MLB Player News

Cruz went 1-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored Thursday against the Cubs.

Cruz recorded an RBI double in the sixth inning and has driven in at least one run in all four games since arriving in Pittsburgh. Though he's yet to go yard in the majors, the 23-year-ols has two extra-base hits, four runs scored and seven RBI across 18 at-bats. Cruz has hit primarily in the bottom third of the order, though that could change as the season progresses.

Adames went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a 6-4 win against the Cardinals on Thursday.

Adames hit one of two Milwaukee homers in the contest, slugging a solo shot off Dakota Hudson in the fifth inning. The shortstop has gone deep five times in his past 11 games and has notched 11 RBI over that span. He is tied with Corey Seager for the league lead in homers among shortstops with 15 on the season.

Berti went 2-for-4 with a double, two stolen bases and a run scored Thursday against the Rockies.

Berti continued his torrid stolen base pace, and he now has 17 swipes across 20 starts in June. While his aggressiveness on the bases is the highlight, Berti has also hit .299 with 13 runs and 10 RBI in that span. With both Joey Wendle (hamstring) and Brian Anderson (back) still sidelined, Berti should remain a fixture in the lineup for the time being.

Swanson went 3-for-4 with two home runs, three RBI and three runs scored Thursday against the Giants.

Swanson filled in for Ronald Acuna atop the order and delivered an explosive performance. Swanson led off both the first and fourth innings by going deep, bringing his homer total to 12 on the campaign. Six of those home runs have come in his last 13 starts, during which he's also racked up 14 RBI and 13 runs scored. Overall, Swanson has a .302/.368/.500 line across 291 plate appearances on the season.

Pena (thumb) participated in all pregame activities prior to Thursday's matchup against the Yankees, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Pena has steadily increased his workload since landing on the 10-day injured list with left thumb discomfort last week, and he's eligible to be activated as early as Friday. While manager Dusty Baker said Thursday that a Friday return "might be a little quick," the skipper was pleased with Pena's progress, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the shortstop return sometime this weekend or early next week.

Diaz (shoulder) isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Yankees, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Diaz has been dealing with a sore left shoulder and will be out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive game. He was available off the bench Wednesday but was ultimately held off the field. It wouldn't be surprising to see him available off the bench once again Thursday, whileMauricio Dubon will remain at shortstop and bat seventh.

Crawford went 2-for-4 with a two doubles, two RBI and a run in a win over the Athletics on Wednesday.

Crawford wreaked havoc out of the top of the order and knocked in the Mariners' seventh and eighth runs of the game with his fifth-inning double. The veteran shortstop's first multi-hit game since June 11 was a welcome sight, as it snapped a 4-for-34 funk that had encompassed his previous nine contests.

Downs was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Downs went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in his MLB debut Wednesday after being called up Monday, but he'll return to Triple-A just one day later. The 23-year-old has struggled to a .180 batting average with 11 homers, 21 RBI, 35 runs and 11 stolen bases over 189 at-bats with Worcester this season. His demotion suggests Christian Arroyo (illness) is nearing a return from the COVID-19 injured list.

Crawford (knee) remains out of the lineup Thursday against Atlanta, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Crawford left Tuesday's game with a bruised left knee after an awkward slide at home plate and didn't participate in Wednesday's contest. While an MRI confirmed that Crawford has avoided structural damage, he'll sit for at least one more game, though manager Gabe Kapler suggested the 35-year-old could be available off the bench, according to Slusser. Thairo Estrada will again handle shortstop duties Thursday, with Wilmer Flores starting at second base.

Franco (quadriceps) went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts in a rehab appearance with Triple-A Durham on Wednesday.

Franco hit second and started at shortstop but didn't play the full game with two more rehab appearances on tap this week. Assuming all goes well across his three total games with Durham, Franco could be activated Saturday during Tampa Bay's three-game series against Pittsburgh.