MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that Muncy (oblique) has been shut down from swinging a bat, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Roberts added that Muncy hasn't progressed through his rehab as fast as the team had hoped, and the chances of the third baseman beginning a rehab assignment near the All-Star break have been reduced significantly. A right oblique strain has kept Muncy on the injured list since May 17, and his latest setback once again leaves him without a clear return timeline.

The Nationals recalled Lipscomb from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday.

Lipscomb will begin his fourth stint in the majors this season, as he takes the spot on the 26-man roster vacated by Nick Senzel, who was designated for assignment. After being optioned to Rochester on June 24, Lipscomb went 15-for-38 with five doubles, three home runs and 12 RBI. He will start at third base and bat eighth in Saturday's game against the Cardinals, per Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com.

The Blue Jays optioned Barger to Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

With Justin Turner returning from the paternity list Saturday, Barger will end up as the odd man out of Toronto's 26-man roster. After rejoining the big-league squad in June, the 24-year-old outfielder slashed just .190/.227/.238 with four RBI in 44 plate appearances.

Arenado went 4-for-5 with a double and two runs scored in Friday's 7-6 extra-innings win over the Nationals.

Arenado had one of his best games of the season. Even with his four hits, he remains cold in terms of run production -- he has just two RBI over his last 14 contests. For the year, he's at a .265/.317/.377 slash line with seven home runs, 34 RBI, 32 runs scored, 14 doubles and a stolen base over 81 games.

Smith (glute) isn't in the Rangers' lineup for Saturday's game against the Rays.

Smith missed four games in June due to glute tightness, and he'll be missing his second consecutive game Saturday due to the same injury. Jonathan Ornelas will pick up another start at third base and bat ninth while Smith continues to recover.

Morel isn't in the Cubs' lineup Saturday against the Angels.

Morel has put together a three-game hitting streak, though he has also struck out six times in 12 at-bats over that span. He'll take a day to rest Saturday while David Bote fills in at third base, batting eighth.

Sano isn't in the Angels' lineup for Saturday's game versus the Cubs.

Sano has been held hitless in 13 at-bats over his last four games, so he'll get a day off to regroup against Kyle Hendricks and the Cubs. His absence will allow Luis Guillorme to pick up a start at the hot corner while batting eighth.

Riley went 1-for-3 with a walk, a two-run home run and a second run scored in Friday's loss to the Phillies.

Aaron Nola let a sinker catch too much of the plate in the fourth inning, and Riley drove it over the wall in center field for Atlanta's first runs of the night. The third baseman has an extra-base hit and at least one RBI in four straight games, and over his last 20 contests he's slashing .362/.438/.797 with six doubles, eight homers, 17 runs and 17 RBI.

Candelario went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Friday's 5-4 loss to Detroit.

The steal was the fourth of the season for Candelario, who swiped a career-high eight bags in 2023. The corner infielder/designated hitter, who reversed a season-opening slump in June, is back on the skids. Candelario is 3-for-28 with a 30 percent strikeout rate over the last seven games.

Suarez started at third base and went 1-for-3 in Friday's 10-8 loss to the Padres.

Suarez, whose job was in jeopardy three weeks ago, has resumed his role as the team's everyday third baseman since the Diamondbacks sent Blaze Alexander back to Triple-A Reno. Suarez has started seven consecutive games and is 7-for-22 (.318) over that time, raising his season average above .200.