the season, but he said the organization wants Casas to get more reps with the WooSox after he missed two months with an ankle injury. "He's still getting his at-bats, he's getting his repetitions. That's the most important thing. Everybody gets excited, 'Yeah, get him here and do this.' But as of now, I think that's the best way for him to keep getting reps and keep getting better," Cora said. Casas has a .926 OPS with five home runs and 15 RBI over 35 games (166 plate appearances) since rejoining Worcester on July 22. Boston has a hole at first base, but Casas may not get a chance to fill it until Opening Day 2023.

Mountcastle went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's victory over Cleveland.

Mountcastle blasted a home run off Shane Bieber to give the Orioles a 3-0 lead on their third solo shot of the game. The first baseman had been in a mini-slump during his prior six games, batting .100 (2-for-20) with zero extra-base hits, nine strikeouts and only one RBI.

Walker went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in a 5-0 win against the Brewers on Thursday.

Walker posted a .346/.417/.615 slash line with seven homers in August, and he carried that momentum over to the new month with his third straight multi-hit game. His first-inning, two-run homer was his first in seven games and gave him a new career high with 75 RBI. Walker is tied for sixth in the majors with 31 homers on the campaign.

France went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI on Thursday against the Tigers.

France delivered his 17th home run of the season in the third inning, going back-to-back with Julio Rodriguez. After an 18-game stretch without a long ball, France has now gone deep in three of his last four games. For the season, he is hitting .284/.351/.446 across 485 plate appearances.

Rizzo remained in California to visit a back specialist and could miss the Yankees' weekend series against the Rays, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Rizzo's injury didn't seem particularly serious at the time of the diagnosis, as manager Aaron Boone said a stint on the injured list was not in consideration. However, the visit to a specialist is a noteworthy development -- at least until further word emerges on the results of the evaluation.

Beaty was recalled from Triple-A El Paso on Thursday.

Beaty returned from the 60-day injured list in mid-August but was immediately optioned to El Paso, and he'll now rejoin the big-league club with rosters expanding to 28 players. The 29-year-old has a .364 OPS in 40 plate appearances this season and should fill a depth role while up in the majors.

Calhoun is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Red Sox.

The lefty-hitting Calhoun is on the bench for the fourth time in six games, with each absence coming against a left-handed starting pitcher. The righty-hitting Bubba Thompson will once again spell Calhoun in left field.

The Rays recalled Aranda from Triple-A Durham on Thursday.

Aranda, 24, is one of Tampa Bay's best hitting prospects, having amassed a .319/.394/.521 slash line this year at Triple-A. He has 20-plus starts at first base, second base and third base, while also getting a handful of starts at designated hitter and in left field. With Brandon Lowe and Isaac Paredes banged up, Aranda may be able to get a few starts per week down the stretch.