MLB Player News

Vargas went 2-for-2 with a two-run home run, a double, two walks and an additional run scored in Sunday's 5-4 loss to the Royals.

After Sam Antonacci drew a leadoff walk in the first inning, Vargas opened the scoring with a 407-foot two-run homer. He later doubled and drew two free passes, reaching base in all four plate appearances. Vargas has now hit safely in six straight games, batting .435 (10-for-23) with three homers during that span. Through 81 games this season, he owns an .866 OPS while slugging his way to 19 home runs, 14 doubles, one triple, 52 RBI, 56 runs scored and 10 stolen bases.

Machado went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a double in Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Machado has had a homer and a double in three of his last eight games. He is hitting .321 (9-for-28) with eight RBI in that span, showing some signs of life after what's largely been a disappointing first half aside from steady power production. The third baseman is still batting just .188 on the year with a .664 OPS, 15 homers, 44 RBI, 39 runs scored, 15 doubles and one stolen base over 80 contests.

Rosario will start at designated hitter and bat sixth in Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

Rosario will stick in the starting nine for the fourth straight game, though he'll be matching up against a right-hander (Sonny Gray) on Sunday after the Red Sox sent lefties to the hill for the first three contests of the series. Though Ryan McMahon's (throat infection) recent move to the injured list leaves a void at third base, the Yankees could elect to use Jose Caballero at that position on a more frequent basis rather than opening up an everyday role for Rosario.

Walton is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics.

Walton will hit the bench for the matinee game after he started at second base in each of the Angels' previous three tilts while going a collective 2-for-11 with a double and a 0:5 BB:K. Oswald Peraza will replace him at the keystone Sunday, but Walton may still be viewed as the Angels' preferred option at the position after posting an .847 OPS since being called up from Triple-A Salt Lake on May 22.

Muncy will start at third base and bat seventh in Sunday's game against the Angels.

He'll remain in the starting nine for an eighth straight game after going 5-for-23 (.217 average) with a home run, three walks, a stolen base, four RBI and two runs over the prior seven contests. Muncy looks like he'll have a fairly clear path to an everyday role at the hot corner while Zack Gelof (hand) is on the injured list.

The Giants designated Kennedy for assignment Sunday.

Kennedy has his contract selected by the Giants in early June, but he barely saw the field with just eight plate appearances in seven games. The 27-year-old could head to Triple-A Sacramento if he passes through waivers unclaimed, though he'll also have the right to elect free agency.

Loftin is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox due to a groin contusion, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

During Saturday's 2-1 loss, Loftin went 0-for-3 with a strikeout before being lifted in the bottom of the ninth inning after being struck by a throw to third base from Daniel Lynch. Loftin indicated he's feeling much better Sunday and will be available off the bench, so the 27-year-old would appear to have a good chance at returning to the starting nine Tuesday versus the Rays.

Alexander is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals.

The 27-year-old had started each of the last three games, but he could shift back into a utility role after Baltimore reinstated two key lineup cogs in Adley Rutschman (concussion) and Dylan Beavers (oblique) from the injured list Sunday. Alexander's last five starts had come at third base, but Coby Mayo could end up seeing the bulk of the time at the hot corner since he'll have fewer opportunities to serve as the designated hitter with Rutschman and Beavers back in the fold.

Sanoja went 3-for-4 with a run, an RBI and two stolen bases in a 5-1 win over the Cardinals on Saturday.

Sanoja took advantage of just his third start over Miami's past seven games by rapping three singles from the No. 8 spot in the batting order. The speedy utility man capitalized while he was on the basepaths with a steal in each of the fourth and ninth innings. Sanoja appears to be sharing starts at third base with Graham Pauley and Leo Jimenez, though the recent demotion of Connor Norby to the minors could lead to Sanoja seeing a bit more playing time.

Karros went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run Saturday against the Twins.

Karros had been out of the lineup against three of the last four righties Colorado faced, but he rejoined the lineup Saturday and hit eighth. He delivered on the opportunity by slugging a two-run homer in the eighth frame, his fifth of the season. Karros now has two long balls in his last six starts, though it's unclear whether that will be enough to help him regain playing time.