MLB Player News

Crow-Armstrong went 2-for-4 with a walk, two solo home runs and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 9-7 win over the Orioles.

Crow-Armstrong continued his torrid start to July, as he now has a six-game hitting streak to begin the month with three home runs, six RBI and six runs scored. Overall, the star outfielder is on an eight-game hitting streak, which has pushed his season batting average up to .296 to go along with a robust .928 OPS. With 21 home runs and 23 stolen bases on the year, Crow-Armstrong is the first 20-20 player in the majors this season, and it could be a while before anyone else joins the club -- no one else who already has 20 steals has more than 14 homers (Oneil Cruz), while no other players with 20-plus home runs has swiped more than 15 bags (James Wood and CJ Abrams).

Aranda went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBI in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Yankees.

Aranda provided all of the game's offense, driving in runs in the third, fifth and seventh innings. It was a much-needed performance for the 28-year-old, who entered Wednesday just 5-for-28 without an extra-base hit or RBI through seven July contests. On the year, he's slashing .284/.384/.448 with 13 homers, 61 RBI and 45 runs scored across 388 plate appearances.

Bennett (4-3) earned the win Wednesday against the White Sox, allowing no runs on four hits and one walk in seven innings. He struck out four.

Bennett was phenomenal Wednesday, scattering four singles across seven scoreless frames. The 25-year-old southpaw appears to be cementing his place in Boston's rotation after beginning the campaign with Triple-A Worcester, spinning at least six innings while yielding two runs or fewer in four consecutive starts. Bennett has effectively put himself in must-roster fantasy territory heading into the All-Star break, holding an impressive 2.64 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 35:8 K:BB over 47.2 innings.

Kelly went 1-for-3 with a walk, a solo home run and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 9-7 win over the Orioles.

Kelly hit the pine Tuesday in favor of Miguel Amaya, but he returned Wednesday and popped his fifth home run of the season. The two Chicago catchers have alternated starts the last eight games, which keeps both players fresher but also caps their upside. Based on this recent trend, it seems likely that Kelly will return to the bench for Thursday's matinee.

Cole (3-4) took the loss against the Rays on Wednesday, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk with six strikeouts over 6.1 innings.

Cole yielded a run in three separate frames and surrendered nine hard-hit balls but filled the strike zone with 69 strikes on 97 pitches in his fourth quality start of the campaign. The 35-year-old has been more good than bad since coming off the injured list to make his season debut in late May, allowing three or fewer earned runs in six of his nine starts. He'll head into the All-Star break with a 4.04 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 47:11 K:BB across 49 innings.

Conforto went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 9-7 win over the Orioles.

Conforto has seen an elevated role in right field with Matt Shaw (hand) on the injured list, and the veteran has done well with the opportunity. Over his last 12 games, he's batting .324 with four home runs and nine RBI. Conforto will still generally hit the bench against left-handed pitching, though he's been useful recently against righties.

X-rays on Herrin's left elbow came back negative following his removal from Wednesday's game against Minnesota, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Herrin was hit on the elbow by a comebacker in the sixth inning, but he appears to have escaped the incident with nothing more than a bruise. He may be unavailable out of the bullpen for a game or two to recover from any lingering soreness, though an extended absence doesn't seem likely.

Webb pitched a scoreless inning with no strikeouts or walks to earn the save in Wednesday's 9-7 win over the Orioles.

After Daniel Palencia (elbow) landed on the injured list back in mid-June, Webb has stepped up as the primary closer for the Cubs, and he now has three saves in four chances since Palencia went out. The righty ceded a save opportunity to Trent Thornton on Tuesday, though Webb was called on in a high-leverage spot earlier in the game. Overall, the 32-year-old has a 3.18 ERA and 47 strikeouts across 39.2 innings this season, making him a fairly effective relief option to date.

Baker earned the save in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Yankees, allowing one hit and no walks with three strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

Baker was summoned to protect a three-run lead in the ninth inning and struck out the side after allowing a leadoff single. It was the second straight night with a save for the 31-year-old, who has now converted 14 consecutive save chances dating back to May 17. He owns a 1.73 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 41:11 K:BB across 36.1 innings this season and is up to 25 saves, one behind major-league leader Cade Smith.

Scott took a no-decision Wednesday against the Royals, allowing no runs on three hits and one walk in five innings. He struck out five.

Scott cooled down a Royals team that had exploded for 31 runs across their prior two games, scattering three singles over five shutout frames. The 27-year-old right-hander completed five innings for the first time since June 5 in San Diego, though he's still yet to get through six frames in any of his 12 outings on the year thus far. Scott is set to head into the All-Star break with a quality 3.17 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 65:26 K:BB across 54 innings.