MLB Player News

Newman went 1-for-4 with a run scored in Friday's 6-1 win over the Brewers.

His poor start (.180/.196/.220) continues, but despite his struggles, Newman has started each of the team's last six games. He's posted a 94 percent contact rate, but he's hitting line drives (6.4 percent) less than ever. Because the team likes to move Erik Gonzalez around the infield, it's likely Newman sticks in the lineup at short. Cole Tucker remains in Florida working on his offensive approach, leaving a path for Newman to find his game with Pittsburgh.

Machado was dealing with low-back tightness and shoulder discomfort in the ninth inning of Friday's loss to the Dodgers, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Machado tweaked his back during his at-bat in the ninth inning and was shaken up once again after he stole second base in the same inning. Although he was able to remain in the game, he'll be examined by team doctors ahead of Saturday's contest. If Machado is forced to miss any time, Ha-Seong Kim could fill in at third base for the Padres.

Machado went 2-for-4 with two walks, two stolen bases and three runs scored Friday in a loss to the Dodgers.

Machado reached base four times in the contest and scored half of San Diego's runs, including one in the ninth inning that sent the game into extra frames. He also ran wild on the basepaths, stealing his third and fourth bases of the season. That puts him into a second-place tie across MLB on the campaign. The increased stolen-base total has no doubt been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers who roster Machado, as the third baseman last reached double-digit steals in 2018.

Longoria went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a walk in Friday's loss against Miami.

Longoria plated the Giants' lone run of the game with an RBI single that scored Mike Yastrzemski in the top of the fourth. It was Longoria's fourth RBI over his last five games, and the veteran has been one of San Francisco's most dangerous hitters -- he has hit safely in five of his last seven contests while hitting .317 with a 1.025 OPS through 12 games.

Chapman went 1-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs scored in Friday's 3-0 win over Detroit.

Chapman's solo shot in the eighth inning extended Oakland's lead to 3-0. The 27-year-old slugger is slashing .189/.254/.415 with three home runs and nine RBI in 59 plate appearances.

Moustakas (illness) is expected to return to the lineup for Saturday's game against Cleveland, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Moustakas was a late scratch Friday due to a non-COVID-related illness. However, the issue apparently isn't overly serious, as manager David Bell is optimistic that Moustakas will be available Saturday. Through 12 games this year, Moustakas has slashed .289/.404/.553 with two home runs and five RBI.

Bregman (COVID-19 protocols) is unlikely to return during the Astros' current five-game road trip, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Bregman was one of five Astros who were placed on the COVID-19 injured list Friday. While it's not yet clear whether Bregman has tested positive for the virus, he'll likely miss at least the next five games due to the league's health and safety protocols. Abraham Toro should continue to serve as the team's primary third baseman until Bregman is cleared to return.

Hayes (wrist) took swings against live pitching Friday, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.

Hayes had been taking swings in the cage against soft toss earlier in the week, and he took another step in his recovery process Friday. Manager Derek Shelton said that Hayes is still considered day-to-day, and the third baseman hasn't been ruled out for the team's current weekend series in Milwaukee.

Moustakas was a late scratch from Friday's lineup against Cleveland due to a non-COVID-related illness, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Moustakas was removed from the Reds' lineup just before Friday's first pitch, and it's not yet clear whether he'll be forced to miss additional time. Kyle Farmer will step in at third base Friday, batting seventh.

Toro isn't starting Friday's game against Seattle, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Toro went 0-for-3 with a walk Wednesday and is expected to serve as the primary third baseman for Houston while Alex Bregman is on the COVID-19 injured list. However, Aledmys Diaz will shift to third base while Alex De Goti serves as the starting second baseman Friday.