MLB Player News

Alvarez (2-1) picked up the win Wednesday, allowing two hits and a walk over 4.2 scoreless relief innings in a 10-2 rout of the Red Sox. He struck out six.

Entering the game in the third inning with the Nationals already up 2-0 after Brad Lord recorded the first seven outs as the opener, Alvarez kept the shutout going while tossing 74 pitches (46 strikes) in bulk relief. The 27-year-old southpaw has given up two runs or fewer in six straight trips to the mound since the beginning of June, producing a 2.45 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 31:11 K:BB across 25.2 innings during that stingy stretch. His next outing is set to come at home early next week against the Astros.

The Nationals transferred Parker (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Parker is likely to undergo Tommy John surgery after being diagnosed with a Grade 3 UCL sprain in his left elbow, so the Nationals will stash him away on the 60-day IL for the rest of the season. The move creates space on the 40-man roster for Kyle Nicolas, who was acquired from Baltimore on Wednesday.

The Orioles traded Nicolas to the Nationals on Wednesday in exchange for infielder Randal Diaz.

Nicolas was pushed off the Orioles' 40-man roster Saturday, but he'll reclaim a roster spot upon joining the Nationals. The 27-year-old righty will report to Triple-A Rochester after turning in a 5.40 ERA and 2.30 WHIP across 20 innings in the minors this year.

Betts was scratched from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Athletics due to wrist soreness, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Manager Dave Roberts said that Betts' removal from the lineup was precautionary, so it doesn't seem like the 33-year-old is dealing with a significant injury. Miguel Rojas will fill in as Los Angeles' shortstop and bat eighth while Betts sits.

Amaya went 2-for-4 with a walk, three RBI and three runs scored in Wednesday's 23-3 win over the Padres.

Amaya was a bit overshadowed by Chicago's eight home runs on the day, but he still managed a strong performance of his own. The 27-year-old catcher isn't seeing a ton of playing time behind Carson Kelly and batted just .226 across 13 games in June.

Crow-Armstrong went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run, an additional run scored and a stolen base in Wednesday's 23-3 win over the Padres.

Crow-Armstrong batted leadoff for the Cubs and enjoyed a great offensive performance as the team rolled to 17 hits and eight home runs overall. The star outfielder showed off his impressive combination of power and speed, and he's now up 19 home runs and 21 stolen bases for the season. In the past 33 games, he has a 1.218 OPS with 26 RBI and 28 runs scored. Crow-Armstrong is trending toward reaching the 30-30 plateau for the second straight year after blasting 31 home runs and swiping 35 bags during the 2025 regular season.

Manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Smith (neck) is expected to remain out until after the All-Star break, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Smith has yet to resume baseball activities since landing on the injured list June 11 with neck inflammation. Between his slow progress and the time it will take for him to build up once he's cleared to begin a rehab program, there simply isn't enough time left for him to return before the All-Star break begins July 13. A more definitive timeline may emerge once Smith is cleared to resume activity.

Conforto went 3-for-4 with a walk, two home runs, four RBI and four total runs scored in Wednesday's 23-3 win over the Padres.

Conforto hit two of Chicago's eight total home runs in the blowout victory. It was the veteran's first multi-homer performance of the season, and he's now up to seven long balls overall across 56 contests. Conforto is expected to see a short-term increase in playing time with Matt Shaw (hand) recently landing on the injured list, and so far he is off to a strong start.

Swanson went 3-for-5 with three home runs, an additional run scored and eight total RBI in Wednesday's 23-3 win over the Padres.

Swanson is rapidly putting his early season struggles behind him with an impressive power surge in recent weeks. The shortstop went deep twice Tuesday, and he now has three multi-homer performances and six long balls overall across his last 10 games. Swanson set a career high with his three home runs Wednesday, which pushed him up to 16 for the year.

Suzuki went 3-for-5 with a walk, a double, a home run, three RBI and three total runs scored in Wednesday's 23-3 win over the Padres.

The Cubs rattled off 17 hits and eight home runs, and Suzuki was right in the middle of the romp as he recorded his 100th career long ball in the process. The outfielder extended his hitting streak to six games, during which he's batting .423 with three homers and 11 RBI. Suzuki has rounded into form as the summer heats up and has a .999 OPS in 26 contests since the start of June.