MLB Player News

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is currently hitting .224 with 15 home runs and just three steals. His .713 OPS is about 150 points lower than last season, and his .286 OBP is lower than those of Lyle Overbay, Miguel Montero and Placido Polanco. 

Cespedes is still on pace for a 30-homer season, and his batting average struggles in the first half may have something to do with a string of minor injuies that he suffered and played through. His BABIP is only .250 (it should be about .300), and he's actually hitting more fly balls than last year, while his HR/FB rate remains pretty much the same. 

Cespedes should see improvement in batting average and steals in the second half, while keeping his power numbers up around the 30 home run pace. With an ugly overall line and whispers of a sophomore slump, Cespedes makes for a stellar buy-low candidate heading into the All-Star break. 

Mets infielder Justin Turner (intercostal strain) has started to hit off a tee and soft toss, according to ESPN. Turner has been on the 15-day disabled list since mid-June.

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is back in the fourth spot Wednesday against the Pirates.

Cespedes was demoted to the fifth spot in the lineup Tuesday, prompting speculation that he could be used lower in the order more often. The team doesn't have a need for a DH Wednesday, so that could be the reason for Cespedes' move.

Cespedes is hitting .224/.286/.427 in 295 at-bats. 

Cardinals All-Star second baseman Matt Carpenter had a big performance during Tuesday's 9-5 win vs. Houston. Carpenter rapped three hits, including two doubles, totaled three RBI and scored three times.

It was Carpenter's second three-hit game in July. He's hit safely in 15 of his last 17 games. Carpenter is batting .361 (26 for 72) with two triples, three home runs, eight doubles, 15 RBI and 17 runs in his last 17 games.

It might not show up in the stat column, but former Marlins reliever Jon Rauch made at least one significant contribution before he was jettisoned off the roster. Rauch helped rookie outfielder Marcell Ozuna with his throwing accuracy by changing the way Ozuna grips the baseball, according to The Miami Herald.

"The ball was diving before," Ozuna said. "Jon Rauch told me to grab the ball with the seams behind. I saw the difference right away. The ball went straight, straight, straight -- no movement."

Mariners shortstop Brad Miller knocked in a career-high four runs in Tuesday's loss to Boston.

Miller finished 3 for 5 with a pair of doubles as well. The rookie was playing in just his 11th career game (10th start) and had just two RBI entering the contest. Miller is hitting a robust .275/.356/.475 with four doubles and two triples in his first 40 at-bats.

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes was chosen Tuesday by Robinson Cano as the fourth member of the American League team for the Home Run Derby.

Cespedes joins Cano, Prince Fielder and Chris Davis on the American League team for Monday's event. The 27-year-old has 15 home runs and 42 RBI in 74 games this season. He has 38 home runs in 203 games since making his big-league debut March 28, 2012.

Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera will not compete in the Home Run Derby during the All-Star break. Yoenis Cespedes joins Robinson Cano, Chris Davis and Prince Fielder in the field. 

Cabrera was asked by Cano to participate but was hesitant as he preferred to rest a balky back. He'll take the derby off and play in the All-Star Game. Cabrera has 28 homers with a major-league leading .364 average and 90 RBI over 87 games. 

Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has been moved to the fifth spot in the order Tuesday against the Pirates.

Cespedes has mainly been used as the three or four hitter this season, but he did hit sixth Friday. Until he turns things around, he will likely be used lower in the order. Cespedes is hitting .223/.287/.430 in 291 at-bats. He'll face Gerrit Cole Tuesday.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt had a terrible performance during Monday's 16-inning loss to the Mets. Belt was hitless in eight at-bats and struck out five times.

Belt is the first San Francisco player since Jose Uribe in 1985 to go 0 for 8, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. He is also the third Giants player to strike out five times, following Steve Whitaker in 1970 and Glenallen Hill in 1995.

Belt has struck out 11 times in his last five games and is batting .174 (4 for 23) in six July games.