MLB Player News

Manager Brian Snitker said that Swanson will play a part-time role at shortstop for the Braves moving forward, David O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Swanson is hitting just .220 on the season, and although he seemed to figure things out during the month of June, things have fallen apart lately. He has more strikeouts (23) than hits (22) in the past 30 games, including just five extra-base hits in that span. Now that Sean Rodriguez and Danny Santana are back from the disabled list, Snitker will utilize his depth by spreading starts among his many options, which also include the hot-hitting Johan Camargo. Snitker commented that he thinks it's better for Swanson to spend time in the big leagues rather than the minors, but a trip to Gwinnett certainly isn't out of the question if things continue to go south.

Swanson is not in the lineup Monday against the Cubs.

On Sunday, Swanson collected his first hit since July 6, but he'll hit the bench for another day off since he's still batting below the Mendoza Line over his past 14 games. Johan Camargo will pick up another start at shortstop, which could continue to be a trend if 2015's top overall draft pick continues to scuffle at the dish.

Bortnick has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Brewers.

Bortnick will begin his time with the Brewers in Triple-A Colorado Springs. The 30-year-old last played with Triple-A Toledo in Detroit's system during the 2016 season, hitting .222/.327/.356 with one home run and six RBI in 17 games. Bortnick will serve as organizational depth in the infield moving forward.

Gordon is out of the lineup Sunday against the Dodgers.

Gordon will be passed over for a start for the first time since July 2 after going 0-for-8 at the plate to begin his second half. Derek Dietrich will take over at second base, while Martin Prado is bumped up to the leadoff spot.

Baez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Orioles, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Baez was in the lineup for the Cubs' first two games out of the All-Star break, but despite rebounding nicely from an 0-for-4, three-strikeout showing Friday with three hits and a walk Saturday, he'll take a seat in the series finale. Ben Zobrist receives the nod at the keystone.

Owings went 2-for-3 with two runs and a stolen base in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Braves.

Owings also reached base a third time when he was hit by a pitch for the first time all season. The shortstop may have missed out on an All-Star nod, but he still remains in the midst of the best season of his career. His .294 average is 17 points better than his previous career best, and his 12 home runs nearly match his total (15) from the past three seasons combined.

Arcia went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer in Friday's win over the Phillies.

The home run was Arcia's third of July and ninth this season. His season line, which sat at .251/.293/.368 at the end of May, is now up to .282/.322/.425. He hasn't attempted a steal since June 28 and has just five stolen bases this year, but Arcia's bat is catching up to his glove quicker than most expected after some initial struggles at the big-league level.

Seager went 1-for-4 with a solo homer Friday against the Marlins.

Seager launched his 14th bomb of 2017 to give the Dodgers a 3-1 lead in a road victory. He's been everything that fantasy owners hoped for this season, rewarding them with an excellent .297/.394/.508 slash line.

Story is not in the lineup for Friday's series opener against the Mets, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Story hit just .224/.303/.396 with 11 home runs and 35 RBI during the first half of 2017. His power is evident, but he hasn't been able to get on base regularly, and striking out in 35.2 percent of his plate appearances doesn't exactly create confidence for fantasy owners. Pat Valaika will start at short while batting seventh in his place during Friday's contest.

Swanson is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Johan Camargo will man shortstop in the Braves' second-half opener, as he did for two of the final five games before the break. Swanson put together a strong month of June (.306/.355/.418), but finished the first half with just one hit in his final 19 at-bats, bringing his season line to .221/.296/.324. There has been nothing to suggest a demotion is imminent, but a brief trip back to the minors at some point is not out of the question.