MLB Player News

Dezenzo went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored Wednesday against the Athletics.

The Astros have settled on a primary outfield of Jose Altuve, Jake Meyers and Cam Smith, leaving Dezenzo without regular playing time. He drew only his second start in the last week (seven games) Wednesday, even in the absence of Yordan Alvarez (hand). Dezenzo took advantage of the rare start, tallying his second home run of the season and first multi-hit performance since May 4.

Mahle didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Blue Jays after allowing four hits and three walks in six scoreless innings. He struck out five.

Mahle's exceptional start to the season continues, as he's now hurled at least six innings while surrendering one run or fewer on seven occasions. While the veteran right-hander has fanned more than five batters just two times this year, he's given up greater than two runs in only one start. Mahle will carry an excellent 1.64 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 48:24 K:BB across 66 innings (12 starts) into a soft matchup slated for next week against the Rays, who have a .661 OPS over their last 30 games.

Lauer didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Rangers after allowing no hits and two walks in 3.1 scoreless innings. He struck out four.

Piggybacking off opener Paxton Schultz, Lauer delivered his second outing of the season with at least three innings while yielding one hit or less. Lauer hasn't worked as a traditional starter for the Blue Jays, as he's made two starts and four relief appearances, but Toronto will likely need the veteran left-hander to help eat innings one way or another until Max Scherzer (thumb) re-enters the rotation. Lauer owns a strong 2.75 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 20:7 K:BB over 19.2 innings, but he'll have limited fantasy appeal if he's deployed as a bulk reliever his next time out versus a red-hot Phillies offense that's averaging 5.4 runs over their last 28 games.

Sosa went 3-for-5 with an RBI, a run scored and a double Wednesday against the Mets.

Sosa appeared to be in jeopardy of losing playing time for a brief stretch in mid-May, but he's now started eight straight games -- seven of which have come at second base. Wednesday's performance was his fourth multi-hit performance in that span, and he's gone 11-for-31 with six RBI and three runs scored.

The Twins optioned McCusker to Triple-A St. Paul after Wednesday's 5-0 loss to Tampa Bay, Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

McCusker record his first MLB hit -- a single -- while entering Wednesday's contest as a pinch hitter. After being called up from St. Paul on May 18 to provide depth in the outfield with Byron Buxton and Matt Wallner on the injured list, McCusker logged just six plate appearances. Buxton (concussion) is expected to be reinstated from the IL on Friday in a corresponding transaction.

Garcia went 2-for-4 with one run scored in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Reds.

Garcia extended his hitting streak to 13 games, and it was the sixth time during this stretch that he recorded multiple knocks. Over his last 50 at-bats, the speedy infielder is hitting a scorching .380 with one homer, four doubles, eight RBI and six runs scored. Garcia has 10 extra-base hits, 15 RBI, and six stolen bases in the month of May as he's turned himself into a key contributor for Kansas City.

Moncada was removed from Wednesday's game against the Yankees with right knee soreness.

The severity of Moncada's injury remains unknown, but the Angels will likely have more information on his status once they take a closer look at him. Kevin Newman entered as Moncada's replacement at third base in the sixth inning and could be in line to start at the hot corner if the 30-year-old is unable to play against the Guardians on Friday.

Witt went 1-for-2 with two RBI in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Reds.

It's been a quiet stretch at the plate by Witt, who's batting just .200 (11-for-55) with five RBI and two runs scored over his last 14 games. That said, the All-Star shortstop does have four doubles, two triples and six stolen bases during that period, so he's maintained healthy production in other departments. Witt also has 15 extra-base hits and 18 RBI in the month of May.

Buxton (concussion) is expected to be activated from the 7-day injured list before Friday's game at Seattle, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Buxton worked out for a second consecutive day before Wednesday's game and took batting practice. The 31-year-old has been in the concussion protocol since his collision with Carlos Correa on May 15.

Webb (2-3) took the loss in Wednesday's 2-0 defeat to Toronto after allowing two runs on two hits in the ninth inning.

Webb was tasked with keeping the game tied in the ninth frame but served up a two-run home run to Bo Bichette (back), who came off the bench as a pinch hitter. Robert Garcia was brought on to handle Anthony Santander, Vladimir Guerrero and George Springer in the eighth, which was likely viewed by manager Bruce Bochy as the higher-leverage situation. Webb may have hurt his chances at seeing future ninth-inning work in Texas' bullpen, and he now owns a 5.47 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 18:10 K:BB over 24.2 frames.