MLB Player News

Swanson went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Wednesday's loss to the Nationals.

The beginning of what was expected to be Swanson's first full season in the majors has been a disaster so far, as the 23-year-old is slashing a woeful .131/.159/.197 with a 2:16 BB:K through 14 games. The Braves will be as patient as they can with the blue-chip prospect, but if Swanson doesn't show signs of breaking out soon, a return to the minors to regain his confidence at the plate might be in his best interest.

Turner (hamstring) played shortstop Wednesday during an extended spring training game and stole a base, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports. "I had urged him not to try to steal, but when running's in your blood, it's in your blood," Nationals manager Dusty Baker said. "Hopefully he'll be back in a couple days."

It seems safe to say Turner's hamstring is feeling just fine. Expect him back in the Nats' starting lineup by the weekend.

Owings is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Padres.

This will be just the third time Owings will head to the bench this season, as Nick Ahmed takes over at shortstop in his stead. The 25-year-old is enjoying a nice start to the season, going 16-for-52 (.308) with six RBI and four stolen bases through 14 games.

Turner (hamstring) is expected to continue working out at the Nationals' extended spring training facility rather than heading out on a rehab assignment in the minors, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Turner is eligible to return from the 10-day disabled list Wednesday, but the Nationals stated earlier in the week that they wanted him to take part in a brief rehab assignment before rejoining the big club, likely at some point over the weekend. However, with poor weather scheduled to hit many of the team's affiliates in the coming days, the Nationals are instead planning on just having Turner remain in Florida. He'll likely take part in some fielding, hitting and running drills and perhaps log some at-bats in simulated games before the Nationals determine he's ready for activation. Once back with the big club, he'll take back his starting role at shortstop from Wilmer Difo.

Diaz is out of the Cardinals' lineup for Wednesday's matchup against the Pirates.

Diaz is 0-for-16 over the last four games, so Wednesday should provide a nice mental break for the young hitter. Greg Garcia will take over at shortstop.

Rojas is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Mariners, Shannon Drayer of MyNorthwest.com reports.

After starting the last six games, the 28-year-old will take a seat as J.T. Riddle gets the nod at shortstop. Rojas is taking advantage of his enhanced playing time due to injuries, hitting 11-for-33 with two RBI and six runs through 12 games, and he could earn semi-regular at-bats even after Adeiny Hechavarria (oblique) and Martin Prado (calf) return.

Turner (hamstring) will be sent out on a short rehab assignment, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Manager Dusty Baker confirmed that Turner will not be activated from the DL on Wednesday, when first eligible. Turner seems to be progressing well in his recovery from a hamstring strain, as he ran sprints on the field prior to Sunday's game and advanced to running the bases Tuesday. A return before the end of the weekend series against the Mets seems possible.

Turner (hamstring) is running the bases in an effort to test his hamstring, Mark Zuckerman of MASN reports.

Over the past week, the speedy infielder has been ramping up his running work, and it's seeming more and more likely each day that he could return to the lineup Wednesday after the minimum 10-day absence. Nothing is set in stone as of now, and even though things are looking up, keep an eye on Turner's status heading into Wednesday's contest with Atlanta.

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

The 24-year-old has only started at second base this season, but he'll give Addison Russell a day off by switching to the other side of the infield. Baez is currently riding a modest four-game hit streak, and given his versatility, he could get more looks around the diamond if other players need days off.

Sardinas started at shortstop on Monday, going 1-for-3 with a stolen base in a loss to the Braves.

The 23-year-old fell out of favor to the 33-year-old Erick Aybar this spring, failing to claim the Padres' starting shortstop job despite entering camp as the leading candidate. The latter has done nothing to lose his role as the team's everyday shortstop, so Sardinas will continue to ride the pine on most nights.