Thumbs up

Brock Holt, Pirates: In his fourth career game, Holt went 4 for 5 against Houston on Tuesday — just the second Pirates player since 1900 to have a four-hit game within his first four career games.

Thumbs down

Dan Uggla, Braves: Uggla, an All-Star starter this year at second base, is hitting .152 over his last 75 games. Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez said Uggla will no longer play every day.

Ex-Mariner of the week

Bob Melvin, A's: In his first full season at Oakland's helm, Melvin surprisingly has the A's in strong playoff contention and is a leading contender for AL Manager of the Year.

Quote

"His swing is so short, he looks like he gets it off in a telephone booth." — Pirates manager Clint Hurdle on rookie Brock Holt (see "Thumbs Up"), hitting a combined .347 this season.