MLB Player News

Hoerner is starting at second base and batting leadoff in a Triple-A exhibition contest Saturday.

Hoerner and his Triple-A Iowa teammates will be taking on Chicago White Sox minor leaguers in the exhibition game. Hoerner did not make the major-league roster out of spring training, but the Cubs are getting very little production at second base from David Bote and Eric Sogard, so Hoerner could be in line for a promotion at some point relatively soon.

Albies (calf) isn't starting Saturday's game against the Cubs.

Albies was removed from Friday's win over the Cubs in the ninth inning after he was hit by a pitch on the right calf. Ehire Adrianza will start at second base and bat sixth Saturday, and it's not yet clear whether Albies could be available off the bench.

Frazier went 2-for-5 with a two-run triple in Friday's 6-1 win over the Brewers.

The two hits lifted his batting average to .300 and the triple was his first hit against a southpaw in seven at-bats. Frazier has played second base exclusively after seeing time in the outfield in 2020. His line-drive rate (31.1 percent) is at its highest level since his rookie campaign (33.1 percent) in 2016. The 29-year-old is also playing well defensively as he builds his trade value heading into the summer months.

Marte (hamstring) did light running, played catch and hit off a tee Friday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

This was the first return to anything resembling baseball activity for Marte, who has been sidelined by a sore right hamstring since April 7. He's eligible to return Sunday, but it appears his absence will extend into next week.

Albies left Friday's win over the Cubs after he was hit by a pitch on the right calf, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Albies suffered the injury in the ninth inning of Friday's contest and was immediately removed from the game. Manager Brian Snitker said that the team would know more regarding Albies' status later in the night Friday. If Albies is forced to miss additional time, Ehire Adrianza could see increased playing time at second base.

Lux (wrist) isn't starting Friday's game against the Padres, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Lux was scratched from Thursday's lineup against the Rockies due to a sore right wrist. Zach McKinstry will start at second base for Friday's series opener against San Diego, batting seventh.

Marte (hamstring) continues to get treatment and has not yet begun baseball activities, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Marte, who is on his feet and doing light movement, is eligible to come off the injured list April 18, but it's unlikely he'll return by then. Tim Locastro will continue to be the primary fill-in at center field.

Lux was scratched from Thursday's lineup with right wrist soreness, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

There was originally no reason attached to Lux's removal from the lineup. It's unclear whether the injury will keep him out beyond Thursday's contest, but he'll have a chance to make a quick return to the field Friday as the Dodgers begin a series in San Diego.

Lux was scratched from Thursday's lineup against the Rockies, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Lux was in the original lineup, and it's not clear what caused the change. As a result of his absence, Max Muncy shifts to second base with Edwin Rios drawing the start at first base.

Rodgers (hamstring) has been taking batting practice and playing the field recently, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

Rodgers joined the Rockies for their current road trip in Los Angeles, and he still appears to be on the right track in his recovery. Manager Bud Black said that Rodgers will be sent to the team's alternate training site to take live at-bats once he's closer to a return. While the 24-year-old has continued to make progress since suffering a right hamstring strain in mid-March, he still doesn't have a clear timetable to return.