MLB Player News

Soler went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run Thursday against the White Sox.

Soler took Ross Detwiler deep in the third inning to record his 26th homer of the season. He's swung a hot bat since the All-Star break, recording four multi-hit efforts and three home runs in seven starts. Soler is now hitting .248/.319/.518 across 404 plate appearances for the season.

Buxton (concussion) participated in on-field drills early on Thursday, MLB.com reports. "He's doing some activities out in the field, he was here early taking care of all of that. It was a good day," said manager Rocco Baldelli.

Buxton did some running and felt well. It sounds like he could return from the 7-day IL when eligible July 23 if he doesn't have any setbacks.

Choi isn't in the starting lineup for Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Choi went 0-for-3 with a walk in Game 1, and he'll head to the bench for the last half of the twin bill. Nate Lowe draws the start at first base and will hit third in Choi's stead.

Ramirez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a 4-3 victory against the Padres on Thursday.

The 24-year-old hasn't displayed much power this season, but he has over the last few days. He has four extra-base hits in the last four games, and dating back to July 6, Ramirez has two homers in his most recent seven contests. Ramirez is batting .286 with four home runs, 24 RBI, 29 runs and two steals in 203 at-bats this season.

Alvarez (knee) is starting at designated hitter and hitting fifth Thursday against the Angels, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez is still recovering from the left knee injury he suffered near the end of June, and while it could occasionally force the youngster to miss a game or two, it won't keep him out of the lineup for Thursday's series finale. The 22-year-old, who is slashing .323/.402/.677 with nine home runs and 29 RBI through his first 25 big-league games, will face righty Matt Harvey in this one.

Miller is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Dodgers, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Miller picked up a start at third base in both of the past two games, smacking a home run and driving in three runs between the contests. Now that Maikel Franco has recovered from his groin injury, he'll take back his usual duties at the hot corner while Miller returns to his normal bench role.

Vientos went 3-for-4 with a double and a solo home run for Low-A Columbia on Wednesday.

That's three homers in the last five games for Vientos, and the Mets' No. 4 fantasy prospect is now slashing a fantastic .380/.446/.680 through 14 games in July. He won't turn 20 until December, so any success he has in full-season ball is impressive, but his recent hot streak is offering hope that the power potential scouts saw in his lanky 6-4 frame is quickly becoming actual in-game power. Vientos is still at least a couple of years from the majors, but a big second half will send him skyrocketing back up prospect lists.

Goins, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday, could get an extended run at shortstop for the White Sox while Tim Anderson (ankle) remains sidelined, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Goins started at shortstop and homered in his first game with the team Wednesday. Jose Rondon was not productive as a fill-in, and the White Sox prefer Leury Garcia in the outfield, particularly after losing productive outfielder Eloy Jimenez (shoulder) to injury.

Brantley went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and another run scored in Wednesday's 11-2 rout of the Angels.

Brantley got the Astros on the board by swatting his 100th career home run, a two-run shot off Felix Pena in the first inning. He then scored again in the fifth after getting hit by a pitch. It's just business as usual for the veteran outfielder, who is now slashing .324/.382/.508 with 13 home runs, 51 RBI and 51 runs scored.

Reed launched a three-run home run in his only at-bat during Wednesday's loss to the Royals.

Reed came in to pinch hit for Ryan Cordell in the ninth inning and hit a three-run shot off Willy Peralta to cut the deficit to 7-5. Unfortunately, the White Sox still came up short. The 26-year-old made his debut with Chicago after being claimed off waivers during the All-Star break. Reed is now hitting .286 through his first 14 plate appearances.