MLB Player News

Nationals infielder Anthony Rendon made his first start at second base during Wednesday's game against the Mets. Rendon was recalled Tuesday after second baseman Danny Espinosa was placed on the disabled list with a wrist injury.

The Nationals officially recalled infield prospect Anthony Rendon from Triple-A Syracuse Tuesday, but he was not in the lineup for the team's game against the Mets that night.

Rendon took Danny Espinosa's spot on the active roster, though it is not yet known whether Espinosa was placed on the disabled list or optioned.

Rendon appeared in eight games earlier in the season for the Nationals, hitting .240 with a .647 OPS.

Nationals infield prospect Anthony Rendon is at Nationals Park ahead of Tuesday's game against the Mets, though it is not yet clear if he will be recalled prior to the game. 

Need a third baseman? Get in line with the Mike Moustakas, Will Middlebrooks, Pedro Alvarez, Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie owners. What about a second baseman? Yeah, pretty much everyone is with you there.

So tell me: Why haven't you gone after Anthony Rendon<player idref= yet? I assume you haven't. He's owned in only 26 percent of leagues even though the Nationals recently promoted him to Triple-A to play second base in anticipation of him eventually taking over for Danny Espinosa -- a move CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Danny Knobler suggests could happen in a matter of days.

I understand Rendon didn't set the world on fire his first time up, but what can we assess from that stint? He was getting sporadic at-bats in his first taste of the big leagues. He's still an exceptional hitter who the Nationals selected sixth overall in 2011 even though he had missed most of his last year in college with an injury. Oh, and he just tore up Double-A with 1.064 OPS.

If you're one of the many with a need at either of the two positions where he's eligible, Rendon could be the answer to your prayers.

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez endured a quiet night at the dish in his first game back from a wisdom-tooth extraction Saturday night against the Reds.

Alvarez finished 0 for 2 with a walk and a strikeout in a 2-0 defeat. He is hitting .198/.258/.401 in 48 games.

The Nationals called top prospect Anthony Rendon up to Triple-A Syracuse Saturday, where he will make the move from third base to second. According to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Danny Knobler, the move indicates Nationals are considering having Rendon play just a handful of games at second before possibly calling him up to replace Danny Espinosa. Espinosa has battled injuries and has just a .478 OPS on the season.

Rendon had a 1.064 OPS at Double-A Harrisburg, while having his stay interrupted for a brief cameo in the majors. Rendon has played five games at second base in his career, all this season. 

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez was back in the starting lineup Saturday against the Reds, after missing the previous two games due to wisdom tooth extraction.  

Alvarez was originally in the starting lineup Friday, but was a late scratch due to lingering soreness. 

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez was a late scratch Friday night against the Reds, as he is still dealing with soreness from having his wisdom teeth taken out earlier in the week. He was replaced by Brandon Inge.

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez returned to the starting lineup Friday against the Reds after having his wisdom teeth taken out earlier in the week. Alvarez is a .278 lifetime hitter against Johnny Cueto, who is starting for the Reds Friday.

Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu is without a home run in his first 14 games with Colorado.

Lemahieu is hitting .275 with a .356 on-base percentage, but he has only two extra-base hits in 40 at-bats, both doubles. LeMahieu has just a .409 career slugging percentage, including .411 in three seasons at the power-heavy Triple-A Pacific Coast League, so even with the effects of Coors Field, big power likely isn't coming.