MLB Player News

Dobnak will start Saturday's game against the Padres in Kansas City, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

After firing 5.2 shutout innings as a bulk reliever during his final outing of the first half July 8 against the Mets, Dobnak will now be rewarded with his first start with the big club. The 31-year-old righty will get a favorable draw Saturday, as he'll be facing a Padres lineup that's posted an MLB-worst .673 OPS and has also scored the fewest runs (385) this season.

Ward went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in a 3-2 win over Houston on Friday.

Ward came to the plate in the eighth inning with his team trailing 2-1 before he belted the eventual game-winning homer. It marked the 32-year-old's second homer in his past three games. On the season, Ward has slashed .256/.388/.367 with seven homers, 27 RBI and three steals in 443 plate appearances.

Spence went 1-for-3 with a walk in a 3-2 loss to Baltimore on Friday.

Spence was called up to make his big-league debut in center field after Brice Matthews (knee) was placed on the 10-day injured list. The 23-year-old Spence went on to pick up his first hit in the seventh inning off Grant Wolfram. Spence should continue to see playing time in center field for Houston.

Lambert didn't factor into the decision Friday in a 3-2 loss against the Orioles, allowing just one run on three hits and three walks while striking out 10 in six innings.

Lambert recorded his second straight quality start but was stuck with the no-decision in Friday's matchup. The 29-year-old set a new career high in strikeouts with 10, breaking his previous record of eight which he had set twice earlier this season. An RBI walk by Pete Alonso resulted in the only blemish on Lambert's line. On the year, Lambert has posted a 3.03 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 91:36 K:BB through 92 innings.

Kremer picked up a no-decision after going four innings against Houston on Friday, allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five.

Kremer completed his shortest start of the 2026 season after going just four innings on 83 pitches against the Astros. It was only the 30-year-old's third start back from the 60-day injured list after he missed extended time due to a right quad strain. Through five starts this season, Kremer now holds a 4.15 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 29:7 K:BB in 26 innings. The right-hander is projected to make his next start Wednesday against Boston.

Shaw is still feeling discomfort related to his left hand sprain and has yet to resume swinging a bat, Vinnie Duber of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Shaw has been sidelined by his sprained hand since late June, and he likely will remain without a timeline to return until he's able to swing a bat without any pain. In the meantime, Seiya Suzuki should continue to receive the majority of the starts in right field, with Michael Conforto and Kevin Alcantara getting occasional reps.

France went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored while striking out once in Friday's 7-6 extra-inning loss to Kansas City.

France came up with two outs in the ninth, with his team trailing 3-2, and blasted a game-tying solo home run off Alex Lange to send the game to extras. The 32-year-old's home run marked his second blast in his last three games. On the season, France has batted .268/.328/.502 with 12 homers and 34 RBI in 233 plate appearances.

Erceg (4-3) earned the win against the Padres on Friday, allowing three runs (one earned) on two hits in one inning.

Erceg came into the game in the 10th with the game tied and allowed three runs to give San Diego a 6-3 lead before the Royals scored four runs in the bottom of the frame. In 39 games this season, the 31-year-old has posted a 5.21 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 27:21 K:BB through 38 innings.

The Orioles transferred Bassitt (back) to the 60-day injured list Friday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Bassitt initially landed on the injured list June 8 due to back discomfort before undergoing surgery in late June to remove bone spurs from his back. His move to the 60-day IL will ensure he remains out until at least Aug. 4 and also free up space on the Orioles' 40-man roster for Rudy Martin, who was acquired in a trade with the Royals on Friday.

Thomas went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk while striking out once in Friday's 7-6 extra-inning win over the Padres.

In his first at-bat, Thomas belted a solo home run to left field off Michael King, giving Kansas City a 1-0 lead at the time. This marks back-to-back multi-hit games for the 30-year-old after he went 3-for-4 with a double against Baltimore before the midseason break. On the campaign, Thomas has slashed .238/.339/.404 with eight homers, 32 RBI and four steals in 274 plate appearances.