MLB Player News

Turner is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Mets.

The Nationals will keep the same lineup that they've used for the past two games Saturday, meaning Turner will spend another game on the bench. That said, MASN's Mark Zuckerman notes that Turner could draw into the lineup at second base Sunday with the Nationals facing a left-hander, which would result in Daniel Murphy sliding over to first base and Clint Robinson getting the day off.

Crawford went 3-for-3 with a home run, a double and a walk in Friday's win over the Diamondbacks.

Crawford brought his team level after going down early with a two-run shot in the second inning, and he put them ahead two with an RBI single the next inning. He is now 5-for-10 with a homer, five RBI and two runs scored over the last three games and seems to be in a groove as the first half of the season wraps up.

Ciriaco was traded to Miami on Friday in exchange for Erik Jokisch, John Blake of TexasRangers.com reports.

Ciriaco has spent all of the 2016 season with Triple-A Round Rock where he's compiled a .268/.297/.320 slash line over 51 games. The 30-year-old will likely head to Triple-A New Orleans now where he'll resume his season in new scenery.

Turner was recalled by the Nationals on Friday.

Turner, the Nationals' top infield prospect, will join the big club for the second time this season. There isn't an immediate opening for him with the Nationals at shortstop -- or in center field, for that matter -- but the team did place Ryan Zimmerman on the disabled list Friday in a corresponding move, so there may be times where Daniel Murphy and Danny Espinosa both shift to the right and allow Turner to see some starts at the shortstop position.

Turner will apparently be called up by the Nationals on Friday, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

Manager Dusty Baker said the Nationals would make a roster move Friday, and Turner is reportedly on his way to New York, so it appears he will be the player getting the call. It's not immediately apparent where Turner will fit in the Nationals' lineup, or if he will remain with the team after the All-Star break, but he has spent time in center field of late, so he could be used as a super-utility player if he stays with the big league club for good. Turner will have eligibility at shortstop in most leagues, so it doesn't necessarily matter if he's not playing there this year, as long as he is getting steady at-bats. He brings a plus-plus hit tool and plus speed to the table, and would be worth an add in almost all formats if it starts to look like he'll get pretty regular playing time.

Story went 2-for-3 with two homers, four RBI and three runs in Thursday's 11-2 victory over the Phillies.

The dynamic rookie went over the 20-homer mark with a 442-foot shot in the third that plated DJ LeMahieu and Carlos Gonzalez, and provided a mammoth 446-foot solo blast in the fifth as an encore. Story snapped an 0-for-17 skid with his momentous night, and tied an NL rookie record for most homers before the All-Star break. The performance was an excellent pitch on Story's part for the final NL All-Star spot, an honor that he's one of five finalists for.

Swanson collected two more hits on Tuesday, giving him 11 hits in his last 21 at bats for Double-A Mississippi.

Swanson and teammate Ozzie Albies have both been tearing the cover off the ball since they were paired together at Double-A on June 30. Albies has been playing second base while Swanson has been the primary shortstop. These two will most likely be working together in the minors until they get called up to the majors at some point in 2017.

Baez is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Reds.

Baez has started three straight games for the Cubs, but will take a seat Wednesday afternoon for a matchup against Anthony DeSclafani. With Tommy La Stella (hamstring) now back from the DL, another threat for infield reps is now on the roster, though it's too early to tell if this will significantly cut into the playing time of Baez.

Baez went 1-for-3 with a solo homer and a walk Tuesday against the Reds.

Baez's ninth blast of the year got the Cubs on the board in the third inning of a game they'd go on to lose. He's now hit safely in eight of his last nine games, and he's slashing .272/.313/.460 this season.

Ahmed was reinstated from the paternity list prior to Monday's matchup against the Padres.

Ahmed landed on the paternity list Saturday, and during his absence, Jean Segura moved over to shortstop while Phil Gosselin picked up a few starts at the keystone. Ahmed has provided a positive defensive WAR through 78 games this season, but his .599 OPS leaves much to be desired. As a result, he'll likely continue to be pressed by Gosselin for playing time.