MLB Player News

Abrams (wrist) went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two runs scored, an RBI, a stolen base and a walk in Friday's win over the Rockies.

Abrams returned to the lineup after missing the previous two games and wasted no time making an impact, ripping a double on the first pitch of the game. He knocked an RBI double later in the game. The 23-year-old shortstop is heating up again; he's gone 13-for-28 (.464) with six extra-base hits over his last eight games. In 12 games prior to that, he posted a .510 OPS with no multi-hit performances. Abrams is slashing .267/.320/.487 on the year with 33 extra-base hits and 11 steals.

Turner went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in a 5-4 loss to the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Turner hit a two-run home run off Jordan Montgomery in the third inning then added an RBI single with the bases loaded in the seventh. Turner has gone 5-for-14 since returning from a hamstring injury, and the homer was his first since April 17. He has been excellent when healthy this season, slashing .344/.389/.470 with three home runs, 12 RBI, 29 runs scored and 10 steals over 162 plate appearances.

Abrams (wrist) said that he's "good to go" for Friday's game against the Rockies, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports

Abrams was scratched from Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks and missed Thursday's game before an MRI revealed he was dealing with a cyst in his left wrist. However, he'll be back in action for Friday's matchup with the Rockies.

Bichette (calf) took ground balls, ran the bases and hit in the batting cage Friday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

He looks to be on track to return from the injured list once eligible Tuesday and should ramp up his workload over the weekend. While Bichette has been sidelined, Isiah Kiner-Falefa has drawn most of the starts at shortstop.

Martinez will start at second base and bat eighth in Friday's game versus the Guardians.

It will be the first major-league start for Martinez, who was on the bench for two straight contests following his promotion. The 22-year-old is one of the better power-hitting prospects in baseball, but he does struggle to make contact and isn't regarded as a great defender. Getting him playing time does not appear to be a priority for the Blue Jays during this stint, but he will have a chance to show what he can do Friday.

Pena is not in the lineup for Friday's game versus the Orioles.

Pena has managed just two hits over his last 32 at-bats, so it's probably not a bad time to give him a day to regroup. Mauricio Dubon will hold down shortstop for the Astros on Friday.

Hamilton is not in the lineup for Friday's game in Cincinnati.

The left-handed hitting Hamilton has been an everyday guy lately for the Red Sox, but he'll begin this one on the bench as the Reds send southpaw Andrew Abbott to the bump. Hamilton has also dealt with a side issue this week, so the team could be exercising caution here. Romy Gonzalez will handle shortstop Friday.

The Guardians recalled Martinez from Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

Martinez will get his first taste of big-league action, stepping onto the 26-man roster due to Gabriel Arias tending to personal matters. The 22-year-old Martinez slashed .333/.438/.550 with three homers and a 12.1 percent K rate in 17 games at Columbus. He's likely to provide depth at shortstop, second base and third base while up with the Guardians.

McKinstry is not part of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox.

After starting four of the Tigers' last five games at shortstop, McKinstry will yield to Ryan Kreidler on Friday. McKinstry has two hits in his last 23 at-bats and has struck out nine times during that span.

Witt went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Athletics.

Witt provided the Royals' margin of victory with his eighth-inning blast. He's had an incredible June, hitting safely in 16 of 17 games. He's batting .347 with a .937 OPS, three home runs and five steals this month. That's even a little better than his season-long .322/.371/.550 slash line with 12 homers, 21 steals, 53 RBI and 60 runs scored through 76 contests.