MLB Player News

Candelario was optioned to Triple-A Toledo following Wednesday's loss to the Astros, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Candelario went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Wednesday, bringing his current slump to 2-for-35. The 25-year-old has only two home runs and nine RBI while slashing .192/.285/.288 with 46 strikeouts in 165 plate appearances this season, but it's still somewhat surprising to see him demoted after starting 139 games last season. The Tigers have yet to announce a corresponding move.

Urshela is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Orioles, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Urshela will sit for Game 2 after going hitless in three at-bats during the first half of Wednesday's twin bill. DJ LeMahieu is starting at third base and leading off in his stead.

Muncy is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Padres, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Muncy will give way to David Freese at first base with left-hander Matt Strahm toeing the rubber for the opposition. Since the start of May, Muncy is hitting .286/.375/.524 with three homers and two stolen bases in 12 games.

Riley had his contract selected from Triple-A Gwinnett prior to Wednesday's game against the Cardinals. According to David O'Brien of The Athletic, Riley is starting in left field and hitting sixth.

Ender Inciarte was sent to the injured list while Jesse Biddle was designated for assignment in a pair of corresponding moves, clearing the way for Riley to join the Braves ahead of his big-league debut. The well-regarded prospect hit .299/.377/.681 with 15 homers and 39 RBI in 37 games for Gwinnett before earning a promotion; if he carries his success to the majors, it's possible Riley sticks in a full-time role the rest of the season at the expense of Inciarte.

Groshans is back on the 7-day injured list with Low-A Lansing with a recurrence of general soreness in his left foot.

He was out from April 29 until May 8 with the same issue and it's a little concerning that he landed right back on the IL a week after being activated. The team may conduct some tests to try to better assess the issue.

Astudillo will start at third base and bat fifth Wednesday against the Angels.

Since he returned from the 10-day injured list Sunday, Astudillo has been included in the lineup in all four of the Twins' games. He's set to make his second start over that stretch at third base, replacing Marwin Gonzalez. With Gonzalez hitting well in May, Astudillo may not be a threat to unseat him for the everyday gig, but the 27-year-old could begin to see more action behind the plate if Mitch Garver's high-ankle sprain results in a trip to the IL.

Machado went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run in a loss against the Dodgers on Tuesday.

Of Machado's nine homers this year, four have come against the Dodgers -- including two off future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. After struggling at the start of his first season with the Padres, Machado has picked it up by getting at least one hit in 16 of his last 18 games, batting 21-for-72 (.292) over that stretch.

The Braves will promote Riley from Triple-A Gwinnett ahead of Wednesday's game against the Cardinals, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Riley will get the long-awaited call to the big leagues in response to center fielder Ender Inciarte exiting Tuesday's loss with a back injury, but a promotion for the 22-year-old would have certainly been justified from a performance standpoint. After slugging a grand slam in his final game for Gwinnett on Tuesday, Riley leaves Triple-A with a .299/377/.681 slash line and 15 long balls in just 37 games. Though Riley played exclusively at third base prior to this season, he's dabbled at first base and left field recently, with the Braves likely to use him at the latter position while Inciarte is sidelined. If Riley continues to mash in his initial opportunities with the Braves, it's possible he sticks in a full-time role for the rest of the season while Inciarte transitions to a fourth-outfielder role once healthy.

Arenado went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk Tuesday against the Red Sox.

Arenado took Chris Sale deep in the seventh inning for his 11th homer of the season. He already has five home runs in May, only one of which has come at home. After failing to go yard in his first 15 games of the season, Arenado has rebounded and is hitting .317/.365/.604 across 181 plate appearances.

Duffy (hamstring) went 1-for-2 with a walk in High-A Charlotte's win over Daytona on Monday.

Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports that bench coach Matt Quatraro and field coordinator Paul Hoover, who were both in attendance, had positive feedback to offer manager Kevin Cash on the rehabbing infielder. While there still isn't a definitive timetable for Duffy's return to the big-league club, Cash was encouraged by what he heard about Duffy's performance in game action. "He played well," Cash said. "They went down and watched him play. They said Duffy looked good; he got a base hit up the middle but not much action at third."