MLB Player News

Espinal started at third base and went 0-for-3 in Friday's 3-0 loss to San Francisco.

Espinal, who made a fifth consecutive start, saw an end to a nine-game hit streak (as a starter). He entered Friday's game in a 19-for-35 stretch over the previous 12 games, which led to an increase in playing time, including starts at third base the last two games. The primary starter at the hot corner, Noelvi Marte, is batting .177 since coming back from a suspension and could be susceptible to losing playing time to Espinal.

Solano went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Rockies.

Solano has played in just five games since the All-Star break, as there isn't room for him in the lineup when all of Jake Cronenworth, Luis Arraez and Xander Bogaerts are playing. Despite the limited action, Solano has gone 5-for-12 over those five games. The utility man has a .300/.355/.417 slash line with four homers, 21 RBI, 21 runs scored, nine doubles and one stolen base over 197 plate appearances this season. His playing time would likely pick up if there was an injury to one of the Padres' other infielders.

Machado went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a double in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Rockies.

Machado was the only Padre with multiple hits in the contest. He's swinging a hot bat, going 10-for-22 (.455) with four homers and six RBI over his last five games. The third baseman is up to 17 homers, 59 RBI, 52 runs scored, 18 doubles, five stolen bases and a .269/.319/.442 slash line through 103 contests. A 30-homer campaign is still a longshot, but a power surge over the final two months of the season would make it possible.

Lewis went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, four RBI and a walk in Friday's 10-2 victory over the White Sox.

Lewis opened the game's scoring when he popped a two-run homer off Davis Martin in the first inning. He picked up two more RBI in the third when he cracked a double. Lewis has collected six extra-base hits -- two homers and four doubles -- in 29 plate appearances since returning from a groin injury July 26. When in the lineup, the Minnesota slugger is a formidable power bat, as he is now slashing .286/.357/.679 across 126 plate appearances this season.

Rengifo was removed from Friday's game against the Mets due to wrist irritation.

Rengifo returned to the starting lineup Friday after missing Thursday's contest due to a flareup of his right wrist injury. He didn't seem very comfortable at the plate, however, and he struck out during both of his at-bats. Given his recent history with wrist problems, the Angels may consider placing him back on the injured list.

Rengifo (wrist) will start at third base and bat second Friday against the Mets, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Rengifo hurt his wrist during a swing Wednesday and had to sit out Thursday's contest as a result, but the issue seems to have subsided ahead of Friday's game. The 27-year-old has gone 6-for-30 with five RBI and five runs scored in eight games since returning from the injured list July 23.

Lipscomb is out of the lineup for Friday's game versus the Brewers.

It's the second straight game on the bench for Lispcomb after he finished July with a .167/.206/.200 slash line and 27 percent strikeout rate over 17 games. Ildemaro Vargas, who posted a .731 OPS last month, will receive another start at third base and could receive more consistent playing time if Lipscomb continues to struggle.

The Orioles selected Mayo's contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday.

The 22-year-old is joining Baltimore for his first look in the big leagues after Jordan Westburg suffered a fractured right hand Wednesday. Mayo will make his MLB debut Friday in Cleveland, starting at third base and batting eighth. He's one of the top prospects in baseball and has a .301/.375/.586 slash line with 20 homers in 77 games at Triple-A this season.

Marte is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Giants.

It's the second straight game on the bench for Marte, who has a .177/.231/.281 slash line and 30.8 percent strikeout rate in 104 plate appearances since returning from his 80-game PED suspension in late June. Santiago Espinal will receive another start at third base Friday and could continue to cut into Marte's playing time after finishing July with a 1.184 OPS in 16 games.

Riley went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's win over the Marlins.

The third baseman got Atlanta on the board by taking Max Meyer deep in the first inning. Riley is coming off a strong July that saw him slash .280/.324/.527 with five homers and 14 RBI in 24 games, but with only 15 long balls on the year, he'll need to stay hot down the stretch to reach 30 for a fourth straight season.