MLB Player News
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Spencer Steer 1B | CIN
Reds' Spencer Steer: Rare day off Monday
Steer is absent from the lineup for Monday's game versus the Blue Jays.
Steer will yield first base to Sal Stewart, who was called up from Triple-A Louisville to make his major-league debut. Stewart could bounce around to a few infield positions as well as designated hitter in order to get his bat in the lineup, but Steer should still man first base most days for the Reds. Steer had started each of the last 10 contests before sitting out Monday.
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Sal Stewart 1B | CIN
Reds' Sal Stewart: Gets call to majors
The Reds selected Stewart's contract from Triple-A Louisville on Monday. He will start at first base and bat sixth in the Reds' series opener versus the Blue Jays.
Stewart has been a consistent producer throughout his minor-league career, and he started getting to more over-the-fence power in his age-21 season. He slashed .309/.383/.524 with 20 home runs, 17 steals and a 15.6 percent strikeout rate in 118 games across Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A. Stewart is capable of playing second, third and first base and should get regular work down the stretch. He's more of an average runner than a plus runner, so his speed may not translate in September, but Stewart's hitting ability, role and home park make him a worthwhile roster addition in fantasy.
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Sal Stewart 1B | CIN
Reds' Sal Stewart: Moving up to majors
The Reds plan to call up Stewart from Triple-A Louisville on Monday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.
Regarded as one of the top position prospects in the organization, Stewart began the season at Double-A Chattanooga, with whom he posted an .850 OPS en route to earning a promotion to Louisville following the All-Star break. The 21-year-old has been unfazed by the jump in competition, as he's slashed a sizzling .315/.394/.629 with 10 home runs and four stolen bases in 38 games with Louisville to make his way to the big leagues. During his time at Triple-A, Stewart has mostly played third base, but he's also gotten some exposure to first base and second base. The keystone could prove to be Stewart's primary avenue to playing time to begin his big-league career, as Matt McLain has been serving as the Reds' main option at that position but has provided a middling .222/.302/.343 slash line over 122 games.
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Enrique Hernandez 3B | LAD
Dodgers' Enrique Hernandez: Sitting after four straight starts
Hernandez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.
Hernandez will head to the bench Sunday after he had started in each of the last four games -- three at third base, one at first base -- while going 4-for-14 with three RBI and two runs. The Dodgers should be able to find regular room for Hernandez in the lineup against left-handed pitching during the final month of the season, but the right-handed-hitting utility player could find playing time versus righties more difficult to come by in September. Los Angeles is expected to get Hyeseong Kim (shoulder) back from the injured list ahead of Tuesday's game in Pittsburgh, and Tommy Edman (ankle) looks to be on the cusp of a rehab assignment and will soon give the Dodgers another utility option.
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Warming Bernabel 1B | COL
Rockies' Warming Bernabel: Remaining on bench Sunday
Bernabel (knee/quadriceps) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.
Bernabel exited Saturday's 4-3 loss due to a knee and quad bruise, and he'll be held out of the lineup for the series finale as a result. The 23-year-old should be considered day-to-day while Kyle Farmer receives a start at first base.
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Eric Wagaman 1B | MIA
Marlins' Eric Wagaman: On bench against righty
Wagaman is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets.
Wagaman has heated up in August with an .868 OPS over 23 games, but he's seen only 74 plate appearances on the month and is still stuck in a part-time role. He'll hit the bench for the second time in the Marlins' last three matchups against right-handers, but Wagaman should have a regular spot in the lineup versus left-handed pitching.
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Carlos Santana 1B | CHC
Cubs' Carlos Santana: Catches on with Cubs
Santana agreed to a one-year deal with the Cubs on Sunday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.
Santana won't join the Cubs ahead of Sunday's game in Colorado, but he's expected to be activated prior to Monday's home game versus Atlanta. The 39-year-old switch hitter was cut loose by the Guardians on Thursday after he had produced a career-worst .649 OPS with 11 home runs and seven stolen bases across 455 plate appearances. The Cubs won't have regular playing time available for Santana, but he could prove to be an upgrade over Justin Turner (.598 OPS in 166 plate appearances) as the short-side platoon mate at first base for the left-handed-hitting Michael Busch.
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Michael Busch 1B | CHC
Cubs' Michael Busch: Triples, scores in win
Busch went 2-for-4 with a triple and a run scored in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Rockies.
Busch tallied his second straight two-hit game at Coors Field, and he also delivered his fourth triple of the season in the victory. The Chicago first baseman continues to feast against right-handed pitching, posting a .279/.359/.547 slash line in 362 at-bats. Due to his strong platoon splits, Busch is the Cubs' regular leadoff man against righties, but he often hits the bench against southpaws.
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Willson Contreras 1B | STL
Cardinals' Willson Contreras: Hits 20th homer in win
Contreras went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Reds.
Contreras notched his sixth 20-homer season with a 431-foot blast in the seventh inning. The homer snapped a 1-for-21 skid over six games, coming after the 33-year-old went deep in his previous three contests between Aug. 20 and 22. On the year, he's slashing .253/.338/.449 with 20 long balls, 74 RBI, 66 runs scored and four steals across 526 plate appearances.
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Warming Bernabel 1B | COL
Rockies' Warming Bernabel: Exits early with knee, quad bruise
Bernabel was removed from Saturday's game against the Cubs due to a left knee and quad bruise, Kevin Henry of The Denver Gazette reports.
Bernabel's injury appears to have occurred when he fouled a ball off his knee in the second inning. He subsequently singled and came around to score but was replaced at first base by Orlando Arcia in the fourth frame. The fact that Bernabel was initially able to remain in the game is a good sign that he's not dealing with a serious injury, but he should be considered day-to-day for the time being.