MLB Player News

The Orioles optioned Walker to Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday.

Walker served as the 27th man on the roster for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader in Boston, but he did not appear in the contest. The lefty has yielded three runs with a 7:2 K:BB over six innings in the majors this season.

Canning will be used as a bulk reliever behind opening pitcher Kyle Hart for Thursday's contest in Atlanta, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The Atlanta lineup features three left-handers in its top four spots (Drake Baldwin, Matt Olson and Michael Harris), so San Diego will have the left-handed Hart cover the first inning or two before the right-handed Canning takes over. Righties have posted a .628 OPS against Canning this season, while lefties have pummeled him for a .939 OPS.

Hart will serve as the Padres' opening pitcher for Thursday's game in Atlanta.

Hart -- who has an ugly 10.80 ERA in six appearances this month -- will handle the first inning or two for the Padres before turning things over to Griffin Canning. The lefty has had one other opener assignment this season, giving up one run in two frames on June 27 versus the Dodgers.

Bello allowed four hits and one walk while striking out five over 5.1 scoreless relief innings in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader.

Bello shined in bulk relief for the second time since being recalled from Triple-A Worcester earlier this month. He resurfaced with the team prior to the All-Star break and allowed one run over 4.1 innings in a win over the Yankees on July 12. Given Bello's success while following an opener this season (0.77 ERA in six outings), Boston interim manager Chad Tracy may want to keep him in that role for the stretch run rather then sending him back to the minors.

Seager (back) could begin live batting practice sessions this weekend, MLB.com reports.

Seager continues to progress through his rehab from lower-back inflammation. He's moved from hitting off a tee to soft toss and machine work in the batting cage, while also taking groundballs and running the bases. Facing pitchers will be the next step, presumably followed by a rehab assignment.

Latz struck out one and retired all three batters faced in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the White Sox.

Latz threw 14 pitches (10 strikes) in a non-save situation after not having pitched since Saturday. It appears manager Skip Schumaker didn't want his All-Star closer getting rusty. The Rangers are off Thursday, and Latz will be available as normal when the club returns to action Friday against Seattle.

Rocchio went 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 10-6 loss to the Twins.

Rocchio's run-scoring single in the first inning put the Guardians on the board in opening frame for the second time in the last three contests. He also extended a hit streak (five games) and an RBI streak (three). Over a 29-game stretch since June 18, he's never gone more than one game without a hit while slashing .296/.319/.452 with six doubles, four home runs, 16 RBI and 14 runs scored.

Benintendi went 2-for-4 with two RBI on Wednesday against the Rangers.

Benintendi delivered RBI singles in the fourth and sixth innings to help the White Sox to a win. Though that was his first multi-hit game in six starts since the All-Star break, Benintendi has six RBI and two runs scored in that span. He remains on pace to deliver his best season since joining Chicago, and he has a strong chance to top 70 runs driven in for the first time since 2021.

Martinez (foot) started in left field and went 1-for-4 with a walk for Double-A Akron on Wednesday.

Martinez, who appeared in his fourth rehab game, played nine innings and on back-to-back days for the first time during his assignment. The Guardians' original plan was to leave him on assignment through Friday before determining next steps, but per MLB.com, the club will reassess him Thursday.

Stewart went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Wednesday's 5-3 win over Seattle.

Stewart's three-run shot in the seventh inning was the winning knock for the Reds. It was his second three-run homer in the last four games and the 21st homer overall for the rookie. He's just 3-for-23 (.130) over six games since the All-Star break, but he's contributed nine RBI during that stretch.