MLB Player News

Baez went 1-for-4 with an grand slam in Saturday's 6-0 win over the Reds.

Baez broke the game open as he launched his 20th home run of the season and his fifth career grand slam in the eighth inning off Jared Hughes, increasing the Cubs' lead to 5-0. The 26-year-old has 56 RBI with a strong .285/.324/.549 slash line this year.

Arcia is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Pirates.

Manager Craig Counsell made it clear that Arcia would have to share time at shortstop moving forward, and this is now two consecutive absences in favor of Tyler Saladino. Arcia has three home runs in his last six games but is still batting just .190/.225/.405 for the month of June. Counsell has also expressed concern with Arcia's defense.

Crawford went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored in Friday's 6-3 win over Arizona.

Crawford continued his late-June hot streak, bringing his 10-day slash line up to .343/.368/.543 with seven doubles and eight RBI over that span. The veteran shortstop's bat has been cold for seemingly the entire season up until this point, and his .280 BABIP and 9.1 HR/FB indicate that he is not necessarily getting unlucky. So while it would be smart for fantasy owners with a need at shortstop to plug in Crawford until his bat cools off, they shouldn't have long-term visions for him.

Baez will likely get a day off Sunday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Baez has started every game since June 2, so manager Joe Maddon is looking to get him a little rest heading into the All-Star break. Baez won't officially be on the bench Sunday until the Cubs release their lineup for that contest, but fantasy players should not plan on him starting. Even if he does not start, though, Baez figures to be available off the bench.

Edman will play third base and hit leadoff in Friday's game against the Padres.

Edman will occupy Matt Carpenter's regular role for the second game in a row. It's not clear if something is ailing Carpenter or if he is simply getting a break, but regardless, Edman has been the beneficiary.

Arcia, who is not in Friday's lineup against the Pirates, is going to start losing out on some playing time at shortstop, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The Brewers will start Tyler Saladino at shortstop Friday, and manager Craig Counsell said that will be a trend going forward. "I think at least for a while here we're going to share some time at shortstop," Counsell said. "Sally's going to play quite a bit of shortstop." Arcia is a flashy defender, but he is hitting .190 with just four walks in 84 at-bats this month.

Story (thumb) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Story took batting practice Friday, and it appears all went well, as he has been cleared to resume playing in games. The report notes Story is expected to only play two games with Albuquerque, so barring any setbacks, he could be ready to come off the injured list as soon as Tuesday.

Story (thumb) took part in a live batting practice session Friday, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

The shortstop will not come off the injured list Saturday when first eligible, but he is making progress in his recovery. Story is expected to head out on a rehab assignment before rejoining the big club, but he will still have a chance to return to action prior to the All-Star break.

Arcia is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Pirates.

Arcia homered three times and racked up seven RBI over his last six games, but with him starting every game since May 19 and manager Craig Counsell looking to get call-up Tyler Saladino some early action, Arcia will open on the bench Friday while Saladino gets the start at shortstop.

Berti (oblique) is ready to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A New Orleans, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Berti has been out for five weeks with a left oblique strain, so he will likely need a week's worth of games with New Orleans at least before he's back up to speed. The owner of an underwhelming .237/.324/.373 line this season, Berti will likely slide back into a utility role upon activation.