MLB Player News

Donaldson went 1-for-3 with a walk and a double in Sunday's win over the Marlins.

The two-bagger was his first extra-base hit of the season. Donaldson's off to a sluggish start, slashing .167/.306/.200 through nine games with 10 strikeouts, but there's been no indication manager Brian Snitker is thinking about dropping the 33-year-old from the two hole in the Atlanta order, or sitting him more frequently. If Donaldson still isn't producing later in the summer, however, the organization may consider calling up top prospect Austin Riley to handle the hot corner.

Senzel (ankle) has ditched his walking boot and is expected to resume light running Monday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Rosecrans adds that it's possible Senzel could also take some swings Monday, but the important takeaway is that the Reds' top prospect is able to resume baseball activities in any capacity. If all goes well in his first few days out of boot, Senzel could be cleared to resume fielding drills by the weekend and play in simulated or minor-league rehab games soon after. Due to the time he missed in spring training, Senzel would likely need to play in games at Triple-A Louisville for at least a couple of weeks before the Reds would consider promoting him to the big leagues. Once he arrives in the majors, Senzel projects to take over as the team's everyday center fielder.

Arenado went 3-for-4 with a triple, two RBI, a run scored and a walk in Sunday's 12-6 loss to the Dodgers.

The perennial MVP candidate had just one hit in his last four games, so Sunday's big day at the dish was much needed. While he's still looking for his first long ball of 2019, Arenado did raise his batting average to a respectable .282 in 39 at-bats.

Rendon went 1-for-3 with a home run, two walks, three RBI and three runs scored Sunday against New York.

Rendon tacked on some insurance runs in the seventh inning with a three-run blast to left center, giving the Nationals a 12-1 lead. The 28-year-old has now homered in back-to-back games and sits with four long balls along with nine RBI through eight contests in 2019.

Muncy isn't in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockies, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

The Dodgers will give Muncy the day off after he went 4-for-6 with a homer and four RBI in the first two games of the series. David Freese enters the lineup at first base and will bat sixth in Muncy's stead.

Riley went 3-for-5 with a double, two home runs, three RBI and three runs scored for Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

After striking out four times in his first two games of the season, Riley put on a show against Norfolk. The Braves' No. 1 fantasy prospect could struggle to hit for a plus batting average in the majors if he can't keep the K's under control, but he has legit middle-of-the-order power -- his 12 homers in 75 games last year in his first exposure to Triple-A pitching was just scratching the surface of his potential. Riley will continue working on his game in the minors while Josh Donaldson occupies third base in Atlanta, but if the veteran breaks down once again, the 22-year-old could make his big-league debut later this season.

Anderson will bat third and man third base in Sunday's game against the Braves, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

One of the few core pieces of a rebuilding Marlins roster, Anderson has slotted in as the No. 2 or 3 hitter in each of the team's games this season. Despite batting just .176 through nine contests, Anderson is in no danger of dropping in the lineup with few other Marlins position players making cases for looks in the heart of the order.

Escobar went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Red Sox.

Escobar, who had one hit over 25 at-bats, has hit safely in the first two games of the series against Boston. Jake Lamb had been a threat to this playing time, but a quadriceps injury will sideline Lamb for up to six weeks, presenting a path for Escobar to get regular at-bats.

Newman went 2-for-4 with a walkoff RBI double against the Reds on Saturday.

He played second base while starter Adam Frazier came off the bench to serve as a pinch hitter. Newman got his second start in three games but will likely have to wait for starting shortstop Erik Gonzalez to struggle before he gets a chance to regularly contribute. Newman has the potential to hit for a high batting average and steal some bases if he's given the opportunity.

Davis went 3-for-3 with two solo home runs and a walk in Saturday's 6-5 win over the Nationals.

Davis received the start at third base Saturday and hit both home runs off Washington starter Patrick Corbin. The 29-year-old should continue to see fairly regular at-bats while Todd Frazier (oblique) and Jed Lowrie (knee) remain on the injured list.