MLB Player News

Vargas sits for the second straight game Friday against the Nationals.

Ketel Marte will again play second base, with Jarrod Dyson starting in center field. Vargas has just three hits in his last eight contests.

Segura will lead off Friday against the Braves.

Segura has hit exclusively second or third for the Phillies this season, though he clearly has the skills to be a leadoff man. He's stolen at least 20 bases in each of the previous six seasons and recorded an on-base percentage of at least .340 in each of the last three. Both numbers are slightly down this year, as he's stolen just four bases and has a .284/.331/.453 slash line, but he should still be able to fill the role competently and could now be given the green light to run more frequently.

Rivera was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Friday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The 27-year-old was called up to provide infield depth with Martin Prado (hamstring) headed to the 10-day injured list Friday. Rivera carries a slash line of .318/.333/.516 with 11 home runs and 34 RBI through 61 games with Triple-A New Orleans this season, but it's worth noting he struggled at the major-league level in 2018, recording a batting average of just .173 in 160 plate appearances. It's unclear if Rivera will stay with the Marlins once Prado is ready to return, but he'll start at third base and bat seventh Friday.

Moncada (back) is not in the lineup for Friday's game versus the Yankees.

Moncada previously indicated he hopes to return Saturday or Sunday from the mid-back strain, so his continued absence Friday comes as no surprise. Jose Rondon will start his third straight game at the hot corner for the White Sox.

Devers went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's 7-6 win over the Rangers.

Devers' blast, one of five Boston hit on the night, tied the game in the fifth inning. He's recorded an RBI in each of the last three games and is now tied for the team lead with 44 RBI. Devers has primarily hit fourth or fifth since the middle of May which has been a boon to his run production, as he's knocked in 21 runs over his last 21 games.

Muncy went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in the Dodgers' 7-3 win over the Cubs on Thursday.

Muncy followed up his Tuesday two-homer effort by leaving the yard again in this contest, touching up Jon Lester with a two-run shot in the fourth inning. So far in 2019, the 28-year-old is showing that last season's unexpected, 35-homer breakout was no fluke: He's now slashing .278/.372/.542 with 16 homers and 42 RBI through 227 at-bats.

Machado went 3-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI in a loss to Colorado on Thursday.

Machado's first hit was an RBI single in the first inning, and he followed with a solo home run in the fifth and ninth. He had been mired in a 2-for-18 slump, so Thursday's three-hit game was undoubtedly a welcome sign. Even with the big performance, Machado's first campaign in San Diego has thus far been a mild disappointment, as his season slash line now sits at .247/.333/.425.

Arenado (forearm) is hitting cleanup and starting at third base Thursday against the Padres, Kyle Newman of The Denver Post reports.

His forearm bruise was serious enough that he had X-rays after Wednesday's game, but Arenado will tough it out the next day. He is hitting .243/.326/.405 with two home runs in 11 games this month.

Moncada (back) said he's hoping to return Saturday or Sunday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Moncada is out of the lineup for a second consecutive game due to a mid-back strain. While it doesn't sound like the issue will force the third baseman onto the injured list, it will keep him on the bench for at least one more game. Jose Rondon is starting at the hot corner in his stead Thursday.

Moncada (back) is not in the lineup Thursday against the Yankees.

Moncada is set to miss a second consecutive game as he continues to nurse a mid-back strain that he suffered earlier in the week. It remains to be seen whether the issue will force the third baseman onto the injured list; he's set to be further evaluated Thursday. Jose Rondon is starting at third base and hitting seventh in place of Moncada in this one.