MLB Player News

The Royals have assigned newly acquired pitcher Liam Hendricks to Triple-A Omaha, FOX Sports Kansas City reports. Erik Kratz, who was also acquired in the Danny Valencia trade, will join the big-league team Tuesday. The Royals have also recalled shortstop Christian Colon and designated catcher Brett Hayes for assignment.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt passed his concussion test Monday, according to the Mercury News.

Belt said he feels good, and is hoping to begin baseball activities soon. He's been sidelined since July 19 due to the injury. Belt is hitting .242/.304/.455 over 165 at-bats. There's still no timetable for his return.

Brilliant numbers are not necessarily typical numbers for Tigers stud first baseman Miguel Cabrera. He's batting .309 with 16 home runs, 81 RBI and .895 OPS. But he is scuffling in comparison to the stats he compiled before being slowed by abdominal issues in the second half of last season that required surgery.

Brad Ausmus recognizes that. "He's scuffling a little bit right now," he told the Detroit News. "I think he's been a little frustrated all year. Post-surgery - everything's not in sync. I think surgery is the root cause of it. It can take time. I think there are side effects from all of that."

Cabrera is hitless in his last nine at-bats and has just 16 home runs this season after slugging 44 in each of his last two years. His .531 slugging percentage is more than 100 points off what he compiled in 2013.

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes enjoyed a productive night at the dish Sunday against the Rangers.

Cespedes broke the game open with a two-run double in the fifth inning. He added a single and finished 2 for 5 with a run scored and two RBI in a 9-3 victory. He owns a .256/.305/.465 slash line with 17 homers and 65 RBI in 387 at-bats.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt is still dealing with concussion-like symptoms, according to CSN.

Belt will be examined by a specialist Sunday afternoon. There's no timetable for his recovery at this time. Belt was hitting .242/.304/.455 over 165 at-bats prior to the injury.

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes was one of four Oakland players to hit a home run during Saturday's 5-1 win at Texas.

Cespedes combined with John Jaso to hit back-to-back home runs off Nick Tepesch in the sixth inning. Jaso gave Oakland a 2-1 lead with a two-run homer, and then Cespedes put Oakland up 3-1 with his 17th home run this season. It was his third in three games.

Cespedes has hit safely in seven straight games out of the All-Star break. He is batting .345 (10 for 29) with two doubles, three home runs, seven RBI, seven runs and one stolen base in that span.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy told reporters that first baseman Brandon Belt is making progress and is "feeling much better" in his recovery from post-concussion symptoms, according to the Bay Area News Group on Friday.

Belt has yet to be cleared to begin physical activities. He owns owns a .242/.304/.455 slash line with 10 homers and 23 RBI in 165 at-bats before the injury. 

Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez has returned to action Friday.

Martinez has missed two games due to a quad injury. He was initially scheduled to play Thursday, but was a late scratch. Martinez is hitting .327/.363/.606 over 208 at-bats. 

Athletics slugger Yoenis Cespedes is set to start Friday against Texas after missing the Thursday game with a thumb injury.

Cespedes has been on a tear of late with eight hits in his last five games, including a two-tater performance Wednesday against Houston in which he drove in five runs.

Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez was a late scratch Thursday night against the Angels because of quad soreness. He has missed back-to-back games because of the ailment. He is hitting .327 with 13 homers and 44 RBI in 208 at-bats. Martinez's status remains uncertain for Friday's game against the Angels.