MLB Player News

Kieboom went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's loss to the Padres.

The rookie was the center of attention in his big-league debut, taking Craig Stammen deep to lead off the eighth inning and tie things up at 3-3 but then striking out with the bases loaded in the ninth against San Diego closer Kirby Yates to end the ballgame. Kieboom was tearing up Triple-A prior to his promotion, hitting .379 with three homers in 18 games, but he struck out 20 times. The 21-year-old could struggle to make consistent contact in the majors at this stage of his development.

Rendon is not in Saturday's lineup against the Padres.

Rendon returned Friday after missing almost a week with an elbow contusion, and it seems the Nationals will cautiously elect to sit him in the day game following the night game. Howie Kendrick will start at third base and hit third.

Arenado went 2-for-5 with a home run, a double, two RBI and two runs scored Friday against the Braves.

Arenado slugged a solo homer to left in the fourth inning and gave his team a 3-2 lead in the sixth with an RBI double to right. The 28-year-old slugger has been heating up at the dish of late, securing multi-hit performances in four of his past five matchups.

Moustakas (finger) is starting at second base and batting cleanup Friday against the Mets.

Moustakas has not seen the field since fracturing the tip of his right ring finger last Saturday against the Dodgers, but he'll end up avoiding a trip to the injured list after five days off. The 30-year-old has enjoyed a quality start to the season and is slashing .239/.349/.549 with six home runs through 21 games.

Escobar is not in Friday's lineup against the Cubs.

After a slow first week of the season, Escobar is hitting .371/.467/.629 with three home runs and a 15:9 K:BB in his last 18 games. Ildemaro Vargas will start at the hot corner, hitting second against righty Kyle Hendricks.

Rendon (elbow) will start Friday against the Padres, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Rendon was withheld from the lineup the last four games with a left elbow bruise, but he is apparently good to go following Thursday's scheduled off day. The 28-year-old was said to be available as a pinch hitter in the last couple games, but ultimately wasn't used. Rendon has been raking to begin the season with a .371/.451/.771 slash line and six home runs in 82 plate appearances.

Kieboom was called up from Triple-A Fresno on Friday.

It was reported Thursday that Kieboom would receive his first promotion to the big leagues, and the Nationals have made that move official. The 21-year-old was putting up some of the best numbers of his minor-league career at Fresno through 18 games this season with a .379/.506/.636 slash line and three home runs. Kieboom -- Washington's top prospect -- figures to take over at shortstop while Trea Turner remains on the injured list with a broken finger.

Kieboom will be promoted from Triple-A Fresno ahead of Friday's game against the Padres, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

With Wilmer Difo struggling and Trea Turner (finger) presumably still multiple weeks away from a return, the Nationals decided to summon Kieboom for the first time in his career. The well-regarded prospect has been on a tear with Fresno, slashing .379/.506/.636 with three homers and a stolen base through 18 games. While it remains to be seen whether he'll be in the starting lineup Friday, Kieboom figures to see his fair share of opportunities during his time with the big club. A corresponding roster move will have to be made Friday.

Segura (hamstring) is on track to be activated from the 10-day injured list Saturday, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Segura is expected to rejoin the Phillies ahead of Saturday's game against the Marlins after a minimum stay on the shelf. The shortstop appeared in 16 games prior to landing on the IL, slashing .328/.384/.478 with one homer and one stolen base in those contests.

Senzel (ankle) started in center field for Triple-A Louisville in games Tuesday and Wednesday, going a combined 2-for-8 with a double and a run scored.

Senzel's ability to play on back-to-back days suggests the Reds no longer harbor any concern about the condition of his right ankle, which he sprained late in spring training. After a layoff of nearly a month, Senzel's main focus will be getting regular at-bats to make up for the lost time while continuing to get more comfortable in center field after playing exclusively in the infield prior to 2019. His callup date remains unknown, but Senzel will almost certainly be deployed as the Reds' everyday center fielder once he does receive a long-awaited promotion.