MLB Player News

Hummel started at catcher and went 1-for-4 in Wednesday's 18-2 loss to Philadelphia.

All five of Hummel's starts since being recalled Aug. 9 have come behind the dish. Normally an outfielder, Hummel added catching duties to his resume in 2022, and any playing time for the rest of the season will likely come as a catcher, as Arizona's outfield is crowded with some of the organization's best prospects, in addition to the suddenly valuable Jake McCarthy. Daulton Varsho -- one of the prospects in the outfield that came up through the system as a catcher -- could also be used behind the plate, but he's primarily focused on right field.

Harper went 3-for-4 with two walks, one RBI and two runs scored in Wednesday's 18-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Every Phillie in the starting lineup recorded at least two hits in the massively lopsided contest. Harper led the way by getting on base five times, though he wasn't as directly involved in run production. The 29-year-old hasn't missed a beat since returning from a broken thumb, going 8-for-21 (.381) with two doubles, four RBI and three runs scored in six games since he was activated. He's up to a .323/.395/.589 slash line with 15 home runs, 52 RBI, 52 runs scored and nine stolen bases through 70 contests overall.

Reyes went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Wednesday's win over the Blue Jays.

Reyes now has 13 home runs this season, with four of those coming since joining the Cubs via waivers earlier this month. The 27-year-old is also batting a solid .276 across 22 games with his new team, and he should continue to see regular playing time as Chicago's DH as long as he keeps producing like this.

Ruf will serve as the Mets' designated hitter and No. 5 batter in Wednesday's game against the Dodgers.

The Dodgers are bringing a lefty (Tyler Anderson) from the second straight day, so the righty-hitting Ruf will pick up another start at the expense of platoon mate Daniel Vogelbach. Since being acquired from the Giants on Aug. 2, Ruf has hit .206 with zero home runs, three doubles, six RBI and five runs in 15 games.

Vogelbach isn't starting Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Vogelbach is out of the lineup for a second consecutive game since southpaw Tyler Anderson is on the mound for the Dodgers. Darin Ruf is serving as the designated hitter and batting fifth.

Mercedes was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday, Amy Gutierrez of the Giants' official site reports.

Mercedes was called up and started at first base for Tuesday's game versus the Padres, but he will return to Sacramento on Wednesday. Andrew Knapp had his contract selected and will operate as the primary backup to Austin Wynns at catcher for the time being as Joey Bart (concussion) is unavailable.

Meneses went 3-for-5 with three doubles, a run scored and two RBI in Tuesday's 10-6 loss to the A's.

All three two-baggers came off Oakland starter Cole Irvin, extending Meneses' hitting streak to nine games. The 30-year-old rookie has been a bright spot for the Nationals in an otherwise dreary season, and he's slashing .348/.383/.618 through his first 94 plate appearances in the majors with six doubles, six homers, 11 RBI and 16 runs.

Pederson went 2-for-2 with a two-run home run and an additional run scored in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Padres.

Pederson didn't start Tuesday, but he was one of two Giants to record multiple hits anyway. His second hit was a two-run blast in the ninth inning that got the Giants within a run, though the comeback push fell short. That homer was his 20th of the year, putting the outfielder at that milestone for the first time since he slugged 36 homers in 2019. For the season, he's slashing .262/.337/.515 with 52 RBI, 44 runs scored, three stolen bases and 17 doubles through 106 contests.

Canha went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's loss to the Dodgers.

Canha continues to rake, as he slugged his 11th long ball of the season, a solo shot off Andrew Heaney in the fourth inning. The veteran outfielder has been on a tear recently, slashing .360/.448/.760 since Aug. 20 entering Tuesday. He now owns a 135 wRC+ this season, which would be the second highest mark of his career.

Morel went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and two RBI in Tuesday's loss to the Blue Jays.

Morel continues to have a solid rookie season, as he connected for his 13th home run of the season in the sixth inning. He's at nine stolen bases as well, and double figures in both categories would be impressive, especially considering he's only played in 86 games. Morel has seemingly played his way onto the 2023 Opening Day roster for the Cubs, and the 23-year-old could be primed for a breakout campaign if he keeps contributing power and speed.