MLB Player News

Newman made his MLB debut Thursday, playing shortstop in the ninth inning against the Cubs, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

Manager Clint Hurdle said the natural shortstop could see time at both middle infield positions. "We've got a very, very good defensive shortstop (Adeiny Hechavarria) in play right now with major league experience," Hurdle said. "Whether it's a double switch, whether there's an opportunity to pinch hit, whether we have to put another shortstop out there or it's a day game after a night game, there's different opportunities that will present themselves." Pittsburgh is set to play against multiple southpaws during the next week, making it likely Newman will get a start. Prior to his recall, he hit .336/.383/.483 in 143 at-bats versus lefties in Triple-A.

Newman was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Newman will get his first taste of the big leagues after spending the entirety of the 2018 campaign at the Triple-A level up to this point. Across 109 games with Indianapolis, he slashed .302/.350/.407 with four home runs, 35 RBI and 28 stolen bases. Newman isn't a power-hitter and his defense doesn't provide much additional value, but he's improved his gap power at the plate with 30 doubles and a pair of triples this season. In addition, he ranked first in the International League in steals (28) and runs scored (74). With Jordy Mercer (calf) placed on the DL in a corresponding move, Newman should serve as Adeiny Hechavarria's backup at shortstop.

Suarez had a rare bad night against the Indians on Wednesday, going 0-for-5 with five strikeouts.

Suarez is going through a mini-slump of sorts, having not homered since August 4th. We wouldn't read too much into that, it's just part of the normal ebb and flow of a season. For the year, he's still hitting .296/.376/.554 with 26 homers.

Machado went 3-for-5 with an RBI, a run scored, a double, a walk and a strikeout in Wednesday's extra-innings win over the Giants.

Machado delivered an insurance run with his seventh-inning double, which proved to be big when San Francisco staged a late comeback to send this one to extras. The 26-year-old's .774 OPS with the Dodgers is considerably lower than the .962 mark he was posting with Baltimore, but he's otherwise been adjusting nicely to the National League. He also should continue seeing plenty more run-scoring and run-producing opportunities than he was seeing while playing for the rebuilding Orioles.

Kieboom went 4-for-5 with two home runs, a triple, a double and a walk for Double-A Harrisburg in its 15-3 win over Erie on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old scored runs each time he reached base in what was perhaps his finest game as a professional. Kieboom has delivered a solid, if unspectacular .269/.327/.425 batting line across 202 plate appearances in the Eastern League, but his age-to-level production in addition to Tuesday's massive performance exemplify the huge upside the shortstop possesses.

Arenado went 1-for-4 with a walk and a two-run home run in Tuesday's win over the Astros.

Arenado connected for his 30th home run of the year off Justin Verlander in the sixth inning. Arenado ranks second in the NL in home runs and OPS (.977), trailing only St. Louis' Matt Carpenter (who has 33 home runs and a .981 OPS). The All-Star third baseman is hitting .306 with 84 RBI and 78 runs.

Arenado (shoulder) is starting at designated hitter and batting fourth Tuesday against the Astros, Christian Boutwell of MLB.com reports.

As expected, Arenado is back in the starting lineup for Tuesday's series opener after missing a pair of games with a shoulder issue. With a DH spot available in the Astros' American League ballpark, manager Bud Black will ease his star third baseman back into action. Arenado, who is hitting .306/.390/.584 with 29 homers and 82 RBI in 112 games this season, will face Justin Verlander in his first game back.

Asuaje was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Monday, Bill Center of MLB.com reports.

Asuaje was sent back to the minors to clear a roster spot for Wil Myers, who was activated from the disabled list in a corresponding move. The 26-year-old hit just .095/.204/.167 across 18 games since the All-Star break, bringing his season slash line down to an unsightly .199/.290/.285.

Rendon (wrist) is back in the lineup Monday against the Cardinals.

Rendon was hit on the wrist by a pitch Friday against the Cubs and did not start either of the next two games, though he did appear as a defensive replacement Sunday. He's now ready to hit again and will play third base and bat cleanup against the Cardinals.

Anderson is not starting for the first game of Monday's doubleheader against the Braves, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

The Marlins are rotating several players for the doubleheader. Anderson is likely to return to the lineup for the second game. Isaac Galloway will start in right field in Anderson's place.