MLB Player News

Machado went 2-for-4 with two solo home runs in Saturday's loss to the Dodgers.

The Padres weren't able to muster much offense against their rivals until the ninth inning, but Machado provided some firepower with solo homers off Julio Urias in the third and sixth frames. The All-Star third baseman is up to 28 long balls on the campaign, matching his mark from last season. If he goes deep twice more in the regular season, Machado will notch his sixth career campaign of 30-plus homers, which would be his first since 2019.

Castro went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Saturday's 7-5 loss to the Cardinals.

Five of Castro's seven homers on the year have come in his last 17 games, including a first-inning solo shot Saturday. In that span, he's hit .242 (15-for-62) with eight RBI, six runs scored, a double, five walks and 25 strikeouts. The infielder is up to a .232/.295/.417 slash line with 13 RBI, 14 runs scored and four stolen bases, and it appears he has the inside lane over Kevin Newman for playing time at second base down the stretch.

Arenado went 1-for-5 with a three-run double in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Pirates.

Arenado hit a bases-clearing double in the ninth inning, providing enough offense for the Cardinals to get the win with their first lead of the game. The third baseman has been a bit sluggish at the plate in September, hitting .176 (6-for-34) with four RBI, three runs scored and two doubles. The slump has him down to a .298/.360/.548 slash line with 28 home runs, 93 RBI, 67 runs scored, four stolen bases and 38 doubles through 130 contests.

Ramirez went 3-for-4 with a walk, an RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored in Saturday's 6-4 win over the Twins.

Ramirez made some noise from the No. 3 spot in the order. He picked up his 15th steal of the season in the first inning, his first successful theft since July 26 after getting caught on his last three attempts. The third baseman's on pace to miss the 20-steal mark for the first time in a full season since 2017. He's added a .280/.351/.525 slash line with 26 home runs, 109 RBI and 77 runs scored through 133 contests.

Donaldson went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two additional runs scored in Saturday's win over Tampa Bay.

Donaldson nearly had two long balls in his return from the paternity list -- his shot off the top of the right-field wall in the first inning ended up a long single after review. Regardless, it was a nice afternoon for Donaldson, who was in the cleanup spot for his first game back.

Muncy (knee) is expected to start at third base Sunday against the Padres, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Muncy has been dealing with knee issues recently and has been out since he received a cortisone injection Wednesday. While the Dodgers could afford to rest him for an extended period given their comfortable perch atop the National League standings, a longer absence evidently won't be necessary.

Muncy (knee) will remain on the bench Saturday against San Diego.

Muncy hasn't played since receiving a cortisone injection in his left knee Wednesday. He hasn't looked like he's playing through an injury, as he went 6-for-9 with three home runs in the two games prior to his absence, but he's apparently been dealing with the issue for a while. With the Dodgers safely atop the NL West, the team has no need to rush Muncy back, so it's possible he sits for a few more days. Justin Turner will be the third baseman Saturday, with Will Smith serving as the designated hitter.

Freeman isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Twins.

Freeman has hit safely in each of his last six games but will head to the bench for a third consecutive matchup. Amed Rosario is starting at shortstop and batting second. Freeman's time as a near-everyday player for Cleveland may have come to an end.

McMahon isn't in the lineup Saturday against Arizona, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

McMahon went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs, a walk and a strikeout Friday but will head to the bench for the second time in the last three games. Elehuris Montero will start at the hot corner and bat seventh.

Senzel isn't starting Saturday against the Brewers.

Senzel was back in action over the last two games but went 0-for-8 with a run, a walk and two strikeouts. TJ Friedl will draw the start in center field and lead off Saturday.