MLB Player News

Basso is listed as the Athletics' starting pitcher for Sunday's game in Houston, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Basso will make his third appearance of the season and his second in a row as a starter, but as on the other two occasions, he's likely to be deployed as more of an opener. He covered 2.1 innings and tossed 32 pitches in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Royals, and Basso should be in line for a similar workload Sunday. Jack Perkins is the expected bulk reliever once Basso exits the contest.

Dion struck out four and allowed one hit and two walks over three innings in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Marlins.

Brad Lord made his third consecutive appearance as a starter but was once again held under three innings, clearing the way for Dion to follow him in bulk relief. Dion has looked sharp in each of his three outings behind Lord, yielding no runs and giving up just two hits while posting a 12:3 K:BB in 10.1 innings during that stretch. The Nationals are likely to eventually get a potential starter in DJ Herz (elbow) back from the 60-day injured list in September, but until that happens, the Lord and Dion tandem could remain in place when the fifth spot in the rotation comes up.

Lord struck out a batter and allowed no hits and one walk over 2.2 innings in a start during Friday's 3-2 loss to the Marlins.

Though Lord has now started in three consecutive appearances, the Nationals don't seem to be looking to stretch him out. He's seen his pitch count drop in each successive start, as he threw just 31 pitches before getting pulled midway through the third inning Friday. Will Dion has worked in bulk relief in each of Lord's last three starts, and the two could continue to work in tandem when the fifth spot in the rotation comes up until the Nationals get one of DJ Herz (elbow) or Connelly Early (elbow) back from the injured list.

Genao started at shortstop for a second consecutive game and went 1-for-4 in Saturday's 4-3 win over Colorado.

Genao replaced Brayan Rocchio at shortstop for a second consecutive game. Rocchio, who's been the primary shortstop since early April after beginning the season at second base, has slumped in the second half with a .183/.230/.270 slash line over 30 games since the All-Star break. Meanwhile, Genao has a .315/.373/.426 slash line over 15 games since being called up earlier this month. Genao has also played second base since joining the Guardians, but Travis Bazzana has been more productive than Rocchio and is less susceptible to losing his job.

Velazquez went 3-for-4 with a walk, three home runs and four RBI for Triple-A Columbus on Saturday.

Velazquez has been mashing for the Clippers of late, going deep 16 times over the last 20 contests. He had just four home runs over his first 48 games for Columbus. With 27 homers combined between Double- and Triple-A this season, Velazquez should be a top candidate to join the Guardians when rosters expand Sept. 1. Cleveland currently ranks 29th in home runs (123), last in slugging (.369) and last in OPS (.682).

Williamson (shoulder) allowed one run on four hits and four walks while striking out five over four innings for Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.

It was Williamson's fifth rehab appearance and fourth with the Bats. He faced adversity throughout his four innings Saturday but managed to limit the damage. The left-hander upped his pitch count to 75 (41 strikes), which indicates a return to the majors could be on the horizon.

Gurriel (adductor) started in left field and went 0-for-3 with an RBI for Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

This was the fourth rehab game for Gurriel and second of a back-to-back sequence playing left field. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo told Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports that there have been convesations about Gurriel's lower-body strength and making sure he's ready to return. The back-to-back games in the field indicate he's on the verge of returning; however, a surplus of outfielders on the 26-man roster means Gurriel may not have an everyday spot in the starting lineup when he returns.

Marte (knee) is throwing and doing upper-body work at the Diamondbacks' spring training facility Saturday, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Marte will add hitting to his rehab next week. The second baseman was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday and could rejoin the club Aug. 31, when the Diamondbacks open a homestand against the Phillies.

Culpepper went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 7-5 loss to the Padres.

This was Culpepper's first homer since he hit one in his major-league debut Aug. 7. The infielder has adjusted well to the big leagues so far, batting .286 over 12 contests. He's added three RBI and five runs scored, but he has yet to attempt a stolen base after swiping 17 bags on 20 attempts over 74 games with Triple-A St. Paul to begin the year.

Keaschall went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a second RBI in Saturday's 7-5 loss to the Padres.

Keaschall is up to eight homers this season, four of which have come over 18 games in August. He's batting .348 (23-for-66) this month to supplement his improved power hitting. The 24-year-old is batting .274 on the year, adding a .749 OPS, 38 RBI, 60 runs scored, 19 doubles, one triple and 14 stolen bases over 121 contests. Keaschall may be able to use his speed more if he sticks in the leadoff spot he's hit out of in the last five games.