MLB Player News

Hays went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Mets.

Hays swatted his 14th homer in the fourth inning, finishing off a stretch in which the Reds homered in three consecutive innings. It was his third homer in the last six games to go along with seven RBI during that stretch. Injuries impacted Hays' availability earlier this season, but he's tied for third on the team in home runs and alone in third in RBI (61) over 90 games.

The Twins recalled McCusker from Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday, Phil Miller of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

McCusker will join the 28-man active roster as a replacement for catcher Ryan Jeffers (concussion), who was placed on the 7-day injured list. The 27-year-old outfielder has slashed .246/.316/.479 with 22 home runs and five stolen bases in 434 plate appearances with St. Paul this season.

The Twins placed Jeffers on the 7-day injured list Sunday with a concussion.

Jeffers took a foul tip off the mask Thursday and had been held out of the lineup for Minnesota's ensuing two games. With the backstop now having been diagnosed with a concussion, he won't be eligible to rejoin the Twins until next Friday. Mickey Gasper and Jhonny Pereda will serve as the Twins' options behind the plate while both Jeffers and Christian Vazquez (shoulder) are on the shelf.

McLain went 1-for-1 with two walks and a solo home run in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Mets.

McLain and other Cincinnati hitters jumped on New York right-hander Jonah Tong for homers in three consecutive innings. He's launched three homers in the last seven games and extended a hit streak to nine contests, during which he's gone 11-for-27 (.407) with three home runs, six RBI and eight runs. His .230 batting average is at its highest point since April 2.

O'Brien (3-0) struck out one in a scoreless frame and was credited with a win in Saturday's victory over the Giants.

O'Brien missed more than a week of action with right shoulder discomfort, but he showed no ill effects Saturday, displaying his normal velocity and needing only eight pitches to retire the Giants in order in the top of the ninth. The reliever picked up his third win of the season after the Cardinals rallied for three runs to walk it off in the bottom of the frame. As long as he stays healthy, O'Brien will remain in the late-inning mix for St. Louis.

Diaz went 2-for-5 with a double, three RBI and a run scored Saturday against the Rangers.

Diaz delivered an RBI double in the sixth inning and followed that up with a single that plated two in the eighth frame. This marked his first multi-hit effort in his last eight starts, though he has managed four extra-base hits in that span (all doubles). Diaz has also come through with timely hits lately, producing 15 RBI across his last 29 starts.

The Rays recalled Sulser from Triple-A Durham on Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Tampa Bay placed Mason Englert (shoulder) on the injured list Sunday, opening up a spot on the active roster for Sulser. Sulser has been at Triple-A since June 19. The 35-year-old right-hander has recorded a 1.30 ERA in 34.2 innings with Durham this season.

Acuna will start in right field and bat seventh Sunday against the Mariners.

Acuna was dropped down to the No. 6 spot in the order for Saturday's contest and is now hitting out of the No. 7 hole while he's in the midst of a 1-for-29 slump. The 27-year-old should return to the heart of the lineup once he gets back on track at the plate, but until that point, he may have more limited chances for run production.

Ashcraft (forearm) played catch Saturday, MLB.com reports.

Ashcraft was placed on the 15-day injured list Aug. 27 due to a right forearm strain, which an MRI confirmed to be inflammation in a muscle near his wrist. The next step for Ashcraft is to throw a side session Sunday and then face live hitters.

The Rays placed Englert on the 15-day injured list Sunday, retroactive to Sept. 4, due to a right shoulder impingement, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Englert hasn't pitched since throwing two scoreless innings Wednesday against Seattle. The reliever will be eligible for reinstatement Sept. 19. Cole Sulser was recalled from Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move.