MLB 2023 | Arozarena swipes two bags in loss, Pérez and Cano hold, Abreu injured

Major League Baseball (MLB) and other Cuban Players News for the 2023 season. A compendium from several sources

Randy Arozarena (Photo: Getty Images)

Aug 10

Randy Arozarena singled and stole two bases on Thursday in the Rays’ shutout loss to the Cardinals.

Arozarena went 1-for-3 with a walk and two stolen bases Thursday in a loss to the Cardinals. As expected, Arozarena was fired up to face his former organization, notching his second multi-steal effort of the season. He stole second and third base after singling in the first frame, but the Rays couldn't cash him in. That was the only time Tampa Bay got a runner to third base over Matthew Liberatore's sterling eight-inning outing. The 28-year-old superstar is up to 18 homers and 14 stolen bases and remains on track to eclipse the 20-homer and 20-steal thresholds for the third consecutive campaign.

Cionel Pérez and Yennier Cano hold lead. In Thursday's 5-4 win over the Astros, Pérez allowed one run and one hit over two thirds of an inning. During his first back-to-back appearances this month, Pérez threw 19 pitches (14 strikes).Pérez has allowed three runs in his last 15 games. The left-hander, however, has been consistent during that period, with a 3-0 record and an ERA of 1.80, along with a 15:8 K:BB ratio. Pérez was followed by another Cuban reliever on the Orioles' staff, Yennier Cano. To end the 8th inning, Cano got one out in relief of Pérez, striking out one batter and allowing a single.

José Abreu got the day off Thursday. Astros manager Dusty Baker said José Abreu’s lower back “is acting up.” Abreu was not in the lineup for Thursday's game in Baltimore. Abreu just had an off day Saturday after not previously having one since June 23. Manager Dusty Baker says that Abreu is dealing with lower back pain and the team will evaluate him when they return to Houston on Friday to start a series against the Angels. There’s no word on how long Abreu might be sidelined, but it appears to just be a day-to-day situation for now. Jon Singleton is taking his place in first base for now and could conceivably draw a few more starts if Abreu misses time.

Yordan Álvarez with one single Thursday.

In Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Orioles, Álvarez was quiet. With a walk and a strikeout, he went 1-for-4. In 70 games this year, he has slashed .283/.389/.590 with 21 homers and 62 RBI. Álvarez is on pace to hit 30+ home runs for the third consecutive year.