MLB Player News

Arenado (back) will serve as the Cardinals' designated hitter and No. 4 batter in Sunday's game against the Reds, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

After he was held out of the lineup for Saturday's 11-3 win with lower-back tightness, Arenado ended up pulling out the upcoming All-Star Game, with Atlanta's Austin Riley called upon to replace him on the National League roster. Though Arenado showed enough improvement to re-enter the lineup in a non-defensive role for the Cardinals' final game of the second half, he'll still sit out the Midsummer Classic. The back injury has lingered for more than a month, but Arenado expects that the time off during the break will allow him to be healthy and productive throughout the second half, according to Denton.

Riley went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and a double in Saturday's 6-3 win over Washington.

After being added to the National League All-Star team earlier Saturday as a replacement for the Cardinals' Nolan Arenado, Riley celebrated the occasion by going yard for the second game in a row. Riley has now produced six home runs in his last eight games, bringing his total to 27 for the season. He trails only the Phillies' Kyle Schwarber (29) for the National League lead in the category.

Kennedy went 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI in Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Padres.

Kennedy delivered the Diamondbacks' first run with a triple in the fourth inning, his first RBI in nine games. He's been getting steady playing time at second base while Ketel Marte deals with a lingering hamstring injury that's limited him to designated-hitter duty, but that run could end soon. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo indicated earlier this week that the team has a plan in place for Marte to get back to playing the field, a process that should begin in earnest following the All-Star break. Kennedy is batting .250 (13-for-52) with two doubles, one triple, eight RBI and six runs scored over the last 19 games as the Diamondbacks' primary second baseman.

Muncy went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Saturday's 7-1 win over the Angels.

Entering Saturday, Muncy had gone 1-for-23 with a double and seven walks in his last eight games. He doubled the Dodgers' lead with a three-run blast in the third inning for his first homer since July 5. The 31-year-old infielder still has a wretched .160 batting average this year, but he's added nine homers, 30 RBI, 35 runs scored and a stolen base through 73 contests. He's maintained a regular role in the lineup against right-handers, though he's sat out three of the Dodgers' 15 games in July.

Escobar went 3-for-5 with a solo home run and a double in a 4-3 extra-inning win over the Cubs in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader.

Escobar played all 21 innings between the two teams Saturday, going 0-for-4 in the matinee before flexing some power in the nightcap. His homer in the latter contest was his fifth in July and his 11th of the year. The infielder is slashing .223/.277/.398 with 40 RBI, 37 runs scored, 18 doubles and three triples through 358 plate appearances this year, and he's been caught stealing on both of his attempts.

Longoria (oblique) went 0-for-3 with a strikeout and a hit-by-pitch in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Brewers.

Longoria had a minimum stay on the injured list to recover from a left oblique strain. He wasn't able to generate a hit in his return, but he got aboard in the eighth when he was plunked, and Wilmer Flores scored the winning run soon after. Longoria played the full game at third base, where he should settle into a near-everyday role going forward. The 36-year-old is slashing .237/.329/.452 with eight home runs, 18 RBI, 18 runs scored and five doubles through 155 plate appearances this season, which has seen him battle finger, shoulder and hamstring injuries.

Sosa left Saturday's game against the Reds with an apparent leg injury after crashing into the wall while chasing a foul ball, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Sosa remained down initially and appeared to be in significant pain, but he was able to walk off under his own power. He reportedly avoided a fracture and is merely considered day-to-day, though it wouldn't be a surprise if he skips Sunday's series finale in order to secure some extra rest heading into the All-Star break.

Longoria (oblique) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and is starting Saturday against the Brewers.

Longoria began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday and went 3-for-6 with two doubles, two runs, a walk and a strikeout over his two rehab games. He's starting at third base and batting cleanup Saturday, and he should see regular playing time now that he's back to full health.

Arenado isn't starting Saturday's game against the Reds due to low back tightness, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Arenado has been dealing with a back issue for several weeks and won't play in the All-Star Game as a result. He hopes to return to the lineup Sunday against the Reds, but Brendan Donovan is starting at third base and batting sixth Saturday.

Riley went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Friday's 8-4 win over the Nationals.

Riley's gone yard eight times in 15 games in July, slashing a blistering .403/.439/.871 over that stretch with 17 RBI, and he now sits two homers behind Kyle Schwarber's 28 for the National League lead while pacing the NL in total bases with 201. After initially being snubbed for the All-Star Game, Riley was named a replacement for Nolan Arenado (back).