MLB Player News

Cronenworth (finger) will remain on the bench Friday against the Cardinals.

Cronenworth hasn't played since last Friday while recovering from a small finger fracture. Previous reports indicated that the Padres hoped he'd return during the weekend series against St. Louis, which could still happen, though it won't be happening in the series opener. Fernando Tatis remains the shortstop Friday, with Jurickson Profar making another start in right field.

Diaz went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in a 5-2 win against the Tigers on Thursday.

Diaz led off the bottom of the first with a 438-foot bomb to center off Detroit starter Tyler Alexander, singled in the third and walked in the sixth to reach base three times for the third time in September. Despite the three excellent games, Diaz has just five hits across his other 11 games this month and is batting .230 with three doubles and two home runs for September.

Mountcastle went 1-for-5 with a solo home run Thursday against the Yankees.

Mountcastle took Jordan Montgomery yard in the sixth inning to record his 29th home run of the season. It was Mountcastle's fourth homer in his last eight games, and he's also chipped in six RBI and five runs scored. Though his batting average has predictably fallen after posting a .398 BABIP in 2020, Mountcastle has proven he has legitimate pop by posting an impressive .235 ISO and .87 OPS through 521 plate appearances on the campaign.

According to manager Jayce Tingler, when Cronenworth (finger) returns to the lineup, he will likely see playing time at first base, second base and shortstop, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Cronenworth is expected to return at some point during the team's weekend series against the Cardinals. In his absence, Fernando Tatis has been playing at shortstop and Jurickson Profar in right field. If the team plans to move Tatis back to right field, Cronenworth could slot back into a regular shortstop role -- his primary position since the team acquired Adam Frazier. However, the team could also use Cronenworth's return as a way to mix-and-match the lineup, with Eric Hosmer being a potential playing-time loser in that scenario.

Solano (illness) could rejoin the Giants as early as Friday against Atlanta, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Solano recently began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Sacramento and went 2-for-9 with a run and an RBI across three appearances. Manager Gabe Kapler said that the 33-year-old could remain in Sacramento on Thursday to get some additional at-bats, but he appears to be on track to return from the COVID-19 injured list Friday.

Cronenworth (finger) remains sidelined as expected for Thursday's game against the Giants.

Cronenworth hasn't played since last Friday while dealing with a small finger fracture. He isn't expected to return until the weekend series against the Cardinals. Fernando Tatis again moves back to his traditional spot at shortstop, with Jurickson Profar starting in right field.

Olson went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run, a walk and an additional run Wednesday in the Athletics' 12-10 win over the Royals.

Olson's 35th home run of the season was his third long ball in four games and helped him extend his RBI streak to five games. He'll look to tie his career-high total in home runs in Thursday's series finale. Olson is starting at first base and batting third.

Cron will not start Thursday's game against Atlanta, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Cron sits for the second time in four games. He was on a hot streak for most of August and early September but has gone cold at the plate recently, hitting .125/.192/.250 over his last seven games. Rio Ruiz will start at first base Thursday.

Santana is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Athletics.

It's been a disappointing season for the veteran first baseman, who's hit just .219/.322/.359 in 142 games. He's still playing regularly at this point, having started 15 straight games prior to Thursday's day off, but it's possible the Royals elect to turn to younger options more frequently down the stretch. Ryan O'Hearn will be the first baseman Thursday.

Cabrera lined out in his pinch-hit appearance Wednesday in the Reds' 5-4 loss to the Pirates.

The Reds claimed Cabrera off waivers from the Diamondbacks on Aug. 27 with the hope that he could become a pinch-hitting specialist off the bench, but he's failed to make any sort of impact in that capacity. The 35-year-old is still searching for his first hit as a member of the Reds, as he's off to an 0-for-18 start. He hasn't made up for the lack of hits by showing quality plate discipline, either; he's reached base only twice via a walk and a hit by pitch.