MLB Player News

The Nationals plan to select Vargas' contract from Triple-A Rochester prior to Monday's game against the Mets, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Vargas will be brought aboard as the Nationals' new utility man after Ehire Adrianza was dealt to Atlanta earlier Monday. The 31-year-old journeyman previously saw 10 games of action with the Cubs earlier this season and owns a lifetime .227/.265/.354 slash line across 407 plate appearances in the majors. He's capable of backing up all four infield spots and also has limited experience at either corner-outfield position.

Newman went 3-for-5 with a double, a run scored and a stolen base in Sunday's 8-2 loss to the Phillies.

Newman swiped second base after singling in the first inning before doubling and scoring a run in the third. It was his fourth stolen base of the year and third in his last 12 games. In 18 games since returning from the injured list, Newman has gone 23-for-73 (.315) with eight runs scored and nine extra-base hits. He's slashing .289/.338/.421 through 32 games this season.

Longoria (hamstring) said he'll start a running progression Sunday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Longoria was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain after landing on the injured list last week, and his quick return to running is an encouraging sign for his recovery. The veteran third baseman is still likely at least a week or two away from rejoining the Giants and is officially without a timeline for his return.

Arenado went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and two total runs scored in Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Nationals.

Arenado opened the scoring with a second-inning blast off Nationals starter Paolo Espino. After starting July with three homers in two games, Arenado's power has slipped a bit with only two blasts in his last 17 contests. The third baseman has maintained good plate skills, batting .357 this month to lift his season average to .293 with an .890 OPS, 19 homers, 60 RBI, 45 runs scored and a pair of stolen bases in 93 games overall.

Hayes was scratched from the lineup Sunday versus Philadelphia due to left knee discomfort.

Hayes was penciled in to start at third base but will instead take a seat due to the knee injury. The 25-year-old should be considered day-to-day, and he'll have Monday's scheduled off day to recover before Tuesday's series opener versus the Brewers. Yoshi Tsutsugo will enter the lineup in Hayes' place and play first base, pushing Josh VanMeter to third.

Escobar is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Escobar is 4-for-22 with two doubles, a home run, two RBI and eight strikeouts in six games since the All-Star break, and he'll step out of the lineup Sunday for the second time in New York's past three contests. Luis Guillorme will receive another start at the hot corner as Escobar's grip on an everyday role could be slipping.

Machado went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Saturday's loss to Minnesota.

Machado gave San Diego an early lead with his third-inning solo shot to left field, but the Padres didn't score again until the ninth frame. The long ball was the second in as many games for Machado, who has gone deep three times since the All-Star break. The veteran third baseman leads the Padres in hits (103), homers (18), RBI (57) and OPS (.886).

Muncy went 1-for-3 with a double, a stolen base and a hit-by-pitch in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Rockies.

Muncy has hit safely in five of his last six games, though he's now gone 18 contests without a multi-hit effort. His steal was his second of the year, matching his total from last season. The infielder continues to struggle at the plate with a .162/.310/.305 slash line, nine home runs, 31 RBI, 39 runs scored, 10 doubles and a triple in 335 plate appearances. If the Dodgers elect to add a hitter before Tuesday's trade deadline, Muncy could soon find himself in a bench or platoon role.

Kennedy was added to the lineup for Saturday's game against Atlanta.

Kennedy is serving as the designated hitter and batting seventh Saturday after David Peralta was traded to the Rays. Kennedy has gone 2-for-5 with a walk and two strikeouts over two games since the All-Star break.

McMahon isn't starting Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

McMahon started the last five games and went 2-for-14 with a home run, two RBI, five walks and four strikeouts. Garrett Hampson will take over at the hot corner and bat eighth.