MLB Player News

Garcia isn't in Washington's lineup for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Garcia went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored during Game 1 on Saturday and will now get a breather for the second game. Michael Chavis will take over at the keystone and bat ninth.

The Nationals promoted Alu to serve as the 27th man for Saturday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Alu is slashing .311/.372/.453 with 39 RBI through 287 plate appearances in Triple-A Rochester. He has appeared in four games for Washington this season and figures to return to Triple-A following Saturday's nightcap.

Donovan played catch on the field with a trainer Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Donovan has been dealing with an arm injury that has limited him to DH since late June. It's unclear how soon Donovan will return to fielding duties, but Saturday's work was a good sign of progress. Despite his injury, Donovan is slashing .400/.423/.520 through 26 plate appearances in July.

Stott will sit for the afternoon game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Padres.

Stott hits the bench against lefty Blake Snell but could return to face southpaw Ryan Weathers in the nightcap. Edmundo Sosa will handle second base in Stott's absence.

Marte went 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored in Friday's 7-2 loss to the Blue Jays.

Marte scored the Diamondbacks' first run on a wild pitch after hitting a leadoff double in the fourth inning, but that was not enough to offset the damage he did in the field. A second-inning error led to a run, then he misplayed a potential double-play groundball and had a throwing error during Toronto's five-run seventh inning. In addition to Marte's foibles, two Arizona baserunners ran into two outs and another was caught stealing. Marte's minus-two Outs Above Average mark ranks tied for 30th among MLB second basemen.

Donovan is dealing with an arm injury that is limiting him to designated hitter duties Friday against the Nationals, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

He is in the midst of a throwing program, and the hope is that he can return to the field soon, but Donovan hasn't seen any defensive duties since late June. The arm issue hasn't seemed to affect him at the plate, as he's batting .400 (10-for-25) with a homer in July.

Jones was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Monday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Jones fared well during his week with the big club, but he wasn't playing much and will now return to the minors. The Brewers will announce a corresponding move prior to the start of the second half.

Vargas was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The Dodgers' top prospect entering the season, Vargas is slashing .146/.273/.293 with two home runs and one steal in 29 games since June 1. His 21 percent strikeout rate and 13 percent walk rate are right in line with expectations, but he has been a bit unlucky on balls in play this season (.224 BABIP) and could maybe use a mental reset. Chris Taylor (knee) is expected to be activated from the injured list after the All-Star break.

Kim (toe) is starting at second base and batting leadoff Sunday against the Mets, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The 27-year-old sat out Saturday after he jammed his right big toe during Friday's contest, but he'll return to action for the final game before the All-Star break. Kim has enjoyed a strong finish to the first half of the season with a .968 OPS, five homers and five steals in his past 21 games.

Miller will start at first base and bat fifth in Sunday's game against the Reds.

After fading into a short-side platoon role toward the end of June, Miller looks to have emerged as a fixture in the lineup against both right- and left-handed pitching since the Brewers placed Rowdy Tellez (forearm) on the injured list Wednesday. Miller will draw an eighth consecutive start Sunday despite posting a .491 OPS and striking out 10 times in the previous seven contests.