MLB Player News

Bogaerts went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and three RBI in Friday's 7-2 win over Oakland.

Bogaerts clubbed his sixth homer of the season in the fourth inning then gave the Red Sox breathing room with a two-run double in the ninth. It came on a special night for Bogaerts, who set the Red Sox franchise record for most games played (1,094) at shortstop. He's expected to set another record Saturday when he makes his 1,082nd start at short.

Crawford went 1-for-5 with a grand slam and an additional RBI in Friday's 15-6 win over the Marlins.

Crawford opened the scoring with an RBI on a groundout in the first inning. He then finished off the Giants' run production with his seventh-inning grand slam, which was his first home run since May 23. The shortstop had gone 0-for-11 in his last four contests before sitting out due to an illness Thursday. For the season, he's slashing .215/.301/.343 with five homers, 24 RBI, 23 runs scored, a stolen base, five doubles and a triple in 47 games.

Witt went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Friday's 10-3 loss to the Astros.

Witt went yard in the sixth inning, accounting for the only runs the Royals mustered against Astros starter Jose Urquidy. Prior to Friday, Witt had gone 0-for-14 in his last four contests, so it's positive to see him break the slump in a big way, even if it had little impact on the game. The 21-year-old is slashing .227/.269/.443 with seven homers, 27 RBI, 24 runs scored, seven stolen bases, 13 doubles and three triples in 197 plate appearances, but he's also striking out at a 25.4 percent clip while walking at just a 4.1 percent rate.

Diaz went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in Friday's 10-3 win over the Royals.

Diaz was just 1-for-13 in his previous five games, but he broke that skid in a big way Friday. The utility man hit a two-run home run in the second inning to open the scoring and added an RBI single in the fourth. This was his seventh multi-hit game in 33 contests this season. With a .233/.282/.330 slash line in 110 plate appearances, Diaz shouldn't be expected to see much more than a reserve role when the Astros' lineup is healthy.

Smith left Friday's game against the Mariners with left shoulder soreness, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

He will be further evaluated in the next day, so for now he should be considered day-to-day. Smith went 1-for-3 as the leadoff hitter before exiting. Charlie Culberson replaced him at third base.

Lindor (finger) is starting at shortstop and batting third Friday against the Dodgers.

Per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Lindor has a small fracture in his finger but it's something he can play through once the swelling went down. Even so, it's a little surprising he isn't in as the designated hitter, but perhaps that's a testament to how minor the fracture is.

Reyes was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

Reyes failed to land a spot on the Brewers' 40-man roster this year, but he slashed .264/.345/.450 with five homers, 29 runs, 17 RBI and seven stolen bases over 33 games in Nashville to begin the year. The 28-year-old will provide depth for the major-league club after Mike Brosseau (ankle) was placed on the 10-day injured list.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that Ahmed will be shut down after dealing with some right shoulder soreness during his rehab, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.

Ahmed has been on the COVID-19 injured list since May 17, but he was cleared to play in extended spring training games this week. However, he's apparently dealing with a shoulder issue and will meet with Dr. Neal ElAttrache to determine the next steps in his rehab process. It's not yet clear when the 32-year-old will be able to rejoin the Diamondbacks, but Geraldo Perdomo should continue to serve as the team's primary shortstop in Ahmed's absence.

Leonard has a .264/.366/.460 line with seven homers, one steal and a 20:36 BB:K over 47 games for High-A Great Lakes this season.

He slugged 22 homers and stole nine bags in the minors last year, but Leonard's power and speed production have both fallen off noticeably so far this season. Even so, the 21-year-old has been solid at the plate while seeing time at three infield positions (second, third and short) as well as center field. He seems to have a classic utility profile, though there's still room for skill growth here.

Velazquez is not in Friday's lineup against the Phillies, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

He is hitting .200 with one home run and two steals over his last 60 at-bats. Manager Joe Maddon recently called Velazquez "the best shortstop in the American League," according to Greg Joyce of the New York Post. It's that strong defense that has earned Velazquez this much playing time this season. Tyler Wade will start at shortstop and hit ninth.