MLB Player News

O'Hoppe (head) will serve as the designated hitter and bat sixth in Wednesday's game against the Yankees, Jack Janes of TheSportingTribune.com reports.

O'Hoppe took a backswing off his head during Monday's contest and missed out on the starting lineup Tuesday, though he still managed to get into the game as a pinch hitter. Now set to start as the DH, the 25-year-old will look to stay hot after going 10-for-32 with four homers across his last 10 games.

The Angels reinstated Stephenson (elbow) from the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Stephenson has been on the shelf since undergoing UCL repair surgery on his right elbow in May of 2024. He made five rehab appearances between Single-A Inland Empire and Triple-A Salt Lake and allowed two runs on four hits and no walks while striking out five across five innings. Stephenson has been given the green light to return to the majors and will be available out of the bullpen for Wednesday's series finale against the Yankees. In a corresponding move, Jake Eder was optioned to Triple-A following Tuesday's game.

McCullers allowed three runs on five hits and a walk over six innings in a no-decision Wednesday against the A's. He struck out 12.

McCullers delivered a season-high six innings Wednesday, throwing 102 pitches, as he continues to round into form following a two-year absence. The 31-year-old right-hander has certainly found his swing-and-miss stuff -- he's recorded 20 punchouts across 10.1 innings in his last two starts. Overall, McCullers is 0-1 with a 5.89 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 26:11 K:BB through his first five outings (18.1 innings). McCullers is currently lined up for an enticing road matchup with the Pirates in his next start.

Malloy went 2-for-3 with two RBI in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Giants.

The Tigers staked San Francisco to a 3-0 lead, but Malloy helped power the comeback, driving in two on a fifth-inning single to give Detroit a 4-3 lead. The 25-year-old isn't doing much from a reserve role, as this was his first multi-hit effort since May 12, and he has only 16 RBI through 44 games this year to along with a .645 OPS. Malloy remains a power threat, particularly against lefties, but he's hard to trust for consistent fantasy production.

Lopez (4-3) took the loss Wednesday against the Rays, allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out three.

Lopez got off to a nice start Wednesday, allowing just one hit through his first three scoreless innings. However, things would unravel in the fourth, when Brandon Lowe led off with a home run before Lopez gave up a two-run shot to Junior Caminero later in the frame. It's the first loss since April 30 for the 29-year-old Lopez -- Wednesday marks just the second time this year he's allowed more than three runs in an outing. Overall, Lopez sports a strong 2.75 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP and 57:11 K:BB through 10 starts (55.2 innings) this season. He's currently lined up for a road matchup with the A's in his next start.

Bichette isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rangers.

The Blue Jays will give Bichette a chance to regroup Wednesday, as the 27-year-old has slashed just .163/.217/.186 in 46 plate appearances across his last 10 games. Ernie Clement will start at shortstop instead, opening up second base for Michael Stefanic.

Jobe allowed three runs on seven hits across 4.2 innings and did not factor into the decision in Wednesday's win over the Giants. He walked three and struck out four.

Jobe took a step backward Wednesday, snapping a streak of three straight outings in which he went at least five innings and allowed two runs or fewer. The young righty has still been mostly effective this year with a 4.22 ERA across 49 innings of work. Jobe will need to display better control if he wants to unlock another level, however, as his BB/9 climbed up to 5.0 after issuing three free passes in this one. The 22-year-old is set to take the mound again early next week against the White Sox, which projects as a favorable matchup.

Kirk isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against Texas.

Kirk will get a chance to rest during Wednesday's series finale after going 2-for-6 with an RBI through the first two games. Ali Sanchez will catch for starter Paxton Schultz instead and bat eighth.

Rasmussen (4-4) earned the win Wednesday over Minnesota, allowing one hit and one walk over six scoreless innings. He struck out five.

Rasmussen has been stellar of late, winning his last three starts with three consecutive scoreless outings -- he's allowed just eight hits across 18 innings in that span. The 29-year-old right-hander has lowered his ERA to 2.33 on the year with a 0.93 WHIP and 48:13 K:BB through 11 starts (58 innings). Rasmussen will look to extend his scoreless streak next week against the Rangers.

X-rays on Walker's right hand came back negative after he was hit by a pitch during Wednesday's game against the Athletics, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Walker remained in the game immediately after getting plunked in the fourth inning but was eventually replaced in the sixth. He appears to have escaped the incident without suffering any significant damage, so while the Astros may give him a day or two off to recover, he shouldn't need to miss extended time.