MLB Player News

Turner went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Saturday's loss to the Braves.

The 23-year-old's been stuck in a slump since the calendar flipped to May, slashing .178/.208/.288 on the month with 20 strikeouts in 17 games. Turner is starting to show signs of life at the plate, however, putting together two multi-hit performances and stealing three bases over the last five games, so a breakout could be brewing.

Crawford went 3-for-5 with a double and a run in Friday's comeback win over the Cardinals.

Friday's multi-hit effort brought the shortstop's batting average up to .276 on the year. Even though his average and slugging percentage (.438) sit near last year's marks, Crawford hasn't been as useful in fantasy as he was last year due to a significant drop in RBI production. RBI -- like wins for pitchers -- are dependent on others' production in conjunction with the player, and the Giants have been one of the worst run-producing teams in the majors this season. The recent return of Denard Span to the top of the lineup has provided a spark for San Francisco, so his presence may lead to more at-bats for Crawford with men on base.

Swanson went 2-for-2 with a two-run homer and two walks in Friday's win over the Nationals.

The highly-touted shortstop has struggled on the season to the tune of a .201/.280/.309 slash line, but he's seemingly heating up. He now has hits in 10 of his last 11 games and is seven for his last 18 at the plate, including two home runs and five RBI. His progress is definitely worth monitoring, as Swanson looks to be trending in the right direction for the Braves.

Owings went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored in Friday's 10-1 win over the Padres.

Owings recorded both of his doubles within the first two frames, as the Diamondbacks were able to bat around during an eight-run first inning. With David Peralta (glute) returning from a three-game absence, Owings moved down from the No. 2 spot to seventh in the order, but his lineup placement shouldn't dissuade fantasy owners from keeping him active in all formats. He's turned in multi-hit showings in four of his last five starts.

Ahmed is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Padres.

Chris Owings will take over at shortstop after five straight starts there for Ahmed. The 27-year-old hit .250 with a .836 OPS over that five-start stretch, recording a pair of solo home runs along the way. He figures to draw back into the lineup Saturday against Luis Perdomo.

Baez is batting seventh and playing shortstop Friday against the Brewers.

He stuffed the box score Thursday, going 3-for-5 with a grand slam and five RBI. Addison Russell, who's sitting Friday, has been erratic this year, and Baez has five home runs in May. Even when Jason Heyward (hand) returns, Baez probably will plug in for at least two starts per week. In the meantime, he'll get a chance against Brewers call-up Paolo Espino.

Seager went 1-for-3 with two walks in Thursday's 7-2 win over the Marlins.

The 23-year-old is slumping overall in May but he's now hit safely in four of his last five games. What's been missing is the power, as Seager has just five extra-base hits, including just one homer, in 68 plate appearances during the month. Although his hard contact has dropped from April's excellent 53.5 percent figure, it remains a solid 34.0 percent; therefore, it could be just a matter of time before Seager experiences a power surge.

Baez went 3-for-5 with a grand slam, five RBI and two runs during Thursday's win over Cincinnati.

This was a juicy matchup for Baez with the wind blowing out at Wrigley Field and facing a rookie southpaw. After posting a .359 wOBA against left-handed hurlers last year, he'd struggled against them this season and had positive regression of his .200 mark entering Thursday's game. Baez can be a frustrating fantasy own, but he's been scorching hot in May with five homers, 14 RBI, 11 runs and two stolen bases. He's probably never going to hit for a plus average, but Baez can provide solid counting stats. His eligibility at multiple position is also a sneaky asset.

Cordoba is playing shortstop and batting second Thursday.

The Rule 5 pick fills in for Erick Aybar, who's presumably getting a day of rest. Cordoba has pieced together plate appearances at second base, shortstop, left field and center field this year, giving him utility in NL-only and some deep mixed leagues. His prime lineup spot Thursday could make him a decent DFS sleeper.

Story (shoulder) will start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

The shortstop could return if he has a successful few days with the Isotopes. Story has been a depressing tale in 2017, with a .180/.289/.396 line in 128 plate appearances, though he's sustained a bit of his 2016 power with six home runs.