MLB Player News

Nationals second baseman Anthony Rendon heads into Monday's game against the Pirates trying to hit his way out of a slump. Rendon enters play Monday batting .130 (3 for 23) in his last six games.

Rendon's 3-for-23 slide has dropped his average from .303 to .280.

The Nationals finish up an 11-game homestand this week against the Pirates and Mets. Rendon is batting .287 with a .416 slugging percentage in 26 home games. He also has a .100 average (2 for 20) in five games against the Mets.

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria has been in a slump for about a month.

Longoria is hitting just .157/.330/.300 since June 23. Longoria's overall numbers are still solid. He's hitting .278/.258/.517 in 360 at-bats. Longoria hit a home run during Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, so that could be sign he's starting to turn things around. 

Rockies rookie third baseman Nolan Arenado is having a rough time in July. He is batting .135 through 16 games and that's on top of his home run drought, which has extended 22 games.

Though, Arenado's two-out single to center field in the sixth inning Sunday against the Cubs led to two runs that clinched a 4-3 win and could provide the rookie with the catalyst to snap his slump. He came into the sixth inning Sunday hitless in 18 at-bats and mired in a 3-for-41 slump.

"I got a pitch to hit and I took the right swing," Arenado said, per The Denver Post. "I have been kind of getting out of my swing approach lately, but luckily I stayed within myself and did the job."

Rockies manager Walt Weiss was encouraged by Arenado's clutch hit.

"It was a huge hit for Nolan," Weiss said. "Nolan doesn't shy away from those pressure at-bats. He likes to be the guy."

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria homered for the second time in three games Sunday against the Blue Jays. His solo home run leading off the fourth inning off R.A. Dickey was his 20th.

Longoria has homered three times in 16 July games but is batting .172 (10 for 58) for the month. Longoria has a double, eight RBI and 12 walks.

Brewers shortstop Jean Segura stole two bases while going 1 for 4 at the plate in his team's 2-0 win over the Marlins Friday. Segura swiped both second and third base after reaching on an infield single in the first inning.

Segura has hit .324/.362/.484 with 11 home runs, 36 RBI and 29 stolen bases in 376 at-bats.

The Orioles have recalled Danny Valencia for Friday's game against Texas, MLB.com reports. Valencia has played 21 games for the Orioles this year with a .230/.277/.508 line and four home runs.

Rangers infield prospect Mike Olt and pitching prospect C.J. Edwards are in play in trade talks for Cubs pitcher Matt Garza, Fox Sports reports. A deal between the teams is reportedly getting closer to completion.

The Cubs have asked teams for final offers for Garza, who has been one of the most discussed names on the trade market this season. While the Rangers appear to be the furthest along in trade talks, other teams are thought to be involved in discussions for Garza.

Orioles infielder Danny Valencia will likely be promoted Thursday, according to MASN.

Valencia is no longer listed with Triple-A Norfolk and will likely replace someone going to the disabled list. Valencia is hitting .230/.277/.508 in 61 at-bats. 

Phillies third baseman Michael Young's name has come up plenty in trade rumors. His status definitely could have an impact on third-base prospect Cody Asche, who is enjoying a strong campaign for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Asche, who is ranked by MLB.com as the Phillies' ninth-best prospect, is batting .288 with a .453 slugging percentage and .802 OPS in 93 games. He has four triples, 10 home runs, 11 stolen bases, 21 doubles and 56 RBI. He's committed 11 errors and has a .955 fielding percentage.

The Phillies are still trying to decide whether to be sellers at the July 31 trade deadline. If they still want to make a run at the postseason, they would likely keep Young for his veteran presence in the clubhouse. If he is dealt, then it opens the door for Asche's arrival.

Though if Young is dealt, I would personally like to see the Phillies promote Maikel Franco, who is at Double-A Reading. Franco has the higher upside than Asche and is having a monster year. If the Phillies put up the white flag, why not give Franco a taste of the majors before he competes for a roster spot next spring?

Adrian Beltre doesn't figure to vacate the third base spot in Texas anytime soon, but at age 24, Mike Olt is ready to break through in the majors. The Rangers know they're running out of time to redeem his value, which is why they're trying to make him the centerpiece of a deal for Matt Garza.

But even if Olt doesn't go to the Cubs, he's a pretty safe bet to go somewhere at the trade deadline, and wherever he goes, he's pretty much sure to start right away. He's at the point where staying in the minors is doing him more harm than good.

Then again, would you really want him in Fantasy? He's hitting .211 at Triple-A Round Rock. Keep in mind, though, he was dealing with blurred vision for the first month or so. Since returning to the lineup May 31, he's batting .247 with eight homers in 174 at-bats. At worst, he's like a more patient version of Juan Francisco, which makes him worth stashing in deeper Rotisserie leagues.