MLB Player News

Crawford smashed a three-run shot in Friday's 6-4 win over the Rockies.

Crawford has been on a roll lately, hitting .333 with a pair of homers, eight RBI and a pair of steals over his last six games. The power and batting average are right where they should be, but if he can maintain a .345 OBP for the rest of the season his 2016 could actually surpass his stellar 2015.

Baez is out of the lineup Saturday against the Nationals.

Addison Russell and Kris Bryant are starting on the left side of the infield Saturday, so Baez will operate in a bench role with lefty Gio Gonzalez on the mound. His .311/.340/.444 slash line is impressive, but after striking out three times in Friday's game, Baez will start Saturday on the pine.

Castro is out of the lineup Friday against the Diamondbacks.

Castro got off to a hot start when he was initially called up in mid-April, but he's cooled off significantly since then, garnering only two hits since April 25. Kelly Johnson will take his place at second base Friday.

Diaz is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Phillies.

With Diaz getting a day off, Ruben Tejada will man shortstop. The rookie has cooled down a bit from his torrid start to the season, but he still owns a .381/.422/.679 slash line, with five homers, 16 RBI, 21 runs and a stolen base. He's in no immediate danger of losing playing time.

Turner is hitting .309/.393/.443 with two homers, 11 RBI, and a 10-for-10 mark as a basestealer at Triple-A Syracuse this season.

Meanwhile, Danny Espinosa is mired in a month-long slump. While the Nationals currently sit atop the National League East, it may not be long before they opt to make Turner their starting shortstop, which will likely push Espinosa into a utility role going forward.

Owings is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Marlins.

Owings has filled in admirably for A.J. Pollock in center field, but he'll get a day to rest Wednesday. David Peralta will slide over to center field to take his spot, while Brandon Drury takes over in right field.

Baez is in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Baez went 0-for-5 in Tuesday's game, but he will get a chance to redeem himself Wednesday afternoon. He will play third base and hit sixth against Pirates starter Juan Nicasio.

Story went 2-for-4 with a run, an RBI, and a steal Tuesday in San Diego.

Story swiped over 20 bags across all levels in each of his last three minor-league seasons, so the rookie shortstop does have that element to his game. The 23-year-old hasn't shown off his speed much yet in part because he's been too busy crushing homers, but Story's been making fantasy owners happy either way thus far.

Castro is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Mets.

Castro was getting pretty consistent starting time recently, but this is the second game in three days that he will not start after garnering only two hits since April 25. Kelly Johnson will man second base in his stead.

Rojas is in the lineup and batting eighth for Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Rojas will get the start against southpaw Patrick Corbin while Derek Dietrich takes the night off. The 27-year-old has only seen 25 plate appearances this season, but he will likely see an increased role following the suspension of Dee Gordon for 80 games.