MLB Player News

Marte (hamstring) is out of the lineup Sunday against the Padres.

Marte returned from a two-game absence Saturday but exited the contest early after aggravating the hamstring injury. It's unclear if the 27-year-old will be available off the bench Sunday. Pavin Smith will shift to center field while Josh Reddick starts in right.

Kim (finger) is starting at third base and batting seventh Sunday versus Arizona, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The 25-year-old has been nursing a finger injury throughout the week and will start for the first time in four games, though he appeared off the bench in each contest. Kim has found success in June, going 9-for-32 with two homers, a double, five RBI, three runs and a stolen base in 18 games.

Castro is not starting Sunday against the Astros.

Castro will take a seat as Zack Short starts at shortstop for the third straight game. Castro had previously been splitting time at shortstop with Isaac Paredes, and that could continue to be the case with Short going forward.

Ibanez replaced Willie Calhoun (forearm) during Saturday's game and went 2-for-4 in an 8-0 win over the Royals.

Calhoun started at designated hitter but left after suffering a forearm fracture when he was hit by a pitch. Ibanez, who was called up last week, appeared for the fifth time in six games since joining the Rangers. He's gone 6-for-19 while playing all three base positions and DH. With Calhoun expected to miss significant time, at-bats at DH should open up for the right-handed hitting Ibanez and eventually lefty David Dahl (ribs), who's working his way back on a rehab assignment.

Marte exited Saturday's game against the Padres in the first inning after appearing to aggravate the hamstring issue that sidelined him for the previous two games, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. Josh Reddick replaced him as a pinch runner.

Marte initially tweaked his hamstring during Tuesday's game against Milwaukee. He did not play Wednesday or Friday, but felt good enough to give it a go Saturday. The outfielder singled in his first-inning at-bat, so he likely aggravated his hamstring while running to first base. The Diamondbacks figure to provide additional updates later Saturday.

Short will remain on the 26-man roster after serving as the club's 27th man during Saturday's doubleheader against Houston.

Short went 2-for-2 with a double and home run during Game 1 before striking out in all three of his Game 2 plate appearances. Short is now hitting .313/.476/.563 across 16 at-bats with the Tigers this season. He could see the bulk of the time at shortstop in coming days with Niko Goodrum out with a finger injury. Isaac Paredes was optioned to Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding roster move.

Marte (hamstring) is back in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against San Diego.

Marte exited Tuesday's game against the Brewers with left hamstring tightness. The issue appears to have subsided, as he'll bat second and man center field Saturday night. Marte tallied six hits in his last nine at-bats prior to his Tuesday departure.

Hoerner (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment Sunday with Triple-A Iowa, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hoerner's left hamstring strain has now kept him out for a full month. The length of his absence means he may need more than just a game or two before he returns to the big-league roster, but he should be back fairly soon. The Cubs will be excited for his return, as he hit a strong .338/.405/.432 in 21 games prior to the injury.

McNeil isn't starting Saturday's game against the Phillies, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

McNeil started both games of Friday's twin bill and went 0-for-7 with three strikeouts. He'll get a breather Saturday while Luis Guillorme starts at third base and Jose Peraza starts at the keystone.

Kemp is the leading candidate to handle leadoff duties against right-handed pitching while Mark Canha (hip) is on the injured list, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The lefty-swinging Kemp has been on a surge at the plate, as he extended his on-base streak to 14 games by drawing a walk in Friday's loss to the Giants. He's also been highly successful in his limited opportunities at the top of the order this season, forging a .474 average and .521 wOBA across 26 PA in that spot. More chances atop the order could increase Kemp's run-scoring opportunities if he continues to get on base at a similar clip.