MLB Player News

Smith (back) started at shortstop in Triple-A Las Vegas' loss to Sugar Land on Friday and played five innings, going 1-for-2.

Smith made his rehab debut with the Aviators on Thursday as the designated hitter, so the fact he was able to not only play on back-to-back days, but also log five innings in the field while doing so, was certainly encouraging. Smith has been sidelined since mid-June with his back strain, so he likely needs at least several more rehab games before he's fully back in sync physically and mentally.

Story (elbow) went 1-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run for Triple-A Worcester on Friday.

Story played the field once again and is looking ready to be activated. The Red Sox's official site indicates Story could be activated when the team begins a homestand next Friday against the Blue Jays.

Allen went 2-for-4 with an RBI triple, a walk and a run in a win over the Rockies on Friday.

The struggling shortstop was one of several Athletics bats to take advantage of the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field in Friday's offensive breakout. Allen's triple was his first at the big-league level, and the multi-hit effort, his first since July 15, snapped the 24-year-old out of a 1-for-25 skid that had encompassed his previous eight games.

Witt went 4-for-5 with a double, a grand slam, six total RBI, two runs scored and a steal in Friday's victory over the Twins.

Witt provided a memorable moment in front of the home crowd with his walk-off grand slam against Twins closer Jhoan Duran, capping off a four-hit effort with his first homer since July 16. The 23-year-old stuffed the stat sheet and is now up to 17 home runs and 29 steals through 103 games this season. Expectations seemed almost impossibly high for Witt as a prospect breaking into the majors and yet he's managed to live up to those expectations. He's looking like a potential first-round pick in roto leagues next year.

Crawford (knee) went 1-for-4 with a walk and a run scored in Friday's 5-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Crawford missed Wednesday's game with a knee injury, but an off day Thursday allowed him to heal enough to get back in the lineup. The shortstop has put together an excellent July, batting .329 (28-for-85) with 12 walks over 22 contests. He's up to a .261/.368/.400 slash line with eight home runs, 35 RBI, 54 runs scored and a stolen base through 96 contests, and he continues to look solid atop the Mariners' lineup.

Crawford (knee) is back in the lineup Friday at Arizona.

Crawford will start at shortstop and bat leadoff for the visiting Mariners after missing Wednesday's series finale in Minnesota due to a right knee contusion. It was never a serious concern.

Neto was scratched from the lineup Friday versus the Blue Jays due to renewed back stiffness, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Andrew Velazquez will play shortstop and bat ninth for the Angels as Neto continues to struggle through a back issue that first popped up last weekend. He is considered day-to-day.

Smith (back) started at designated hitter and went 1-for-3 with an RBI single in Triple-A Las Vegas' loss to Sugar Land on Thursday.

Smith enjoyed a solid start to his rehab assignment. The infielder will work up to playing defense in subsequent games as he completes his recovery from a mid-June back strain.

Smith (back) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday.

Smith will likely need a number of rehab games before being activated. When he's ready, he should return to the top spot on the shortstop depth chart in Oakland.

Neto (back) is starting at shortstop and batting leadoff in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader versus the Tigers.

Neto sat out the first contest of the double dip, which was his third straight game missed with a back problem. The rookie shortstop is doing much better, though, and will serve as a table setter as the Angels go for a doubleheader sweep.