MLB Player News

Nevin is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Arizona.

For the second straight game, Nevin will be in the dugout while Armando Alvarez starts at third base. Since making his major-league debut June 22, Alvarez has gone 6-for-12 with one RBI and one stolen base, and his encouraging play over the last week could mean the rookie and Nevin split starts in the infield until Abraham Toro (hamstring) returns from the injured list after the All-Star break.

Ortiz (neck) will start at third base and bat leadoff Saturday against the Cubs.

Ortiz made an early exit from Wednesday's game versus the Rangers and sat out Friday's series opener due to neck problems, but he's evidently feeling well enough to play Saturday. The 25-year-old has found a good amount of success at the plate recently, going 5-for-14 with a solo home run over his last five games.

Muncy (oblique) took swings off a tee, fielded groundballs and did some throwing Friday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Muncy's progress from a Grade 1 right oblique strain has been slow to the extent that he was transferred to the 60-day IL on June 21. However, the third baseman appears to be beginning to ramp up, and the Associated Press reports that his next step will be to take live batting practice before potentially beginning a rehab assignment. Muncy isn't expected to return to the Dodgers' lineup until after the All-Star break.

Rendon (hamstring) will face live pitching next Thursday or Friday and could return from the 60-day injured list July 8 versus Texas, Michael Huntley of TheSportingTribune.com reports.

Rendon has been participating in a variety of baseball activities -- including taking grounders, batting in the cage and running the bases -- so taking swings against live pitching is the logical next step in his quest to return from a left hamstring strain. Angels manager Ron Washington indicated Friday that he hopes the veteran third baseman can return for the beginning of a home series against the Rangers that kicks off July 8, though that date is certainly not set in stone. Rendon recently indicated that he's considering agreeing to a rehab assignment ahead of his return, but it doesn't appear he's made a decision on that topic at this point.

Candelario (hamstring) isn't in the Reds' lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals.

Manager David Bell said Friday that Candelario is trending toward a return for Sunday's series finale, so it isn't too surprising to see the 30-year-old infielder absent from Saturday's lineup. Spencer Steer will once again get the nod at first base, and Noelvi Marte will cover the hot corner.

Rojas went 2-for-4 with an RBI double in an extra-inning win over the Twins on Friday.

Rojas was the only Mariner to garner multiple hits on a quiet night overall for Seattle's bats, and he contributed the first run of the game on a fifth-inning two-bagger that plated Mitch Haniger. Rojas now has four multi-hit efforts in the last 12 games, a stretch during which he's accumulated five extra-base hits despite a modest .250 average and .302 on-base percentage. Friday's production also snapped a rare skid for Rojas, who'd gone 0-for-14 over the previous four contests.

Ramirez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's 10-3 loss to the Royals.

Ramirez is up to six homers and 16 RBI over 21 contests in June while hitting .294 (25-for-85) for the month. The third baseman opened the scoring Friday, but the Royals poured on seven runs before the Guardians had a response. Overall, Ramirez continues to provide elite all-around production with 22 homers, 73 RBI, 62 runs scored, 15 stolen bases and a .278/.332/.547 slash line through 77 contests.

Garcia went 2-for-5 with a double, two stolen bases and two runs scored in Friday's 10-3 win over the Guardians.

Garcia was briefly bumped down the order last weekend, but he hasn't really rebounded since returning to the leadoff spot for the last five games. His multi-hit effort Friday was his first since June 14 and just his third such game in June, a month in which he's batting .153 (15-for-98). The infielder is now at a .234/.288/.347 slash line with five home runs, 40 RBI, 51 runs scored and 21 steals over 82 contests, with his speed being the biggest upside in his game this year.

Chapman went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and a stolen base in Friday's 5-3 win over the Dodgers.

Chapman's power has come back, as he has three extra-base hits -- including two homers -- over his last five games. The third baseman gave the Giants their first lead Friday with his sixth-inning blast. For the season, he's up to 10 homers, 35 RBI, 53 runs scored and seven steals while posting a .235/.316/.399 slash line over 80 contests.

Devers went 1-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run in Friday's 9-2 loss to the Padres.

The third baseman took Wandy Peralta deep in the sixth inning for Boston's final run of the night. Devers has homered in three straight games, and over the last 14 he's batting .321 (17-for-53) with four long balls, 11 RBI and 13 runs.