MLB Player News

Jones went 3-for-5 with three home runs and four RBI for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday.

Jones mashed homers in the first, third and fifth innings to continue a recent power surge. He's gone deep 10 times in his past 12 contests and has posted an absurd 1.407 OPS with 13 home runs, 25 RBI and six stolen bases over 19 contests since being promoted to Triple-A on June 27. Jones has also struck out 24 times during that span, but that's an improvement over the 33.7 percent K rate he posted in Double-A prior to his promotion. If Jones keeps mashing, he could get his first taste of the big leagues before the end of the campaign, though he could also draw interest in trade talks leading up to the deadline.

Kwan went 2-for-4 with two solo home runs and a walk during Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Orioles.

Kwan hadn't hit a home run since June 13, but he knocked out two for the first multi-homer game of his career Thursday. It was a rare display of power for the 27-year-old, who is up to just eight home runs on the year. He's much more known for his ability to get on base and limit strikeouts, which he continues to show this season with a .287/.352/.410 slash line with 38 walks and just 35 strikeouts in 376 at-bats.

Laureano went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run during Thursday's 4-3 win over the Guardians.

Laureano will certainly be disappointed to leave Progressive Field after launching yet another home run Thursday. He finished the four-game set against the Guardians with three home runs and seven RBI, bringing the 31-year-old's season total up to 14 and 43 respectively. With an .858 OPS on the year by virtue of a .277/.337/.521 slash line, the eight-year veteran is on pace for his best season since he had an .860 OPS in 2019.

Melton (ankle) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

After spending more than a month on the injured list due to a sprained right ankle, Melton has finally been given the green light to return to a competitive environment. It remains unknown how long the Astros plan to keep the 24-year-old in the minors, but he may still have enough time to return to the active roster before the end of July.

Soler (back) isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Mariners, Jack Janes of TheSportingTribune.com reports.

A back injury forced Soler out of Wednesday's game in the third inning. The 33-year-old has already spent time on the IL this year due to back problems, so the Angels will err on the side of caution and hold him out of Thursday's contest while LaMonte Wade starts in right field.

Simpson went 3-for-5 with three runs scored, a walk and a stolen base Wednesday against the White Sox.

Simpson has occupied the leadoff spot in the Rays' lineup for the last seven games and has excelled in the role. He's gone 9-for-30 with only two strikeouts while scoring six runs and stealing five bases. Since being recalled June 24, he's hit .341 with 12 runs scored and 12 stolen bases across 24 games.

Mullins is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Guardians.

Mullins will join fellow left-handed hitters Colton Cowser and Ryan O'Hearn on the bench as the Guardians send southpaw Logan Allen to the bump for the series finale. With Mullins out of the lineup, Dylan Carlson will pick up the start in center field.

Cowser is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Guardians.

Cowser will join fellow left-handed hitters Ryan O'Hearn and Cedric Mullins on the bench as the Orioles stock up on extra right-handed bats to counter Guardians southpaw Logan Allen. Ramon Laureano will serve as Cowser's replacement in left field.

O'Neill (general soreness) will start in right field and bat fifth in Thursday's game versus the Guardians.

O'Neill missed a couple games due to general soreness, but he's feeling well enough to give it a go in Thursday's series finale. The 30-year-old outfielder has gone just 5-for-33 at the plate in nine contests this month since returning from a shoulder issue.

Trammell went 1-for-3 with two walks Wednesday against the Diamondbacks.

The Astros have used Isaac Paredes (hamstring) and Jeremy Pena (ribs) as their primary leadoff hitters this year, but they have been forced to explore other options with both sidelined. Cam Smith had hit from the top spot in the prior three games, but he was out of the lineup Wednesday to give Trammell an opportunity. Trammell is getting near-everyday playing time in the absence of Jake Meyers (calf) and has gone 10-for-35 with two home runs, eight RBI and seven runs scored across his last 12 games.