MLB Player News

Vogelbach went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run in a 21-3 loss to Atlanta during the first game of Saturday's doubleheader.

Getting the start at DH and batting fifth, Vogelbach ended up providing the Mets with their only offense of the entire day when he took Michael Tonkin deep in the eighth inning -- they were shut out 6-0 in the nightcap. It's the veteran slugger's eighth homer of the year and first since July 25, and after going 1-for-2 with a walk in the second contest of the twin bill, Vogelbach is slashing .223/.324/.367 through 215 plate appearances on the season.

Blackmon (hand) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday.

Blackmon has been on the injured list since June 11 with a fracture in his right hand, but he finally seems to be approaching a return to the lineup. The Rockies haven't specified how many games Blackmon will play in during his assignment, but there's a chance he's activated Monday ahead of Colorado's next homestand. The veteran outfielder was slashing .265/.347/.422 through 242 plate appearances before getting injured.

Martinez (hamstring) is not in the starting lineup Saturday versus the Rockies.

As expected, Martinez will remain on the bench for another contest Saturday while nursing an injured hamstring. The plan is to see if he can go in Sunday's series finale, but for the time being, Will Smith will slot in at designated hitter while Austin Barnes enters the lineup at catcher and bats ninth against Colorado.

Pederson isn't in the Giants' lineup Saturday against the Rangers, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Southpaw Andrew Heaney will draw the start for Texas, so Pederson will take a seat for the start of Saturday's game. Luis Matos, Austin Slater and Heliot Ramos will start in San Francisco's outfield from left to right.

Choi isn't in the Padres' lineup Saturday against Arizona.

Choi hasn't collected a hit (0-for-12) since July 29, so he'll miss out on a start Saturday. Fernando Tatis will step in as the Padres' DH, allowing Jose Azocar to start in right field and bat eighth.

Encarnacion-Strand (hand) isn't in the Reds' lineup Saturday against the Pirates.

Encarnacion-Strand made an early exit from Friday's contest after taking a pitch to the hand and will get an extra day to recover. Henry Ramos will serve as Cincinnati's designated hitter Saturday, and Joey Votto will start at first base.

The Cardinals recalled Baker from Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

With Dylan Carlson (oblique) headed for the 10-day IL, Baker will come up from the minors to give St. Louis an additional bench bat. The 26-year-old first baseman is 5-for-19 in the majors this season and boasts a .334/.439/.720 slash line through 380 plate appearances in the minors.

Harper (back) is starting as the Phillies' designated hitter Saturday against the Twins.

Harper made an early exit Thursday after experiencing back spasms and was forced to sit out Friday's game as well. He'll be back in action Saturday and look to remain hot with a .316/.357/.605 slash line since the start of August.

Soler isn't in the Marlins' lineup Saturday against the Yankees.

After going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts during Friday's series opener, Soler will catch a breather Saturday. Josh Bell will instead serve as Miami's designated hitter and Yuli Gurriel will start at first base.

Encarnacion-Strand was removed from Friday's game after being hit by a pitch, but X-rays on his hand came back negative, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Encarnacion-Strand was struck by a Johan Oviedo pitch in the fifth inning, but it seems he's managed to avoid a serious injury. It's possible the Reds will elect to give the rookie a day off Saturday.