MLB Player News

  • Blue Jays' Brandon Valenzuela: Homers in losing effort

    Valenzuela went 1-for-3 with a solo home run In the 7-3 loss to Atlanta on Wednesday.

    Valenzuela smacked a solo shot off of Tyler Kinley in the ninth inning for his fifth long ball of the season. The rookie catcher has gotten plenty of playing time in place of the injured Alejandro Kirk (thumb) since being called up in early April. Kirk is expected to return at some point next week, but Valenzuela's .723 OPS this season may have earned him the backup catching job over Tyler Heineman (.380 OPS).

  • Nathan Lukes RF | TOR

    Blue Jays' Nathan Lukes: Homers batting leadoff

    Lukes went 2-5 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 7-3 loss to Atlanta.

    Lukes cranked a home run to right off of Grant Holmes in the third inning to briefly give Toronto the lead. The outfielder has been hot since coming back from an injured hamstring in late May, continuing a 10-game hitting streak during which he has gone 14-for-31 with four doubles, three RBI, and six runs scored.

  • Alex Lange RP | KC

    Royals' Alex Lange: Holds on for first save

    Lange secured the save Wednesday against the Reds, allowing no runs on one hit and one walk in the ninth inning. He struck out two.

    After closer Lucas Erceg blew his sixth save of the season Tuesday, Lange converted his first save chance Wednesday but did allow the potential tying run to get to the plate. The Royals figure to continue exploring their ninth-inning options, at least until Carlos Estevez (shoulder) makes his way back into the bullpen mix. Lange has a lackluster 4.33 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 28:14 K:BB over 27 innings.

  • Royals' Stephen Kolek: Season-high eight strikeouts

    Kolek took a no-decision Wednesday against the Reds, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks in seven innings. He struck out eight.

    Kolek fanned a season-high eight Wednesday in what was already his fourth quality start over six outings for the year. The 29-year-old right-hander has been outstanding since coming over from the Padres at last year's trade deadline, posting a 2.66 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 48:13 K:BB over 71 career innings for the Royals dating back to last season. Kolek, who next lines up to take the ball at home versus the Rangers, is making a strong case to remain in Kansas City's rotation even once Cole Ragans (elbow) is healthy.

  • Patrick Corbin SP | TOR

    Blue Jays' Patrick Corbin: Takes home the loss

    Corbin (2-2) picked up the loss Wednesday, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks over five innings during a 7-3 loss against Atlanta. He struck out one.

    Corbin gave up his most runs since his first start with the Blue Jays, including what proved to be the game-deciding three-run homer to Mauricio Dubon in the third shortly after Toronto took the lead. This was Corbin's 12th straight loss to Atlanta and ended his streak of nine consecutive outings allowing three runs or fewer. Overall, the lefty has been a reliable option on the mound this season for the Blue Jays with a 3.98 ERA and a 37:16 K:BB over 54.1 innings. Corbin is projected to pitch at home next week against the Phillies.

  • Jorge Soler DH | LAA

    Angels' Jorge Soler: Exits with hip issue

    Soler was removed from Wednesday's game against the Rockies with left hip irritation.

    Soler went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts and a walk before leaving the game in the fifth inning. The Angels were already leading 8-1 when the 34-year-old was pulled, so it's possible his removal was just a precaution, but the team may offer more clarity after the game.

  • Wilyer Abreu RF | BOS

    Red Sox's Wilyer Abreu: Drills seventh homer in win

    Abreu went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in Wednesday's 8-1 win over the Orioles.

    Abreu's previous homer came during the May 8 win over the Rays, so Wednesday's long ball snapped a 20-game power drought. Additionally, the three RBI established a season high. Abreu is putting together a quality campaign as Boston's top right fielder, slashing .283/.345/.435 with seven home runs, 12 doubles, 28 RBI and four stolen bases across 256 plate appearances.

  • Payton Tolle SP | BOS

    Red Sox's Payton Tolle: Six shutout innings in third win

    Tolle (3-2) earned the win Wednesday against the Orioles, allowing no runs on seven hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out five.

    Tolle danced around plenty of pressure Wednesday, throwing just one clean inning on the evening, but he still managed to deliver his second scoreless start of the campaign. The 23-year-old left-hander is showing great improvement at keeping the ball in the yard this year, serving up just three home runs over 47.1 innings after giving up five across just 16.1 frames last regular season. Tolle will carry an impressive 2.28 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 51:13 K:BB into his next scheduled outing in Tampa Bay against the Rays.

  • Joe Mantiply RP | TOR

    Blue Jays' Joe Mantiply: Moved to 60-day IL

    The Blue Jays transferred Mantipky (knee) to the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

    Mantiply is set to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, so the Blue Jays will stash him away on the 60-day IL and give his spot on the 40-man roster to Simeon Woods Richardson, who was acquired from the Twins on Wednesday.

  • Cade Smith RP | CLE

    Guardians' Cade Smith: Hangs on for save No. 21

    Smith secured the save Wednesday against the Yankees, allowing one run on one hit and no walks in the ninth inning. He struck out one.

    While Smith gave up a run and allowed the possible tying run to get to the plate, he got Jose Caballero to pop out and seal a one-run win for Cleveland. The right-hander has mostly excelled as the Guardians' closer in 2026, posting a 2.83 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 43:5 K:BB over 28.2 innings with just two blown saves. Smith ranks first in the major leagues with 21 saves and has converted 18 consecutive chances, though he's given up a run in two of his past three outings.

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