MLB Player News

Anderson went 3-for-5 with a solo home run and two additional RBI in Tuesday's 14-8 win over Atlanta.

Anderson finally rewarded fantasy managers for their patience with Tuesday's performance. The 27-year-old had been struggling early on with just five hits in his first 30 at-bats but shook off the rust with a three-hit performance, including his first home run of the season. It's an encouraging sign to see him finally liven up at the plate, but fantasy managers should continue to take a cautious approach until he can prove that Tuesday's hitting clinic wasn't just a one-game effort.

Machado went 1-for-3 with two walks and a stolen base in Tuesday's 8-4 loss to the Pirates.

Machado is riding an eight-game hitting streak and has also notched a stolen base in back-to-back contests. The 28-year-old is staying consistent with his ability to get on base but hasn't made a ton of noise with his bat just yet. He's slashing .250/.377/.432 with two homers, five RBI and six runs scored to go along with a 9:12 BB:K. He's typically slotted in the order behind two of the team's hottest hitters in Trent Grisham and Jake Cronenworth and should continue to have plenty of RBI chances as long as those guys continue to keep getting on base.

Moustakas went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and two strikeouts in Tuesday's loss to the Giants.

His homer off Kevin Gausman in the first inning was his second of the year. Moustakas has been overshadowed on the Reds by Nick Castellanos, newcomer Jonathan India and even Tyler Naquin, but the slugging veteran is quietly batting .286 with a .952 OPS through 11 games.

Arenado went 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored Tuesday against the Nationals.

Arenado continued to enjoy his new home field, smacking his second home run in five games at Busch Stadium. On this occasion, he took Stephen Strasburg yard for a two-run shot and contributed to a 14-run offensive explosion for the Cardinals. Through 47 plate appearances this season, Arenado is hitting .326/.383/.581 with three home runs, seven runs scored and eight RBI across 47 plate appearances.

Duffy was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday.

Duffy becomes the fourth Cub to land on the COVID-19 injured list in the last two days. His expected return date is unclear, as it's unknown whether he contracted the virus himself or was merely exposed to someone else who tested positive. Ildemaro Vargas' contract was selected in a corresponding move.

Vargas' contract was selected by the Cubs on Tuesday.

Vargas failed to win an Opening Day roster spot despite a strong camp and was designated for assignment, but he passed through waivers unclaimed and won't wind up waiting long for his first opportunity. With a career .254/.282/.391 slash line in 298 MLB plate appearances, he's unlikely to play a major role during his time with the team, but he'll give the Cubs depth around the diamond. Matt Duffy landed on the COVID-19 injured list in a corresponding move.

Hayes (wrist) has yet to resume swinging, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Recent reports indicated that the Pirates weren't optimistic that Hayes would be able to return from the injured list when first eligible Wednesday, and that's now been all but confirmed by manager Derek Shelton. The Pirates haven't supplied a specific timeline for his return, but he'll presumably have to get through a few batting practice sessions without issue before being allowed to return to game action.

Hayes (wrist) doesn't appear likely to return from the injured list when first eligible Wednesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Hayes exited in the second game of the season with left wrist inflammation. The Pirates initially seemed optimistic that he'd return in just 10 days, but that optimism has since faded somewhat. That said, there hasn't been any indication that he's suffered a setback and is in line for an extended absence.

Riley will sit for the first time this season Tuesday against the Marlins.

After showing promise but generally failing to produce at a high level over his first two seasons, the young third baseman has been given every opportunity to prove himself this year. He started each of Atlanta's first 10 games at third base but has gotten off to a very slow start, hitting .188/.278/.188. Ehire Adrianza will get the nod at the hot corner Tuesday.

Machado went 1-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and two runs scored in Monday's 6-2 win over the Pirates.

Machado singled in the sixth inning and was brought home on a Wil Myers homer. He scored another run thanks to Myers in the seventh after Machado swiped second base. The star third baseman is now riding a seven-game hitting streak.