Ramirez went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and two runs scored in Friday's 10-8 win over the Pirates.

It's been a memorable month for Ramirez, as the do-it-all third baseman is batting .279 (29-for-104) with six home runs, 14 steals and 17 RBI over 28 contests in August. With his two steals Friday, he matched his career high in a season at 34, a mark he previously reached over 157 games in 2018. Ramirez is slashing a strong .276/.333/.531 with 33 homers, 104 RBI, 98 runs scored, 31 doubles and a triple over 132 contests this year, and with a full month to go, a 40-40 campaign is not out of the question.

Arenado went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Friday's 6-3 loss to the Yankees.

Arenado has logged three multi-hit efforts over the last six games, though this was his first homer since a walk-off grand slam versus the Brewers on Aug. 21. The third baseman has enjoyed a productive August, hitting .295 (31-for-105) over 27 games this month. For the season, he's up to a .270/.321/.401 slash line with 15 homers, 62 RBI, 58 runs scored, 19 doubles and two stolen bases through 128 contests.

Machado went 3-for-5 with a home run, four RBI and two runs scored in Friday's win over the Rays.

Machado knocked an RBI single and scored in the first frame. He did most of his damage the following inning when he launched a three-run homer. It was his third home run and third multi-hit performance over his last five games. Over his last 30 games, Machado has gone 39-for-120 (.325) with 19 extra-base hits and 30 RBI. The hot streak has boosted his season slash line to .274/.325/.466 through 538 plate appearances.

Espinal was removed from the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Brewers due to an apparent foot injury, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Espinal fouled a ball off his foot and then seemed to have trouble running to first base after lining a single to left field in the fifth inning. He was able to remain in the game after multiple visits from the Reds' training staff, but the team ultimately decided to pull him once Cincinnati went on defense to start the seventh. The 29-year-old's willingness to remain in the game is a good sign that he avoided a serious injury, though the Reds may sit him down for a game or two just to be safe.

Ortiz is absent from the starting lineup for the second game of a doubleheader against the Reds on Friday.

Ortiz started at third base and went 0-for-3 at the plate during the matinee. He'll retreat to the bench for the nightcap as Andruw Monasterio handles the hot corner.

Manager Joe Espada said that Bregman was not included in Friday's lineup against Kansas City due to elbow soreness, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Bregman missed five games in August due to swelling in his right elbow, though he had started each of the Astros' prior nine games before Friday. It's unclear if the third baseman will be available off the bench for the contest. Over the nine games since his return, Bregman has gone 9-for-36 with two solo home runs.

Smith is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Oakland.

Smith will dodge a same-handed matchup with JP Sears on Friday, giving way to Robbie Grossman at DH.

Sosa is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Mets.

After making 12 consecutive starts (eight at second base, four at third base), Sosa will take a seat Friday. Nicky Lopez will handle the keystone while Miguel Vargas plays third base.

Bregman is absent from the lineup for Friday's game against the Royals, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Bregman had started each of the last nine contests following a five-game absence with an elbow injury, but he'll be given a day of rest Friday. Mauricio Dubon will occupy the hot corner for Houston.

Devers (shoulder) is batting cleanup as the designated hitter Friday against the Tigers, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Soreness in both shoulders kept Devers out of the lineup for the past three games, but he's back in action for Friday's series opener, although without defensive responsibilities. The 27-year-old was given a rest in the midst of a 3-for-17 slump, and he has a .778 OPS across 22 games in August.