Around Major League Baseball: Yankees Thrive, Marlins Plunge and History Made

Just a few weeks ago, the New York Yankees found themselves near the bottom of the American League East. Since then, they have been baseball's hottest team and reclaimed the division lead. Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins, who won 21 games in May, are mightily struggling again in June, something that knocked them out of playoff contention last season. Here are some notable moments around Major League Baseball on Friday, June 15th.

St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Carlos Beltran became the first switch-hitter in MLB history to record 300 home runs and 300 steals. In the second inning of last night's ballgame against the Kansas City Royals, Beltran stole second for his 300th steal.

Manny Ramirez's comeback to baseball has suddenly taken a detour. Ramirez, who signed a minor league deal with the Oakland Athletics, asked and received his release. 

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton was hospitalized for an intestinal virus and could miss at least two games. Hamilton has had a stellar 2012 start with 22 home runs and 62 runs batted in.

Jason Bay, just days after being removed from the disabled list, is more than likely heading back there. Bay, who attempted to make a diving catch in the New York Mets game against the Cincinnati Reds Thursday night, hit his head on the wall and suffered a potential concussion. Bay has struggled with injuries throughout his time in New York.

Manager Bobby Valentine announced that Josh Beckett of the Boston Red Sox will miss his next start because of inflammation on his right shoulder. 

Recapping yesterday's scores, the Yankees won their seventh straight with a 7-2 win against the Washington Nationals. The Royals and Reds continue to play good baseball as they both extended winning streaks to four games. Meanwhile, the Marlins' offensive woes continue, as they were able to get just one hit against the Tampa Bay Rays, who won 11-0. And the Pittsburgh Pirates have fallen into a tie for second place in the NL Central with their fourth consecutive loss.