MLB Player News

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that Alexander's role will shift from primary starter at third base to playing various spots around the field after top prospect Jordan Lawlar was called up to the majors, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Alexander had been the primary starter at third base since the Eugenio Suarez trade but slid over to second base Friday while Lawlar manned the hot corner. Lovullo said Lawlar would be limited to the left side of the infield -- shortstop or third base -- and would start against all lefties, while the manager does a mix-and-match against righties. Lovullo also said the righty-hitting Alexander could get starts in center field, where the Diamondbacks are lefty heavy.

Alexander went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in Friday's 3-0 win over the Dodgers.

Aelxander is up to seven homers this season, and three of them have come over his last seven games. The infielder has gone 7-for-25 (.280) with four walks and nine strikeouts in that span. He's up to a .234/.331/.441 slash line with 19 RBI, 21 runs scored and two stolen bases over 168 plate appearances. Alexander has gotten most of his recent playing time at third base, though he covered second base while Ketel Marte served as designated hitter in Friday's contest.

Jung went 3-for-4 with one run scored in Friday's 5-2 win over the Athletics.

Jung has hit safely in six straight games, and four of those have been multi-hit efforts. He's starting to turn things around after struggling for most of August -- even with the recent surge, he's batting a modest .268 (19-for-71) over 22 contests this month. On the season, he's at a .253/.299/.387 slash line with 12 home runs, 49 RBI, 40 runs scored and four stolen bases through 105 games.

Lewis went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and an additional run scored in a 7-4 win over the Padres on Friday.

The homer was Lewis' ninth of the season and his fourth of the month. The oft-injured slugger is trying to end the season on a high note, and fantasy managers in need of pop in shallow leagues should give him a look. Over his last 11 outings (40 at-bats), Lewis is slashing .250/.318/.575 with five extra-base hits and nine RBI.

Muncy (oblique) did not participate in baseball activities and was sent home Friday due to an illness, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

It's a slight setback for Muncy, who continues to rehab from a right oblique strain that landed him on the 10-day injured list Aug. 15. He's expected to embark on a rehab assignment next week, and the veteran third baseman is targeting a return from the IL during the Dodgers' weekend road series against the Orioles starting Friday, Sept. 5.

Rengifo is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Astros, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

Rengifo has a .486 OPS over his past 11 contests and will take a seat Friday after starting the previous two games. Christian Moore will receive another start at the keystone for the Angels.

The White Sox placed Vargas on the 10-day injured list Friday due to a left hand sprain.

Vargas suffered the injury on a collision at first base Thursday while attempting to field an errant throw, and he'll be sidelined for at least the next 10 days. The severity of the injury isn't clear, and the 25-year-old will have only a few weeks to get healed up before his rest-of-season status is in question.

House is out of the lineup for Friday's game versus Tampa Bay, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

House started the previous two games but will head to the bench Friday while slumping at the plate, as he has a .194/.203/.239 slash line and 36.2 percent strikeout rate through 20 games in August. Paul DeJong is instead manning the hot corner and batting seventh for Washington.

Clement (finger/shin) is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Milwaukee.

Clement was diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his left middle finger and received 10 stitches in his left shin after a collision at third base during Tuesday's game. Despite missing Friday's lineup, Clement is still considered day-to-day as his return will depend upon his pain tolerance. Addison Barger will slot in at third base Friday.

The Cardinals selected Prieto's contract from Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Prieto is a high-contact, low-power infielder who has slashed .296/.358/.453 with 10 home runs with a 13.4 percent strikeout rate this season at Memphis. He's capable of handling second base, third base and shortstop and will likely operate in a reserve role. Prieto will be making his major-league debut when he gets into a game.