MLB Player News

McNeil isn't starting Saturday's game against the Phillies, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Manager Luis Rojas had said prior to the series against the Phillies that he expected McNeil to start every game this weekend, but he'll be excluded from the lineup Saturday. Jonathan Villar will start at the keystone and bat sixth.

India went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Friday's 10-0 win over the Pirates.

The Reds' leadoff hitter took Mitch Keller deep in the sixth inning to cap the scoring on the night. India has gone yard three times in the last four games and five times in the last seven, boosting the rookie's slash line on the season to .283/.401/.463 with 13 homers, seven steals, 47 RBI and 62 runs through 99 contests.

The Diamondbacks will focus on how best to deploy Marte during the offseason, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Arizona has enjoyed Marte's flexibility, moving him between second base and center field with occasional work at shortstop. The team is reconsidering that flexibility in light of three straight seasons of health and injury issues. In 2019, there was stress reaction in his back; in 2020, it was a left wrist injury; and in 2021, he's had two stints on the injured list with hamstring issues, one in each leg. Underneath it all, the Diamondbacks have wondered if moving him around the diamond -- and the unique actions needed to perform at multiple positions -- might have an adverse effect on the player. Having a healthy Marte would make a difference to the lineup and improve his trade value should Arizona consider moving the 27-year-old at some point during the final three years of his contract.

Rojas (finger) went 0-for-3 with an RBI for Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Rojas started at shortstop and played seven innings for the Aces. If there are no setbacks, Rojas could be reinstated in a matter of days. With Arizona giving ample opportunities to younger players, Rojas would likely see everyday work in the infield.

Kim isn't starting Friday's game against the Diamondbacks, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Kim has had increased playing time at shortstop recently with Fernando Tatis (shoulder) sidelined, but he'll be out of the lineup for a second straight game. Jake Cronenworth will start at shortstop while Eric Hosmer takes over at first base.

India went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and an additional run scored in Thursday's 7-4 win over the Pirates.

India cranked a home run off Wil Crowe to begin the game in the first inning. He added a walk and scored in the second frame. The 24-year-old has reached base safely in his last 10 games. Over that stretch, he has four home runs, eight RBI and 11 runs scored. On the season, he is slashing .284/.404/.458 in 407 plate appearances. His 61 runs is second-most in all of baseball among rookies behind Randy Arozarena.

Rojas (finger) is expected to begin a rehab assignment in the near future, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Rojas participated in live batting practice Wednesday, and he took grounders at shortstop ahead of Thursday's game against the Giants. The 27-year-old was initially targeting a weekend return, so he shouldn't require many rehab games before he's cleared to rejoin the major-league club.

Hoerner (oblique) participated in baseball activities Thursday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Hoerner has been on the 10-day IL for a week, but he did running/agility drills and played catch ahead of Thursday's game against the Rockies. The 24-year-old isn't believed to be particularly close to returning, but his return to baseball activities is a step in the right direction.

Rodgers went 3-for-4 with a double, a run scored and an RBI in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Cubs.

In a mostly bleak season for the 47-61 Rockies, the development of Rodgers -- the No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 first-year player draft -- has been a welcome sight. Rodgers has now put together a 10-game hit streak, bringing his season average up from .257 to .278 in the process. He'll bat second and man second base in Thursday's series finale.

McNeil is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Marlins.

He has heated up at the plate recently, hitting .361 with two home runs, six doubles and eight RBI in his last 10 games. Jonathan Villar gets the start at second base and bats leadoff in what's a normal day of rest for McNeil, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.