MLB Player News

Diaz hit his 15th homer, a two-run shot, in a 2-for-2 game with a walk Tuesday against the Cubs.

In his first start back in the lineup after missing 37 games with a thumb injury, Diaz looked healthy as ever. Despite the time he has missed, Diaz still ranks 16th among major league shortstops with 15 home runs. His power has been one of the biggest surprises of the season, and if he can keep bringing it in September, it could be just the catalyst the Cardinals need to survive the National League Wild Card race.

Diaz is back in the starting lineup Tuesday, batting eighth and playing shortstop.

Diaz was activated off the disabled list Sunday, but this will be his first start since coming off the disabled list. It's unclear how the Cardinals plan to distribute playing time down the stretch considering the recent success Greg Garcia, Jedd Gyorko, and Kolten Wong have all been having, but that should become clearer as the month rolls along.

Swanson (groin) is in the lineup Tuesday against the Marlins.

The rookie took an errant warmup throw to the groin midway through Monday's game, forcing him out of the contest with what the team deemed a right groin contusion. The ailment is apparently nothing serious, though, as Swanson is back at his usual shortstop spot Tuesday night.

Featherston was outrighted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday.

Featherston was designated for assignment last week to make room on the Phillies' 40-man roster for reliever Joely Rodriguez.

Swanson was forced to leave Monday's game with a right groin contusion, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Swanson was hit with an errant throw during warmups in the fourth inning. As painful as the injury sounds, it doesn't project to be something that will force Swanson to miss an extended period of time. We'll keep an eye on his status, but consider him day-to-day for now.

Owings is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Rockies.

Owings is hitting a sizzling .385 (15-for-39) through nine games this month, but manager Chip Hale decided it was time to give him what will be just his second day off since July 30. Jean Segura will get the start at shortstop in Owings' place, and Brandon Drury will take Segura's spot at second base.

Arcia is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Reds.

Arcia has heated up at the plate since a slow start, but he will get a day off Monday after going 1-for-11 over his last three games. Jonathan Villar will cover shortstop in Arcia's place, and Hernan Perez will replace Villar at third base.

Turner went 2-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and two stolen bases in Sunday's win over the Phillies.

His extraordinary rookie campaign continues. Turner is now slashing .343/.365/.552 with eight homers, 30 RBI, 40 runs scored and 23 steals in 26 attempts in just 54 games with the Nats, all while getting on-the-job training in center field.

Diaz (thumb) will be activated for Sunday's game against the Brewers, Jim Hayes of Fox Sports Midwest reports.

While he's not in the starting lineup, Diaz will be on roster for the Cardinals' matchup against Milwaukee. Diaz has said that he feels capable of pinch hitting, so it would be possible for him to see some time on the field for the first time since July 31.

Sardinas is not in Sunday's lineup against Colorado.

With Sardinas out, Alexi Amarista will start at shortstop and hit eighth against Chad Bettis and the Rockies. Sardinas will likely be back in his usual spot Monday for San Diego's series opener against the Giants.