MLB Player News

Baez is hoping to return to the Cubs' lineup Tuesday against the Pirates, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Baez made a surprise appearance as a pinch hitter Saturday, creating some optimism that he can return to the lineup before the close of the season. On the other hand, after the game, Baez told reporters that his hand still hurt but that he wanted to help the team reach the playoffs however he could, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. That said, a potential return for Baez remains unclear.

Baez (thumb) took some swings Friday but catching throws is still an issue, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Anthony Rizzo recently made a surprise return from an ankle sprain and Baez would surely like to follow suit and help the Cubs, who are now on the outside looking in at a wild-card spot. However, a return during the regular season still seems unlikely. Nico Hoerner continues to fill in at shortstop.

Diaz started at first base for Yuli Gurriel (illness) and went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Friday's 6-4 win over the Angels.

Gurriel was a late scratch from the lineup due to a stomach illness, paving the way for Diaz to make his 20th start at first base. Diaz is slashing .259/.332/.430 over 64 games during what has been an injury-marred season.

Correa went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI in Friday's 6-4 win over the Angels.

Correa had his first hits since being activated off the injured list. Swatting a couple of homers suggests the back injury that sidelined him for a month is not a major concern. The Astros are expected to limit his playing time initially, but assuming he comes out of Friday's game without issue, Correa's scheduled to start Saturday, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.

Turner went 2-for-4 with two solo home runs in Friday's 6-4 win over the Marlins.

It was Turner's second multi-homer game of the year, with the other coming back in March. The shortstop is doing what he can to get the Nats to the postseason, slashing .289/.333/.474 with three homers, four steals, six RBI and 14 runs in 18 games this month.

Seager went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's win over the Rockies.

Seager cut the Dodgers' deficit in half with a solo home run in the fourth inning, in a game they'd up winning by a lofty final score of 12-5. The long ball was Seager's 17th of the year, while he"s now batting .269/.333/.467.

Mondesi went 0-for-5 with two stolen bases, a run and three strikeouts in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Twins.

Mondesi got aboard on a fielder's choice in the third inning, then stole second base. Later in the inning, he and Jorge Soler completed a double steal. Mondesi got aboard again in the eighth on an error, and then scored on a Hunter Dozier single. The speedy shortstop is up to 41 stolen bases, ranking second in the majors. He's added nine homers, 61 RBI and 57 runs scored in 100 games this season despite striking out at a nearly 30 percent clip.

Adames went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI in Friday's extra-innings win over Boston.

Adames delivered an RBI double in the seventh inning to tie the game, and he pushed across the game-winning run in the bottom of the 11th with a single to left field. The 24-year-old shortstop sits with 18 home runs, 48 RBI and four stolen bases over 145 games this season for Tampa Bay.

Ahmed (finger) is in the lineup for Friday's game against the Padres.

Ahmed missed the last couple games after his fingernail was damaged while fielding a groundball in Monday's game, but he is ready to return to action on the heels of a team off day. Ahmed will start at shortstop and hit seventh Friday night.

Bichette (head) has yet to pass concussion protocol and remains without a clear timeline, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Bichette had to leave Thursday night's game after a pitch hit the brim of his helmet, and he was eventually sent for concussion testing. While the team still hasn't provided a clear timeline for the rookie's return, he's not in Friday's starting lineup and manager Charlie Montoyo stated that he doesn't expect Bichette to return during Toronto's series with the Yankees, per Matheson.