MLB Player News

Baez went 2-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Wednesday's loss to the Red Sox.

Baez wasted no time hitting his sixth home run of the season, taking Michael Wacha deep in the first inning with a runner on. Three of those home runs have come in the past five games, and the shortstop is hitting a robust .450 during this stretch. Baez's overall numbers are still below his usual standards, but it seems like he's finally getting going at the plate.

Crawford, who isn't starting Wednesday against Atlanta, had an MRI on his bruised left knee come back clean, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The veteran shortstop is expected to be sidelined for a day or two after suffering the injury while sliding into home plate Tuesday, but it's now confirmed he's avoided a more serious issue. Thairo Estrada is starting at shortstop Wednesday while Crawford should be considered day-to-day.

De La Cruz has a .303/.353/.584 line with 12 homers and 18 steals over 56 games for High-A Dayton.

That terrific batting line is accompanied by a not-so-terrific 16:71 BB:K. That said, he's just 20 years old with plenty of room for continued skill growth -- and for what it's worth, he's put up a 6:7 BB:K (not to mention two homers, two doubles, a triple and three steals) in his last eight games. If he can maintain something resembling that level of plate discipline, it'll certainly take a lot of the volatility out of his prospect profile.

Adames isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Cardinals.

Adames is in the midst of a five-game hitting streak in which he's hit .273 with three homers, a double, five RBI and three runs. However, he'll get a breather while Luis Urias starts at shortstop while Keston Hiura enters the lineup at second base.

Crawford (knee) isn't starting Wednesday against Atlanta.

Crawford exited Tuesday's game against Atlanta due to a left knee contusion, although the Giants are optimistic that the issue won't require a trip to the injured list. Thairo Estrada is starting at shortstop while Tommy La Stella takes over at second base Wednesday.

Turner went 4-for-5 with two runs in Monday's 8-2 victory versus the Reds.

Turner again hit atop the order in the absence of Mookie Betts (rib), and he served as a catalyst for the offense with four singles that led to two runs. This was the shortstop's first four-hit game as a member of Los Angeles and his 17th multi-hit performance of the season. Turner is in the midst of a 13-game hitting streak that has lifted his season slash line to .310/.360/.487. He's racked up nine homers, 49 RBI, 35 runs and 14 steals to justify his near-universal first-round selection in fantasy drafts this season.

Downs is starting at third base and batting ninth during Wednesday's game against the Tigers, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Downs has played in the middle infield to begin his professional career, but the team apparently feels comfortable enough in his abilities at the hot corner to put him at the position for his major-league debut. The 23-year-old slashed .180/.297/.397 with 11 homers, 35 runs, 21 RBI and 11 stolen bases over 53 games at Triple-A Worcester to begin the year.

Adames went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Cardinals.

Adames' first-inning blast off Jack Flaherty was his 14th of the season, breaking a tie with Hunter Renfroe for the team lead in home runs. Though he hasn't been lacking in power since returning from the injured list June 8 (five home runs, three doubles in 13 games), Adames could stand to show a more refined plate approach. He's batting only .218 and has drawn one walk against 15 strikeouts since being activated from the IL.

Abrams will start at shortstop and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Abrams will stick in the starting nine for the third game in a row after going 1-for-6 with a run scored. The Padres remain optimistic that Manny Machado (ankle) won't require a trip to the injured list, but while Machado is day-to-day and out of the lineup, Abrams will have a clear path to regular work at shortstop while Ha-Seong Kim slides over to third base.

Anderson is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's contest versus the Blue Jays.

Anderson will get a breather after he went 4-for-10 with three runs scored in his first two games back following a groin injury. Danny Mendick will take over at shortstop and bat leadoff Wednesday.