MLB Player News

Story went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer and a walk in Wednesday's 8-7 loss to the Angels.

Story's only hit of the night came early as he launched a two-run homer in the first inning for a quick 2-0 lead. The 28-year-old has seen a dip in his hitting and overall power this season, as he's slashing .240/.313/.429 with 13 homers, 48 RBI, 48 runs scored, 17 steals and 32:90 BB:K over 371 plate appearances. He's struggled in 11 games since the All-Star break with a .586 OPS and 36.7 percent strikeout rate.

Seager's (hand) recovery has progressed well, and he is hoping to be activated from the injured list during the team's weekend series against Arizona, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Seager has been sidelined since mid-May due to the fracture in his right hand. He is currently playing in simulated games at the team's spring training facility in Arizona and has not experienced any soreness for several days. It was previously reported that Seager would need a rehab assignment in addition to the simulated game action, though it appears that plan may have now changed.

Crawford (oblique) believes he'll be activated from the 10-day injured list Thursday, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

The veteran shortstop resumed baseball activities over the weekend, and he's apparently progressed significantly in his rehab work over the past few days. Crawford landed on the shelf July 19 with a strained oblique, and it appears he won't require a rehab assignment before being activated.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk revealed Wednesday that Cruz (forearm) is now asymptomatic, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Cruz recently rejoined Double-A Altoona to continue his recovery, and his forearm is now feeling normal. The right-hander will be evaluated in the coming days to determine his next steps.

Baez (heel) isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Reds.

Baez was a late scratch from Tuesday's lineup, and he didn't appear off the bench as he continues to deal with a bruised left heel. Nico Hoerner will start at shortstop while Matt Duffy starts at second base.

Mauricio went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo homers, a walk and three runs in High-A Brooklyn's win over Jersey Shore on Tuesday.

After a difficult June in which the 20-year-old shortstop hit just .202, he's in the midst of an excellent July that's seen him bat .293 with five homers, two steals, 14 RBI and 11 runs across 19 games. Mauricio's season line -- .247/.289/.459 with 13 homers and six steals -- still leaves something to be desired, but he's made positive strides nonetheless, showing increased power and more than holding his own despite being three years younger than the average player in the High-A East. He's still raw, as he simply doesn't have a ton of minor-league experience and his plate discipline remains a work in progress, so the Mets would do well to give him plenty of development time.

DeJong went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Tuesday's 4-2 win over Cleveland.

His seventh-inning blast off Bryan Shaw proved to be the game-winning hit. DeJong has four of his 14 homers on the year in the last 12 games, a stretch during which he's produced a blistering .385/.429/.692 slash line.

Turner was removed from Tuesday's game against the Phillies after testing positive for COVID-19, Maria Torres of The Athletic reports.

Turner's removal from Tuesday's game after the top of the first inning fueled trade rumors and injury speculation, but he instead tested positive for coronavirus and was immediately pulled per MLB protocols. The 27-year-old will be away from the team for the near future until he clears the health and safety protocols.

Turner wasn't traded and was instead removed from Tuesday's game against the Phillies with an apparent injury, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Turner's exit after the top of the first inning fueled trade rumors, but he appeared to suffer an injury while running the bases. The 27-year-old's status should be updated before the end of the evening.

Baez (heel) was removed from Tuesday's lineup against the Reds, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The 28-year-old was initially deemed good to go for Tuesday's contest after not starting Monday, but he apparently requires at least another day out of the lineup while his left heel recovers. Baez should be considered day-to-day for now, and the Cubs figure to provide an update on his condition no later than Wednesday afternoon. Nico Hoerner enters the lineup to play shortstop in his place.