MLB Player News

Suarez homered for the third time this week Sunday against the Cubs, batting again out of the leadoff spot.

Suarez hit a monster shot off of Jake Arrieta to extend the Reds' lead to 4-0, which was more than enough in support of Tyler Mahle. Once the Reds get Joey Votto and Mike Moustakas back from the IL, Suarez might not remain in the leadoff spot, but it's agreed with him so far.

Muncy went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 5-4 loss to the Giants.

Muncy took Zack Littell deep for a two-run home run in the eighth inning. He is on fire right now, with five long balls in his last eight games. The 30-year-old leads the Dodgers in home runs (13), RBI (30) and leads all of baseball in walks (43).

Davis (hand) resumed swinging Sunday, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

Davis recently had his rehab assignment paused due to a stiff neck, and an MRI revealed joint inflammation in his left hand during the pause. It's encouraging that Davis was officially able to resume swinging Sunday, but he still doesn't have a clear timetable to return to game action.

Arenado is out of the lineup Sunday against the Diamondbacks, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Arenado has started all 52 games this season and will receive a well-earned day off Sunday. Jose Rondon will man the hot corner in the series finale for St. Louis.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday that he expects Hayes (wrist) to be activated from the 60-day injured list when he becomes eligible Thursday, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Hayes hasn't played for the Pirates since suffering the injury April 3 against the Cubs, but the third baseman is on track to rejoin the club when he becomes eligible June 3. The highly touted prospect seems likely to assume his role as the everyday third baseman when he returns.

Machado is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros.

Machado will get at least the beginning of the series finale off. The third baseman returned from a shoulder injury late last week, so Sunday's rest appears to be an effort to ease him back into the swing of things slowly.

Muncy went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a double in Saturday's 11-6 loss to the Giants.

Muncy slammed a leadoff home run in the sixth inning off Scott Kazmir Saturday. The 30-year-old has four long balls in his last seven games. On the season, he is slashing .282/.445/.552 with 12 homers, 28 RBI and 36 runs in 211 plate appearances. His current OPS of .997 is the best of his career.

Longoria went 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored in Saturday's 11-6 win over the Dodgers.

Longoria took Alex Vesia deep to lead off the eighth inning Saturday. The veteran is still a threat for 20 long balls in a season and his OPS of .850 is his highest since 2012. He is one of the many reasons the Giants have been able to keep up with the other powerhouses in the National League West. The third baseman is slashing .267/.357/.493 with eight home runs, 26 RBI and 25 runs in 171 plate appearances.

Maton is not in the starting lineup for the third consecutive game Sunday against the Rays, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Ronald Torreyes is perhaps becoming Joe Girardi's preferred replacement for Didi Gregorius (elbow), as he will start over Maton at shortstop for the third game in a row.

Vargas was designated for assignment by the Pirates on Saturday.

The 29-year-old was claimed off waivers by the Pirates nearly two weeks ago and went 1-for-13 in seven appearances. Vargas began the season with the Cubs and went 3-for-21 before being DFA'd. He could remain in the Pirates organization should he go unclaimed on waivers.