MLB Player News

Baez went 2-for-4 with a walk, a double and three runs scored in Sunday's 10-5 win over the Cardinals.

Baez's strong performance helped the Cubs to a win and a one-game playoff with the Brewers for the NL Central division title on Monday. The 25-year-old has been dynamic all season, as he's posted new career highs with 34 home runs, 40 doubles, 101 runs scored, 111 RBI and 21 steals. Baez could very well end up as the NL MVP at the end of the year.

Swanson (hand) took dry swings Saturday but felt some discomfort, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Manager Brian Snitker seemed somewhat lukewarm about Swanson's availability for the NLDS before the weekend, and David O'Brien of The Athletic reports that this development has made him more uneasy, if anything. An official announcement regarding the shortstop's status might not come until Wednesday, so it will be important for him to ramp up his activity quickly in the next couple days.

Turner went 3-for-6 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored Saturday against the Rockies.

Turner took Jon Gray deep in the second inning to record his 19th home run of the season. He's either homered or stolen a base in five of his last 10 games, ending the season on a strong note. Turner currently sits just one long ball shy of a 20/40 season, as he has 43 stolen bases in 2018.

Crawford (shoulder) has six appearances as a pinch hitter since his last start Sept. 19.

Crawford was dealing with shoulder soreness for the back half of September but has been regularly used to pinch hit over the last couple of weeks. The 23-year-old is unlikely to be called upon for a high-leverage spot given his .214/.319/.393 slash line for the season.

Ahmed is not starting Saturday against the Padres.

Ahmed has gone just 3-for-33 in his last 10 games. Ketel Marte will start at shortstop in his absence.

Arcia is not in the lineup Saturday against the Tigers.

Arcia heads to the bench for the second time in four games, with Hernan Perez again starting at shortstop. Arcia's bat has been heating up lately as he's hitting .316 with six doubles in his last 12 games.

Reyes is not in the lineup against the Reds on Saturday.

Reyes will be withheld from the starting lineup for a second consecutive game as Adam Frazier gets another start in right field.

Swanson (hand) hasn't resumed hitting but may progress to that step this weekend, and manager Brian Snitker hopes that the shortstop will be able to play in the NLDS, which begins Thursday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

It appears as though Swanson's hand is steadily improving during his rehab back in Atlanta, though this weekend will likely determine whether he'll be ready to return for the start of the postseason. The shortstop went down with a partially torn ligament in his left hand during Tuesday's game versus the Mets.

Reyes is out of Friday's starting lineup versus Cincinnati.

Reyes will head to the bench for a day off following nine starts in the previous 10 games. During that span, he's gone 10-for-35 (.286 average) with two home runs and five RBI. Adam Frazier will draw a start in right field while Kevin Kramer gets the nod at second base.

Story went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Phillies.

Story connected on his 35th homer of the season in the second inning with a solo shot off Jake Arrieta, and he's now connected on home runs in back-to-back games. Story has produced elite offensive numbers in 2018, with a .291/.346/.562 slash line with 42 doubles, six triples, 105 RBI, 86 runs and 26 steals.