MLB Player News

Escobar went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Pirates.

Escobar had been languishing in the low .200s for much of April but has put together a mini-run since the weekend. He's 8-for-17 with two home runs, four RBI and four runs scored over the last four games, raising his average to .270. Earlier in the season, when Escobar was struggling, the Diamondbacks were giving Jake Lamb (quadriceps) playing time at third base. That may still happen when Lamb returns in May, but removing Escobar from the lineup is a more difficult decision if he's producing.

Muncy isn't in Tuesday's starting lineup against the Cubs.

Muncy will head to the bench with lefty Jose Quintana taking the mound for the opposition. David Freese enters the lineup at first base and will bat third with Muncy riding the pine.

Rendon (elbow) could be available to pinch hit Tuesday against the Rockies, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Rendon is out of the lineup for the third straight day but he was able to hit in the cage Tuesday and appears to be progressing towards a return. The Nationals have a scheduled off-day Thursday, so it would make sense if the team played it safe with Rendon and also held him out of Wednesday's series finale.

Moustakas (finger) took batting practice on the field Tuesday to determine his availability moving forward, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Moustakas was left out of the starting lineup Tuesday, and his availability for the next few games will likely depend on how his finger feels during batting practice. The veteran third baseman could be used off the bench Tuesday and Wednesday if it's deemed that he can play through the injury.

Senzel (ankle) has been activated from the 7-day injured list and will play at Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, Fletcher Page of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Senzel feared his injury was much worse initially, but he's managed to return in just under a month from a right ankle sprain. He'll look to build on a successful 2018 campaign with the Bats and will continue to get reps in center field.

Rendon (elbow) isn't in Tuesday's starting lineup against the Rockies, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Rendon has now been out of the starting lineup for three straight days after getting drilled by a pitch on his left elbow in Saturday's contest. Howie Kendrick continues to benefit from Rendon's absence and will again start at the hot corner.

Moustakas (finger) isn't starting Tuesday against the Cardinals.

Moustakas will miss his third straight game since fracturing his right ring finger, and even though the Brewers are optimistic about his chances of avoiding an extended absence, he'll likely require a trip to the injured list if he doesn't show improvement soon. Hernan Perez will once again start at second base and bat sixth.

The Cardinals optioned Robinson to Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.

Robinson's stay with the big club lasted just one day, with the utility man delivering a pinch-hit single in his lone at-bat during Monday's 13-5 win over the Brewers. His removal from the active roster clears a spot for pitcher Daniel Ponce de Leon, who is scheduled to start Tuesday.

Escobar went 3-for-5 with a solo home run and two RBI-singles in a 12-4 victory against the Pirates on Monday.

The 30-year-old was approaching the Mendoza Line in the middle of April, but over the last nine games, he is hitting .313 with two home runs and six RBI. That's raised his overall season average to .247. Escobar is about where he needs to be with three home runs this month as well. He smashed three or four bombs in each month last year on his way to 23 homers. With three home runs in 85 at-bats, Escobar is on track for his third straight 20-homer season. In addition to three bombs, he has 12 RBI and 10 runs in 23 games.

Segura (hamstring) is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list in time for Saturday's game against Miami, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Segura landed on the injured list with a left hamstring strain, but his time on the shelf appears to be coming to an end. Barring any setbacks, the veteran shortstop should return to the starting lineup after missing the minimum.