MLB Player News

Fry went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Friday's 8-6 win over the Athletics.

Fry hit his fourth home run of the season Friday, a two-run shot as part of a four-run third inning. It's a good sign for the 29-year-old, who has really struggled at the plate to start his year following an All-Star campaign last season. He had an .804 OPS, 14 home runs and 51 RBI in 122 regular-season games last year but owns just a .559 OPS, four home runs and seven RBI in 32 games this season.

Rooker went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a triple and two RBI during Friday's 8-6 loss to the Guardians.

Rooker looked like he was still in Home Run Derby mode Friday, knocking out his 21st home run of the season as part of a two-hit, two-RBI day. In doing so, the 30-year-old extended his hit streak -- which he started before the break -- to seven games. Over that time, he is 11-for-26 (.423 batting average) with three homers, a triple, three doubles and eight RBI.

Suzuki went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Friday's 4-1 win over the Red Sox.

Suzuki's 26th home run of the season with two runners on in the first inning ended up being the difference in the game. The outfielder has already set a new career high in long balls, and he's now up to sixth in the majors this year. Suzuki's 80 RBI, which are also a new career best, are good for third in MLB, trailing only sluggers Cal Raleigh with 82 and Aaron Judge with 81. Now in his fourth season since coming over from Japan, Suzuki is really taking off as an offensive force for the Cubs.

Alvarez (hand) started swinging a bat Friday and is traveling with the team, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Friday is the start of a six-game road trip for the Astros, and general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that the organization could "try to expedite (Alvarez's) return." Alvarez may have just started swinging, but it looks like Houston will push to get him in the lineup sometime during the road trip. He'll likely be eased into action by playing DH at first, though. Alvarez has been on the IL since May 5 with a fractured hand.

The Diamondbacks recalled Del Castillo from Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Del Castillo held his own in the big leagues last season, slashing .313/.368/.525 over 87 plate appearances. The 25-year-old backstop has now earned another chance with the big club after posting a .945 OPS with Reno during the first half, and he's expected to work as Arizona's DH against righties until Pavin Smith (oblique) returns from the IL.

Winker (back) recently had an epidural and will be shut down for 7-to-10 days, Laura Albanese of Newsday reported Friday.

Winker received an injection to address the pain in his back and will be shut down for at least one week. The 31-year-old has been on the shelf since July 11, and Friday's news likely means he won't be back until August.

Santander (shoulder) hasn't resumed swinging and will be evaluated by the Blue Jays' medical staff in Toronto, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Santander will return to Toronto to undergo further evaluations. The outfielder has hit a plateau in his recovery from a left shoulder subluxation and hasn't been cleared to swing since being placed on the injured list May 30. He'll become eligible for activation toward the end of July, but there's no timeline for his return.

Ozuna is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Yankees.

It's the second straight absence from the lineup and third in the past four games for Ozuna, as Atlanta has prioritized getting catchers Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy in the lineup at the same time. Ozuna's expiring contract makes him a prime candidate to be traded ahead of the July 31 deadline given Atlanta's disappointing 42-53 record.

Stanton is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Atlanta.

Stanton will get an additional day of rest following the All-Star break. In his place, Ben Rice will DH and bat sixth. Stanton is slashing .246/.333/.449 in 78 plate appearances this season.

Trout said Friday he's hoping to return to the outfield "soon" but remains without a timetable, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Trout resumed outfield drills Friday for the first time since returning from the injured list May 30, but it's unclear when he'll actually see game action in the outfield. Then-manager Ron Washington said June 6 that Trout could play in right field soon, so Friday's news shouldn't be interpreted as a guarantee. Considering Trout's injury history, the Angels aren't expected to rush him into playing defense and could shut him down if his body doesn't respond well.