MLB Player News

Mayer (foot) replaced an injured Caleb Durbin (finger) in the third inning of Wednesday's 8-6 loss to the Rockies. The former went 1-for-2 with a run scored and a critical fielding error.

Mayer was held out of starting lineups Tuesday and Wednesday due to a sore left foot. However, the fact he was able to play defense for seven innings indicates the injury wasn't too serious.

Lopez started at second base and 1-for-1 before being lifted for a pinch hitter in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Marlins.

Lopez has been a frequent presence at second base and started every game there after the team optioned Josh Smith to Triple-A Round Rock. That opportunity could close as soon as Thursday, when shortstop Corey Seager (concussion) is expected rejoin the club. His return means Texas manager Skip Schumaker will need a home for Ezequiel Duran, who has served as the fill-in shortstop.

Okert (1-0) earned the win Wednesday over the Blue Jays, allowing a hit while striking out one in a scoreless inning.

Okert has now turned in 17 straight scoreless innings, posting a stellar 0.65 WHIP with 17:4 K:BB in that span. The veteran left-hander has been excellent in the back half of Houston's bullpen this season, posting a 2.35 ERA with a 0.91 WHIP while leading the team with nine holds.

Halpin entered Wednesday's game as a pinch runner and went 1-for-2 with three runs scored in a 4-3 extra-inning win over the White Sox.

Halpin reached base just once in two plate appearance but crossed the plate three times. He ran for David Fry and scored in the sixth inning, singled and scored in the eighth and was the designated runner in the 10th and scored. He had started the previous four games before opening Wednesday's contest on the bench. Halpin is getting an uptick in playing time in the outfield with both Chase DeLauter (ribs) and Angel Martinez (foot) on the injured list.

Watson went 2-for-4 with three RBI in Wednesday's 4-3 extra-inning win over the White Sox.

Watson singled in two runs in the sixth inning and then produced the game-winning tally in the top of the 10th. The rookie found a groove against MLB pitching during this three-game set in Chicago. He recorded his first career hit and first career home run while driving six of 10 runs the Guardians scored in the series. After striking out eight times in his first 12 at-bats, Watson has fanned just once over the next nine. With Chase DeLauter (ribs) and Angel Martinez (foot) on the injured list, Watson should receive significant playing time in the short term.

Ryan (5-4) took the loss Wednesday against the Dodgers, allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out nine over six innings.

Ryan's outing got off to a rough start when Mookie Betts led off the second inning with a solo homer, and Los Angeles added three more runs in the third to build what proved to be the decisive lead. Despite the loss, the right-hander's stuff remained electric, as he matched his season high with nine strikeouts and generated 17 swinging strikes. Ryan has now completed at least six innings in eight of his last nine starts. He'll carry a 3.18 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 108:19 K:BB across 93.1 innings into his next scheduled start on the road against Houston.

Bolte went 1-for-2 with a double, a walk and a hit-by-pitch in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Giants.

Bolte worked out of the leadoff spot since Zack Gelof (hand) was unavailable. This was just the second time Bolte has hit higher than fifth in the order. He has the speed for a leadoff role -- he's up to nine steals on 12 attempts this season -- and his 10 percent walk rate also makes him a good fit. The outfielder has hit .308 with an .809 OPS, two home runs, 10 RBI, 12 runs scored and six doubles over his first 38 MLB contests.

Muncy went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Giants.

Muncy opened the scoring with his eighth-inning blast. The infielder has handled a short-side platoon role since returning from a broken hand earlier in June. He's now batting .230 with a .725 OPS, five homers, 18 RBI, 20 runs scored, two stolen bases, six doubles and two triples over 38 games this season. Muncy could see an uptick in playing time if Zack Gelof (hand) or Jacob Wilson (shoulder) miss more action after sustaining injuries this week.

Alvarado (3-3) allowed two runs on two hits over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss and a blown save Wednesday versus the Giants.

Alvarado gave up ninth-inning solo shots to Rafael Devers and Victor Bericoto. This was Alvarado's first blown save of the season, though he's also 11 days removed from his last converted save. He's allowed five runs over 5.1 innings in his last four appearances, including four homers. Overall, Alvarado has a 6.20 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 25:7 K:BB through 20.1 innings with two saves and four holds. If his struggles persist, he could pitch his way out of the high-leverage role he earned earlier in June.

Jump allowed three hits and a walk while striking out nine over five scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Giants on Wednesday.

Jump's nine strikeouts reset his season high for the third start in a row. He's also kept runs off the board in three of his six career starts so far. The 23-year-old now has a 2.04 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 35:10 K:BB across 35.1 innings. He's also yet to allow a home run, which is particularly useful in a hitter-friendly home park. Jump's next projected start will be the biggest test of his young career, as he is lined up for a home start against the Dodgers.