MLB Player News

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna was hitting well over .300 after the first month of the season, and the 23-year-old seemed to be figuring himself out after an up-and-down rookie season.

Unfortunately, the month of May has brought back the bad side of his inconsistency, as he entered play Wednesday against the Phillies hitting just .140. A big part of his step back has been an inability to make contact; after striking out 21 times in 100 at-bats in April, he has already whiffed 22 times in 57 trips in May.

"He goes through spurts where he's too aggressive, and then he's too patient," manager Mike Redmond told MLB.com Wednesday. "He will take some fastballs and swing at some breaking balls, which happens with a lot of young guys. The big leagues are a monster."

Ozuna is down to a .687 OPS in 44 games this season, after posting a .693 number as a rookie. He does already have 23 RBI and six home runs, in 44 games, after hitting three longballs in 70 games last season. 

Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf may not be with the team long, after being called up Wednesday from Triple-A.

Ruf, who replaced Cliff Lee on the active roster, could go right back down when Lee's spot in the rotation comes up again Saturday. The team has not made a decision on that at this point, but will have to before Saturday.

"He could be here for three months or three days," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "We're not sure yet."

Indians outfielder Michael Brantley caught fire Wednesday, going 4 for 7 with three RBI, two runs and two stolen bases in his team's 11-10 win over the Tigers.

Brantley knocked in two runs on a second-inning single and one more on a single in the 13th to tie the game at 10-10 before his team went on to win on a walkoff balk. He has hit .302/.370/.523 with nine home runs, 36 RBI and six stolen bases in 172 at-bats.

Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez followed up his first home run of the season Monday with another blast Wednesday, going 2 for 5 with two walks, one home run and three RBI in his team's 11-10 loss to the Indians.

Martinez has been extremely hot over his last three games, going 5 for 10 with a double, two home runs and four RBI. The offensive surge gives him a .267/.333/.489 line with two home runs and 10 RBI in 45 at-bats.

Indians left fielder Michael Brantley has emerged as a power hitter this season for the first time in his career, but not by changing his swing or approach. The result is that he appears destined to represent the team in the All-Star Game.

An injury to Jason Kipnis and lack of production from others in the lineup have forced Brantley to take over the third spot, but he has continued to thrive. His nine home runs this season is just one short of the career-high he set last season. He is also on pace for about 125 RBI - not bad considering his previous best was 73. He has also fanned just 16 times in 165 at-bats.

"It's fun to watch," Terry Francona told MLB.com when asked about Brantley's increased power numbers. "I think his base is stronger - his legs. As good hitter get to know themselves throughout the league, sometimes that evolves into more productiom. ... I don't think you see him selling out to hit home runs. It's just balls that maybe used to be doubles, he's starting to drive over the fence, which is great to see."

Brantley, who signed a four-year extension with the Indians in February, owns an impressive stat line of .291/.362/.515.

Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera has been tossed from the Wednesday game in Cleveland by home plate umpire Tim Timmons for arguing a strike call in the sixth inning. Don Kelly took his place at the plate.

Teammate Ian Kinsler fanned on the previous pitch when Timmons ruled he had gone around. Kinsler appeared upset. Timmons declined to check with the first-place umpire on what looked like a checked swing on the replay.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will begin doing range of motion exercises soon, according to MASN. 

Harper will see an occupational therapist soon, and could begin strengthening exercises. It would be the first step in Harper's rehab process. The news will not change his injury timeline. Harper hit .289 in 83 at-bats prior to the injury.

Cubs outfield prospect Jorge Soler is dealing with a hamstring injury again, according to MLB.com.

Soler injured his left hamstring during spring training, and missed a considerable amount of time recovering from the injury. Now, he's dealing with a right hamstring strain. He's exepected to rehab at the team complex in Arizona. Soler has played in just seven games due to the injuries. 

Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf has been called up Wednesday.

Ruf will take the roster spot of Cliff Lee, who was placed on the disabled list Tuesday night. Ruf has hit .265 over 46 at-bats in the minors. 

Mariners shortstop Brad Miller has struggled to open the season, leading some to call for him to be sent to the minors, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.

Miller has hit just .154 over 136 at-bats. There's a sense a minor-league stint could kick-start his bat, but the Mariners haven't made the move. That's possibly because infield prospect Chris Taylor fractured a finger recently. 

Taylor had gotten off to a nice start at Triple-A, hitting .372 over 145 at-bats. He would have been the most likely replacement for Miller in the majors. With Taylor hurt, Miller isn't likely to be shipped out.