MLB Player News

Semien is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays.

It'll be the second absence for Semien this season, ending a streak of 107 consecutive starts by the second baseman. Semien is in the midst of a minor slump, going 9-for-55 (.164) with no multi-hit performances in his last 14 games. Ezequiel Duran will play the keystone and bat seventh Saturday.

Barger isn't part of the starting nine for Saturday's game against the Rangers.

Barger will dodge a same-hand matchup against southpaw Patrick Corbin, stepping aside for Myles Straw to play right field and Ernie Clement to play third base. Barger had started in three of Toronto's last five games against left-handed starters.

The Blue Jays optioned Loperfido to Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Loperfido will yield his spot on the 26-man roster in response to George Springer's (concussion) activation from the injured list. Loperfido had been part of the big-league roster since July 6, slashing .358/.409/.506, but a wealth of talent in the outfield leaves Loperfido as the odd man out.

The Blue Jays reinstated Springer (concussion) from the injured list Saturday, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

As expected, Springer returns to the active roster ahead of Saturday's game against Texas following a two-week absence due to a concussion. Joey Loperfido was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. Springer played in two minor-league rehab games, going 2-for-5 with a double and a home run.

De Vries went 3-for-4 with a triple, two home runs, five RBI, an additional run scored and a walk Friday with High-A Lansing.

De Vries turned in his first standout performance since joining the Athletics organization, piling up three extra-base hits and driving in five of Lansing's 11 runs. Acquired as the centerpiece of the blockbuster deadline trade that sent Mason Miller to San Diego, the 18-year-old prospect has batted .229/.316/.458 with a .774 OPS, a double, two triples, two homers, 11 RBI and a stolen base across 13 games. Though still early in his pro journey, De Vries has the skill set and upside to become a key piece of the Athletics' future.

Ragans (shoulder) threw a 20-pitch bullpen with increased velocity Friday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Ragans' recovery from a left rotator cuff strain appears to be on track, with Friday marking his second bullpen session of the week. Manager Matt Quatraro noted encouraging signs, saying the southpaw showed "no pain, no restrictions in the delivery." While a formal timeline has yet to be established, his steady progress points toward a potential rehab assignment later this month and a possible return to the majors in 2025.

The Orioles selected Beavers' contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday.

A top prospect in the Orioles' farm system, Beavers will make his MLB debut when he gets into a game. The 23-year-old has put together an outstanding .304/.420/.515 slash line at Norfolk to go along with 18 homers and 23 stolen bases. The outfielder should have a chance at regular playing time while Tyler O'Neill (wrist) is on the shelf. Greg Allen was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Adams dropped to 1-2 on the season in Tuesday's 9-1 loss to the Yankees after striking out two batters and yielding four earned runs on four hits and four walks over 2.1 innings.

After striking out seven and allowing two earned runs in a five-inning start versus the Tigers on Aug. 4, Adams shifted to the bullpen for his next appearance. The Twins went back to Adams in a starting role Tuesday, but he was undone by the long ball early, serving up a solo shot to Aaron Judge in the first inning and a three-run blast to Anthony Volpe in the second. After allowing three of the first four hitters to reach base in the bottom of the third, Adams was mercifully pulled from the game. Minnesota will have another opening in its rotation this Sunday against the Tigers, but it's unclear if Adams will be the team's choice to start or work in bulk relief that day. Thomas Hatch worked in long relief behind Adams on Tuesday and could also be a candidate to handle multiple innings Sunday.

Story went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base in Friday's 2-1 win over the Marlins.

A listless Red Sox offense managed to eke out a win on three hits, as Story's bases-loaded, walk-off single secured the win. Earlier in the game, he stole his 21st base in 21 attempts, which set a new franchise record for consecutive stolen-base attempts without being thrown out. Story is on a roll right now, slashing .345/.415/.586 with three home runs, five doubles, 15 RBI, four steals and 16 runs over the last 15 contests.

Higashioka went 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Friday's 6-5 loss to the Blue Jays.

Higashioka gave the Rangers an early lead with a three-run homer in the second inning. The blast was his fourth home run over the last 11 games, a span in which he slashed .289/.325/.684 with eight RBI and eight runs scored.