MLB Player News

Vargas (thigh) entered Saturday's game as a pinch hitter, went 0-for-1, and finished as the designated hitter in a 6-1 loss to Washington.

Vargas, who was removed from Thursday's game with a thigh issue, has come off the bench in the next two contests. He was able to play defense Friday before getting a plate appearance Saturday, indicating he has no limitations and may simply be slipping back into a bench role. The recent activation of Pavin Smith from the injured list and the call-up of prospect LuJames Groover, who started at first base Friday and Saturday, appears to be impacting Vargas' playing time.

Bauers went 1-for-1 with a solo home run, four walks, a stolen base and two total runs scored in Saturday's 7-1 win over the Rockies.

Bauers didn't get many pitches to hit, but he demonstrated plenty of plate discipline. Remarkably, Saturday marked his second four-walk game in June, the first having come Monday versus the Giants. He has gone 5-for-17 (.294) at the plate with a 10:5 BB:K and two homers over six games this month. Bauers is batting .281 with an .892 OPS, 11 homers, 40 RBI, 37 runs scored, five steals and 12 doubles over 55 games this season. He needs just one more homer to match his career high, one he's reached three previous times (2019, 2023, 2024).

The Mets announced Saturday that Polanco's rehab assignment has been halted due to ankle soreness.

Polanco began a rehab assignment last week and was expected to be nearing a return to the Mets' lineup, but he reported soreness in his ankle Saturday and will head back to New York to be reevaluated. The 32-year-old has dealt with Achilles and wrist issues this season, and he's now managing yet another injury. Polanco has been limited to 61 plate appearances across 14 games this season, and he's slashed an underwhelming .179/.246/.286 with one home run and two RBI.

The Mets have shut down Polanco's (Achilles/wrist) rehab assignment, Keith Raad of SNY reports.

Polanco, who has been on the injured list since April 18, will head back to New York to be reevaluated. The 32-year-old has struggled at the plate when healthy during his first season with the Mets, slashing .179/.246/.286 across 61 plate appearances.

Vientos will have to continue competing for at-bats with Jared Young and MJ Melendez, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports.

The recent emergence of Young in particular has already started to cost Vientos playing time in the first few days of June. Vientos also hasn't helped his cause by mustering just a .125 average (4-for-32) over his last 10 games dating back to May 24. Manager Carlos Mendoza labels the situation a "healthy competition," and he did afford Vientos a start at designated hitter Saturday.

Vargas (thigh) is not in the Diamondbacks' starting lineup against the Nationals on Saturday.

Vargas is dealing with a left thigh contusion that forced him to leave Thursday's game against the Dodgers. He entered Friday's game against Washington after being absent from the starting lineup, so Vargas could be available off the bench for the Diamondbacks for Saturday's contest. LuJames Groover will start at first base and bat eighth.

Morel is not in the Marlins' starting lineup against the Rays on Saturday.

Even though the Rays are sending southpaw Shane McClanahan to the mound, the right-handed-hitting Morel will be on the bench for the start of Saturday's game while Leo Jimenez serves as the Marlins' designated hitter and Javier Sanoja starts at third base. Morel has seen a noticeable decline in his playing time due to his struggles at the plate, with the 26-year-old slashing .172/.232/.219 with one steal, one RBI and a 39.1 percent strikeout rate across 69 plate appearances this season.

Stewart went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, two RBI and a run scored in Friday's 10-3 loss to St. Louis.

Stewart was in the middle of the Reds' three-run first inning, doubling home two runs and scoring the third. He's still contributing from the middle of the order but less so after his boffo start. After posting a .943 OPS with nine home runs and 29 RBI over 31 games through the end of April, Stewart has a .722 OPS with three homers and 10 RBI over the same number of contests since May 1.

Vargas (thigh) entered Friday's game in the eighth inning to play second base. He did not get a plate appearance in a 14-1 loss to the Nationals.

Vargas was injured in a scary collision with Los Angeles' Max Muncy on Thursday but appears to have avoided a serious injury. That he was able to play the field for a couple of innings is an encouraging sign that Vargas can resume his role sharing first base and DH with occasional work at other infield spots.

Freeman went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Friday's 1-0 win over the Angels.

Freeman delivered a walk-off blast against Kirby Yates in the ninth inning in a game that was lacking in offense. Freeman has hit safely in nine of his last 11 contests, going 15-for-44 (.341) with four homers and 12 RBI in that span. On the year, the first baseman is batting .276 with an .838 OPS, 10 homers, 35 RBI, 32 runs scored, two stolen bases, 15 doubles and a triple over 61 games. His ratios have slipped a bit overall, but he's currently trending up.