MLB Player News

The Diamondbacks will add Kepler (suspension) to their active roster before Thursday's game in St. Louis, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Upon completing his 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, Kepler will go directly onto the Diamondbacks' roster. The outfielder slashed .333/.474/.567 with two home runs and a 7:6 BB:K in 10 minor-league games, though much of that production came at the lower levels. Kepler gives the Diamondbacks another option in the corner outfield or at designated hitter against right-handed pitching, though he isn't guaranteed a regular role.

DeLuca is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Royals.

DeLuca has now started five of seven contests since returning from the injured list last week. The Rays are going with Cedric Mullins in center field and Victor Mesa in right field in Thursday's series finale.

Hill went 1-for-1 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Nationals.

Hill represented the Phillies final out when he entered the game as a pinch hitter for Justin Crawford in the ninth. He'd proceed to launch a go-ahead, two-run blast off Richard Lovelady, his fifth homer of the year and first since joining Philadelphia. In 10 games since he was traded from the White Sox, Hill has gone 7-for-21 (.333) with an .857 OPS while filling the short side of a center-field platoon with Crawford.

Halpin entered Wednesday's game as a pinch runner and went 1-for-2 with three runs scored in a 4-3 extra-inning win over the White Sox.

Halpin reached base just once in two plate appearance but crossed the plate three times. He ran for David Fry and scored in the sixth inning, singled and scored in the eighth and was the designated runner in the 10th and scored. He had started the previous four games before opening Wednesday's contest on the bench. Halpin is getting an uptick in playing time in the outfield with both Chase DeLauter (ribs) and Angel Martinez (foot) on the injured list.

Watson went 2-for-4 with three RBI in Wednesday's 4-3 extra-inning win over the White Sox.

Watson singled in two runs in the sixth inning and then produced the game-winning tally in the top of the 10th. The rookie found a groove against MLB pitching during this three-game set in Chicago. He recorded his first career hit and first career home run while driving six of 10 runs the Guardians scored in the series. After striking out eight times in his first 12 at-bats, Watson has fanned just once over the next nine. With Chase DeLauter (ribs) and Angel Martinez (foot) on the injured list, Watson should receive significant playing time in the short term.

Freeman went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored Wednesday against the Red Sox.

Freeman has earned his most consistent playing time of the season since being activated from the injured list June 14. Since rejoining the active roster, he's started eight of 10 games while going 10-for-32 with four RBI and nine runs scored. Freeman also has two three-hit performances in his last three contests.

Carrigg went 2-for-4 with a double, three RBI and a run scored Wednesday against the Red Sox.

Carrigg played a key role in the Rockies' win, driving in a run with a single in the seventh inning before doubling in an additional run one frame later. The performance continued a strong homestand for Carrigg, as he's tallied at least one hit in five straight games while also tacking on three runs and a pair of doubles in that span. Carrigg has performed well in his first 58 plate appearances in the majors, striking out at only a 20.7 percent clip while hitting .271 and maintaining a 139 wRC+.

Bolte went 1-for-2 with a double, a walk and a hit-by-pitch in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Giants.

Bolte worked out of the leadoff spot since Zack Gelof (hand) was unavailable. This was just the second time Bolte has hit higher than fifth in the order. He has the speed for a leadoff role -- he's up to nine steals on 12 attempts this season -- and his 10 percent walk rate also makes him a good fit. The outfielder has hit .308 with an .809 OPS, two home runs, 10 RBI, 12 runs scored and six doubles over his first 38 MLB contests.

Bericoto went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Athletics.

Bericoto has played sparingly in his time on the big-league roster. The outfielder was in the starting lineup Wednesday, and he delivered some heroics with a walk-off blast versus Elvis Alvarado in the ninth inning. Two of Bericoto's four hits have been solo shots. He's firmly in a reserve role at this time.

Bowen went 1-for-2 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Wednesday's 5-2 win over Atlanta.

Bowen hadn't collected a hit since June 8 versus the Reds. He's served as a part-time option in the outfield, most often working in right field when Fernando Tatis is at second base. Bowen is hitting just .133 with a .355 OPS, three steals and three runs scored over 32 plate appearances this season.