MLB Player News

Miller's career-high 20 homers in 2016 have mostly been over 400 feet, his most extensive power display at any level in his career, Sam Blum of MLB.com reports. "He's got really good hands. He's really strong," Rays hitting coach Derek Shelton said. "What he does with his contact point and where he gets the ball is what enables him to hit the ball hard and get the ball elevated."

Miller has particularly been on a tear over the last two months, during which he's blasted 15 of his 20 round-trippers. The distance on those homers has notably shot up when compared that of the 11 he managed for the Mariners in 2015, which averaged 391 feet with an average exit velocity of 102.8 mph according to Statcast. Those figures have seen a boost to 415 feet and 105.8 mph in 2016, with the former number placing him fifth in the majors behind the likes of sluggers Carlos Gonzalez, Giancarlo Stanton, Trevor Story and Nelson Cruz. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that the has managed to nearly double his HR/FB rate from the 10.3 percent he managed in 2015, currently knocking 20 percent of the pitches he puts in the air out of the park. Although the overall power numbers are certainly a revelation, the Rays were aware they were getting a player with the ability to make hard contact consistently when they acquired Miller, a trait that is keeping him in the lineup despite the recent displacement from his natural shortstop position due to the imminent arrival of newly acquired Matt Duffy. "We did have a lot of confidence and were very optimistic about his bat and his overall play," Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. "And we've seen that. The actual home run numbers, I think you could say are a little bit of a surprise. He hadn't done that before. I don't know if he's ever hit 20 home runs anywhere."

Brantley's recent consultation with doctors confirmed the diagnosis of biceps tendinitis, MLB.com reports.

The Indians plan on having a clearer path on the next steps for Brantley in the coming days but at this point things aren't trending in a positive direction. A return date when rosters expand in September appears to be the best case scenario at this point.

Vargas went 2-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI in the first game of Thursday's double-header against the Astros.

Vargas has been impressive since getting called up on July 4, and kept it going Thursday afternoon by putting his name in the team's record books. He hit a solo homer off Doug Fister in the second while batting left-handed before hitting a two-run homer off lefty Tony Sipp in the eighth batting right-handed. Vargas joins Roy Smalley, Chili Davis and Ryan Doumit as the only Twins to homer from both sides of the plate in one game. The 26-year-old continues seeing spot work this month, but his 1.041 OPS through 77 at-bat's makes Vargas a must-start when he's in the lineup.

Reed is out of the lineup for Thursday's second game against the Twins.

Reed was in the DH spot for the first game, going 2-for-5 with two runs scored in the win over Minnesota. He will spend the second game on the bench, as Jose Altuve takes over at DH while Tyler White mans first.

Carpenter went 2-for-4 Wednesday, hitting a triple and a home run and scoring two of the Cardinals' three runs en route to their 3-2 win over the Reds.

Carpenter has been phenomenal as the Cardinals' leadoff hitter this season, getting on base at .414 clip. But Carpenter has also been hitting for power, his .553 slugging percentage being a career-best. The home run was Carpenter's 15th of the season, and the triple was his sixth of the year despite not stealing a single base.

Martinez went 3-for-7 with his 14th homer of the year in Tuesday's 15-inning loss to the Mariners.

Martinez hasn't missed a beat since returning to the lineup, and has put together 13 multi-hit efforts in a remarkable 20-game stretch dating back to before his elbow injury. Reaching last season's mark of 38 long balls was always going to be a tall order for the 28-year-old right fielder even if he stayed healthy, but topping 20 for a third straight season is still a very achievable goal despite the six-week layoff.

Cabrera went 3-for-6 with a homer, a walk and two RBI in Tuesday's 15-inning loss to Seattle.

Cabrera reached in his first four appearances of this marathon contest, but faded down the stretch. The veteran marked a three-year high with his 26th homer of the season, and has been on a power binge of late with seven long balls in the last 13 games. He continues to be among baseball's elite bats with a .311/384/.551 line at age 33.

Turner is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Phillies.

This appears to be just a routine day off for Turner, who has played a full contest in every game since July 5. He is not among the elite third basemen in the game, but he is in that next group, as his 21 homers are tied with Kyle Seager for eighth among third basemen and his .848 OPS ranks ninth among regulars at the position. Rob Segedin will get a rare start at the hot corner Wednesday, batting eighth.

Harper (neck) remains out of the lineup Wednesday against the Indians, CSN Mid-Atlantic's Chase Hughes reports.

A stiff neck will keep Harper sidelined for a third straight game Wednesday, with Brian Goodwin getting his first big league start in right field in his stead. The Nationals are off Thursday, so Harper will have a full four days to rest in advance of this weekend's series against the Braves. The team has been pretty quiet regarding the details and seriousness of the injury, so he should still be considered day-to-day until we hear otherwise.

Pederson went 1-for-2 with two walks, two runs and an RBI in Tuesday's 9-3 win over the Phillies.

Pederson did a good job staying within himself and working his way on base while those around him did the heavy lifting. His 12.2-percent walk rate represents a career-low since cracking the majors in 2014, but still allows the patient young outfielder to contribute even when the hits aren't coming.