MLB Player News
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Dominic Smith 1B | SF
Giants' Dominic Smith: Hitting bench in Flores' return
Smith is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals.
Smith had started at first base or designated hitter in seven of the previous nine games, but he'll see a downturn in playing time with Wilmer Flores (hamstring) making his return to the starting nine Sunday. The Giants are likely to lean on a combination of Rafael Devers and Flores at first base and designated hitter more often than not, though Smith could replace Flores against some right-handed pitchers.
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Jake Burger 3B | TEX
Rangers' Jake Burger: Sitting against righty
Burger is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.
After being reinstated from the injured list Friday, Burger started in the first two games of the series while the Phillies sent lefties to the bump. With Zack Wheeler on the mound Sunday, Burger will head to the bench, and he may have to settle for the short side of a platoon at either first base or designated hitter while the Texas lineup is at close to full strength.
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Carlos Santana 1B | CHC
Guardians' Carlos Santana: Sitting in second straight
Santana is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox.
Jose Ramirez is getting a partial day off as the designated hitter, leaving no room in the starting nine for Santana. The switch-hitting Santana should still be locked into an everyday role against left-handed pitching, but he could have to settle for a part-time role versus righties if the Guardians remain committed to opening up playing time for younger bats.
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Troy Johnston RF | COL
Marlins' Troy Johnston: On bench against southpaw
Johnston is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against Atlanta.
The 28-year-old rookie was on the bench for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader while Atlanta sent righty Erick Fedde to the hill, and Johnston will remain there with southpaw Joey Wentz on the mound for the series finale. Since getting the call to the big leagues July 29, Johnston has gone just 4-for-21 with no walks and six strikeouts. He's in danger of losing playing time if he's unable to get going at the plate soon.
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Paul Goldschmidt 1B | NYY
Yankees' Paul Goldschmidt: Giving way to Rice on Sunday
Goldschmidt is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros.
After batting leadoff and going 1-for-4 in Saturday's 5-4 win while left-hander Framber Valdez started for Houston, the right-handed-hitting Goldschmidt will find himself on the bench Sunday for a third straight matchup with a righty (Jason Alexander). The left-handed-hitting Ben Rice owns a 223-point edge over Goldschmidt in OPS versus right-handed pitching on the season, so the former player could continue to be prioritized at first base in those matchups.
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Spencer Steer 1B | CIN
Reds' Spencer Steer: Logs two hits Saturday
Steer started at first base and went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Pirates.
Steer returned to the lineup after getting a breather Friday. He's struggled at the dish since the All-Star break and entered Saturday batting .145 (9-for-62) over the previous 18 contests. Despite the slump, Steer has managed to provide a few key hits, knocking in 11 runs during that time.
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Michael Busch 3B | CHC
Cubs' Michael Busch: Pops homer in win
Busch went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run, a double and a second run scored in Saturday's 9-1 win over the Cardinals.
Busch opened August just 2-for-21 over his first seven games of the month. The first baseman broke out with a long ball in the second inning that stretched the Cubs' lead to 5-0. He's now at a .266/.351/.505 slash line with a career-high 22 homers as well as 64 RBI, 52 runs scored, four stolen bases, 16 doubles and three triples through 110 contests this season.
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Troy Johnston RF | COL
Marlins' Troy Johnston: On bench for nightcap
Johnston isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against Atlanta.
Johnston will get a chance to catch his breath after going 1-for-3 with a strikeout during a loss in Game 1. While he rests, Eric Wagaman will get the nod at first base, and Jakob Marsee, Derek Hill and Heriberto Hernandez will work in the outfield.
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Josh Naylor 1B | SEA
Mariners' Josh Naylor: Returning Saturday
Naylor (shoulder) is starting at first base and batting out of the cleanup spot in Saturday's game against the Rays.
Naylor sat out of Friday's series opener due to left shoulder soreness that flared up during Thursday's game against the White Sox. The day off was the remedy Naylor needed, as he's back in action Saturday. He has slashed .265/.324/.426 with 10 steals, three home runs and seven RBI over 74 plate appearances since the All-Star break.
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Carlos Santana 1B | CHC
Guardians' Carlos Santana: Not in Saturday's lineup
Santana is not in the Guardians' starting lineup against the White Sox on Saturday.
Santana will begin Saturday's game in the dugout despite logging four RBI during Friday's win. He has performed well at the plate over his last 10 games, going 10-for-33 (.303) with two doubles and seven RBI over that span. C.J. Kayfus will start at first base and bat seventh.