MLB Player News

Albies went 3-for-4 with a double, a two-run home run and a second run scored in Tuesday's 9-6 loss to the Royals.

He took Kansas City closer Ian Kennedy deep in the ninth inning for his 24th homer of the year, tying the career high he established last year. Albies is slashing .364/.405/.662 through 20 games in September, and the heater has the 22-year-old on the brink of hitting .300 for the season.

Hoerner went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Tuesday's 9-2 loss to the Pirates.

The Cubs have seen their playoff chances evaporate with a seven-game losing streak, but a silver lining has been the emergence of Hoerner. The rookie shortstop is slashing .295/.328/.492 through the first 15 games of his MLB career. Heading into 2020, a healthy Javier Baez will lock down one of the middle infield spots, but Hoerner has made a strong case for ample playing time.

Dubon led off and went 1-for-5 with a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Braves.

Dubon played the role of leadoff hitter well, singling off of Dallas Keuchel to begin the sixth frame, nabbing his third steal of the season, then coming around to score on an Evan Longoria double to get the Giants on the board. The rookie middle infielder has now led off against a southpaw in consecutive contests, a role he could keep over the final week of the regular season and potentially into the 2020 campaign.

Albies is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Albies has been on fire of late, but with the Braves clinching the division title Friday, manager Brian Snitker is giving his regulars a chance to rest up in advance of the postseason. Albies will get a two-day break heading into a team off day. Adeiny Hechavarria will start at second base Sunday for the second day in a row.

Albies may be out of the lineup Sunday against the Giants, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Albies was held out of the lineup Saturday and may miss Sunday's action as well. The Braves appear content to sit their stars now that they've clinched the NL East, so Albies may rest several more times before the close of the season.

Hoerner went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Saturday's 9-8 loss to the Cardinals.

Hoerner connected off Ryan Helsley in the sixth inning to give the Cubs a 6-5 lead. In 13 games since his MLB debut on Sept. 9, Hoerner is 15-for-53 (.283) with 12 RBI.

Kemp went 1-for-1 with a pinch-hit two-run homer in Saturday's 9-8 loss to the Cardinals.

The home run was his eighth of the season -- and first in the National League -- as he connected in the seventh inning off Giovanny Gallegos to put the Cubs in front 8-7. The 27-year-old was hitting just .172 since he was acquired by the Cubs on July 31. Kemp's overall .215/.291/386 slash line isn't impressive, but his eight home runs represent a career high.

Albies is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Giants.

Albies is one of several regulars getting the day off after the Braves clinched the NL East with a win Friday. Adeiny Hechavarria will replace Albies at second base and in the two hole in the batting order against right-hander Johnny Cueto.

McNeil went 3-for-5 with a double, a home run, two RBI and three runs scored Friday night against the Reds.

McNeil came just a triple shy of the cycle in this one, hitting a solo homer in the sixth inning followed by an RBI double to right field in the ninth. The 27-year-old continues to put together a stellar season at the dish, slashing .321/.390/.540 with 23 homers and 73 RBI over 128 games.

Marte has been diagnosed with a stress reaction in his back and will be shut down for the rest of the season, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Marte was removed from Tuesday's matchup due to a stiff back, and the team announced prior to Friday's clash that the outfielder is done for the year. He won't require surgery and is expected to be ready to roll for the start of spring training, per Piecoro. Jarrod Dyson figures to see time in center field against right-handers while Tim Locastro slots in against lefties with Marte out of commission.