MLB Player News

Albies (wrist) was activated from the 10-day injured list prior to Wednesday's game against the Marlins.

He comes right into a tough matchup against righty Pablo Lopez, but this is still a welcome return for those who have been patient while Albies was on the IL. Albies should be the everyday second baseman over the rest of the season. Johan Camargo was optioned in a corresponding move.

Lux went 3-for-5 with two home runs, three runs scored and five RBI Tuesday against the Diamondbacks.

The first shot was an opposite field wall scraper, while his second long ball was a towering shot to right field in the 10th inning. The Dodgers' top prospect had a .480 OPS with zero home runs and one steal in 27 at-bats prior to Tuesday's exploits, but now his OPS sits at .793. He has been particularly good of late, hitting .333 with six runs and five RBI over his last 15 at-bats. Lux has made four straight starts, all against right-handed pitchers.

McNeil went 2-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run Tuesday against the Orioles.

McNeil homered in his third consecutive game, accounting for each of his long balls this season. This time, he took Asher Wojciechowski deep in the eighth inning. Overall, McNeil is hitting .306/.378/.468 across 143 plate appearances.

Mathias was optioned to the Brewers' alternate training site Tuesday.

Mathias has bounced on and off of the active roster this season, hitting .278/.278/.361 through his first 36 major-league plate appearances. His absence will clear a roster spot for Corey Knebel (hamstring) to return from the injured list.

Garcia (heel) remains on the bench Tuesday against the Rays.

Garcia was scratched from Monday's lineup with a bruised heel and will sit for at least one more day. If he doesn't appear off the bench Tuesday, he'll wind up getting at least three days to rest, as the Nationals have a scheduled off day Wednesday. Josh Harrison remains the starter at second base in his absence.

McNeil went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run and a walk Monday against the Phillies.

After failing to go deep in his first 33 games this season, McNeil has two homers in his past two starts. On Monday, he took David Phelps deep for a three-run shot in the seventh inning. Aside from his power, McNeil continues to make plenty of contact as he is currently hitting .298/.367/.438 across 139 plate appearances.

Albies (wrist) will participate in an intrasquad matchup at the Braves' alternate training site Tuesday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Albies' recovery has gone a bit slowly, but he's been making significant strides recently. He was able to resume swinging over the past few days, and Tuesday's intrasquad matchup could be one of his final tuneups before a potential return. A timetable for him to return to the majors hasn't yet been announced, but he could be back on the field soon if all goes well Tuesday.

Garcia (heel) was scratched from Monday's lineup against the Rays, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Garcia's bruised heel was feeling better earlier in the day, but he evidently won't be able to start against the Rays. It's unclear whether he'll be available off the bench. Josh Harrison will take his place at second base.

Rojas will start at second base and will bat leadoff Sunday against the Giants.

Though he didn't start in the Diamondbacks' first game following his Sept. 1 callup, Rojas has now entered the lineup in Arizona's subsequent six contests, either at second base or as the team's designated hitter. He's only gone 3-for-17 with no extra-base hits and a stolen base since his promotion, but Rojas should continue to get plenty of run in September for a 15-26 Diamondbacks squad that has no visions of competing for a playoff spot.

Garcia (heel) is starting Monday against the Rays.

Garcia was removed from Sunday's contest due to a bruised heel, but he's feeling better Monday and will return to action. He'll bat eighth and play second base against the Rays.