MLB Player News

Acuna (calf) flew to Cleveland on Thursday ahead of Atlanta's weekend series against the Guardians, and he's expected to come off the injured list Friday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The team likely wouldn't have sent Acuna ahead if it wasn't very confident he is fully recovered from his calf strain, but he likely won't be officially activated until after a final workout Friday. The 27-year-old outfielder has been sidelined since July 29, and on the season he sports a 1.006 OPS, 14 homers, four steals, 26 RBI and 48 runs in only 55 games.

Arias went 0-for-1 with a walk, two RBI and a run scored in Thursday's 9-4 win over Miami.

Arias contributed in various ways to Cleveland's win. He delivered one run on a groundout and drove in the game-winning tally on a sacrifice fly. The shortstop was later hit by a pitch, stole second base and scored the team's final run. Arias has maintained a tenuous grip on the starting shortstop job since returning from an ankle injury in late July, going 15-for-59 (.254) with three home runs, 14 RBI, two steals and six runs scored over 17 contests.

Ramirez went 3-for-4 with an RBI, three runs scored and two steals in Thursday's 9-4 win over the Marlins.

Ramirez has been on a run-scoring binge, crossing home plate 15 times over the last 14 contests. He's tied for 10th in MLB and leads the Guardians with 79 runs scored this season, giving him a shot to score 100 runs for a second straight season.

Vargas (foot) began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Reno on Tuesday and is 0-for-6 with a walk over two games for the Aces.

Vargas played third base for seven innings Tuesday and followed up with a full game as the designated hitter Wednesday prior to getting Thursday off. With the Diamondbacks playing out the string, Vargas is not expected to have a significant role for the club over the final weeks of the regular season.

Thompson (shoulder) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Thursday, MLB.com reports.

Thompson, who is dealing with a strain of his lower right trapezius muscle, threw his second bullpen in three days. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo noted the right-hander has responded well to the work, but his return date remains uncertain. Thompson last pitched for the Diamondbacks on July 4.

Smith (oblique) started at first base in the first two games of his rehab assignment at Triple-A Reno, going 2-for-8 with a double and a run scored.

Smith was on the field Tuesday for seven innings and Wednesday for eight innings before getting a day off Thursday. He could be activated ahead of the Diamondbacks' next homestand, which begins Monday, but it's unclear what role Smith will have for a team that's punted on the 2025 season. Tyler Locklear, who was acquired from Seattle in the Eugenio Suarez deal, has been the primary first baseman since joining Arizona. As for DH, the Diamondbacks are giving prospect Adrian Del Castillo, a lefty batter like Smith, a long look there.

Perdomo went 2-for-4 with a walk and three runs scored in Thursday's 8-2 win over the Rockies.

Perdomo was moved to leadoff Tuesday and has reached base seven times in 14 plate appearances while scoring six runs over the last three games. He's currently riding a 15-game on-base streak, during which he's slashing .400/.500/.636 with three home runs, seven RBI, 12 walks and 16 runs scored.

Lawlar started at third base and went 2-for-5 with a double for Triple-A Reno on Thursday.

Lawlar, who was activated off the injured list Thursday, played all nine innings in the field. He's expected to eventually finish out the season with the Diamondbacks. When healthy in 2025, Lawlar bounced around the Aces' infield, playing second base, shortstop and third base. Given the parent club's existing opening at the hot corner following its trade of Eugenio Suarez, Lawlar is expected to see most of his time at third base in preparation for his next call-up.

Moreno (finger) started at catcher and went 0-for-3 for Triple-A Reno on Thursday.

Moreno started the clock on his rehab assignment, playing five innings behind the plate. He's currently on the 60-day injured list and eligible to return Monday, Aug. 18. Moreno's been out since the middle of June, so activation when he's first eligible seems unlikely.

Bradish (elbow) made a rehab start for Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, allowing two hits and two walks in five scoreless innings. He struck out nine.

The rehab start was Bradish's third with Norfolk and his fifth overall in the minor leagues amid his recovery from Tommy John surgery, and he was able to build up to 74 pitches on top of dominating the opposition Thursday. As it stands, the Orioles plan to have the right-hander make one final rehab appearance before clearing him to rejoin their rotation and make his season debut, per Jake Rill of MLB.com. Once Bradish is ready to come off the injured list, it would make sense for Baltimore to option the struggling Brandon Young back to the minors.