MLB Player News

Helman went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk in Friday's 5-2 win over the Athletics.

Helman has gone 4-for-13 with two homers and four RBI over five games since he was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock. He appears to be handling a short-side platoon role in center field, though he also offers extra insurance as a reserve infielder and bench bat. This year, he's batting .250 with three homers, eight RBI, eight runs scored and a stolen base over 28 plate appearances in the majors.

Heim went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, a second RBI and a walk in Friday's 5-2 win over the Athletics.

Heim opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the second inning and added his solo shot in the fifth to put the Rangers ahead for good. The homer was his first since July 25. Heim has been a little steadier at the plate lately, going 10-for-28 (.357) with five RBI over his last nine games. Kyle Higashioka has done enough to maintain the starting role behind the dish, and Heim's other path to playing time at designated hitter is only open as a short-side platoon spot, as Joc Pederson has also swung a hot bat lately. For the season, Heim is batting .222 with a .620 OPS, 10 homers, 40 RBI, 30 runs scored, 13 doubles and three stolen bases over 372 plate appearances.

Armstrong walked one over 1.2 scoreless and hitless innings to earn the save in Friday's 5-2 win over the Athletics.

Armstrong's steady pitching in August looks to have vaulted him to the top of the Rangers' closing hierarchy. He's earned the team's last two saves, though chances haven't been plentiful in recent weeks. Phil Maton has blown three saves in his last five appearances, which has opened the door for Armstrong to get more closing opportunities. After Friday's outing, Armstrong is on an 11.2-inning scoreless streak with a 13:3 K:BB in that span. He's at a 2.43 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 61:18 K:BB through 59.1 innings this season while adding five saves, 10 holds and three blown saves.

Leiter (9-7) allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings to earn the win over the Athletics on Friday.

Leiter had some struggles with short starts earlier in August, but he closed out the month with a pair of wins, both of which were quality starts. He's also racked up at least seven strikeouts in five of his last eight outings. For the season, the right-hander is now at a 3.77 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 118:59 K:BB through 121.2 innings over 24 starts. The 25-year-old is projected to make his next start at Arizona.

Springs (10-9) allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five over 5.2 innings to take the loss versus the Rangers on Friday.

Springs threw 56 of 94 pitches for strikes and ended up one out short of a quality start. The southpaw had a rough August, coming up winless in five starts while allowing 14 runs over 25 innings with a 20:8 K:BB. He's now at a 4.17 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 122:48 K:BB through 151 innings over 28 appearances (26 starts) this season. Springs' next start is projected to be on the road in St. Louis.

Lewis was placed on the Development List at Triple-A St. Paul.

It's been a rough season for Lewis who has a 7.32 ERA and ugly 81:63 K:BB at St. Paul. Lewis was working on using his knuckleball more this season, so the Twins may have had extra patience with his performance. After giving up six runs while getting one out in his last start, his placement on the Development List may be a way to give him a mental reset.

Volpe went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, three RBI and two runs scored in Friday's 10-2 win over the White Sox.

Volpe delivered an RBI single in the sixth inning before following with a two-run blast in the seventh. The homer was the 24-year-old's first since Aug. 12, ending a drought in which he went 4-for-43 with 15 strikeouts over 12 games. On the season, he's slashing .209/.273/.404 with 19 home runs, 69 RBI, 59 runs scored and 16 steals across 526 plate appearances.

Schneider went 1-for-3 with a two-run single during Friday's 7-2 loss to the Brewers.

Schneider broke the Brewers' shutout bid in the seventh with a single to left field that brought Bo Bichette and Myles Straw home. Schneider has seen inconsistent playing time this season, but he should get more work in the starting lineup due to Ernie Clement (finger/shin) dealing with injuries. Schneider has gone 16-for-47 (.340) with two steals, five homers and 16 RBI since Aug. 1.

Bieber (1-1) took the loss against the Brewers on Friday, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out six across 5.1 innings. He did not issue a walk.

Bieber dazzled in his Blue Jay debut against the Marlins, and it was much of the same in Friday's contest against the best team in baseball. He set the tone by striking out the side in the first inning to set up a fierce pitching duel with Freddy Peralta. Bieber kept the Brewers off the board through the first five frames before yielding two runs in the sixth, including a solo homer to Andruw Monasterio. Even with the loss, Bieber has looked good in his first two starts since returning from Tommy John surgery, and his acquisition from the Guardians at the trade deadline has solidified the top of the Blue Jays' rotation that includes Kevin Gausman and Max Scherzer. Bieber is lined up to face the AL East rival Yankees in the Bronx next weekend.

Grisham went 1-for-4 with a grand slam, a walk, an additional run scored and a stolen base in Friday's 10-2 win over the White Sox.

Grisham scored the game's first run after swiping third in the first inning before breaking things open with a grand slam in the fourth. He's now homered in three straight games and has gone deep seven times in 10 contests since Aug. 20. For the year, the 28-year-old is slashing .248/.354/.482 with 28 homers, 57 RBI, 70 runs and two steals across 475 plate appearances.