MLB Player News

McNeil is dealing with a minor knee injury, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

McNeil's knee is apparently "banged up," which helps explain his absence from Wednesday's lineup. Fortunately, the issue doesn't appear to be anything overly serious, as the utility man is available to pinch hit if needed.

McNeil is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Marlins.

McNeil will give way to J.D. Davis at the hot corner Wednesday with right-hander Trevor Richards -- who holds reverse splits -- toeing the rubber for the Marlins. Through five games this season, the utility man is 6-for-15 with a trio of extra-base hits and a 2:2 BB:K.

Marte is starting in center field and hitting second Wednesday against the Padres.

Marte has primarily hit sixth this season, but he'll jump to the two hole for Wednesday's series finale after going 7-for-14 with a pair of extra-base hits and a pair of stolen bases over his last three games. Eduardo Escobar drops to fifth in the order as a result.

Marte went 2-for-5 with a solo homer in an 8-5 victory against the Padres on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old went hitless in the first two games of the season, but he's recorded multiple hits in each of his last three contests, going 7-for-14 (.500) with two extra-base knocks. Marte is hitting .296 with a homer, a triple, six RBI and two steals in six games this season.

Rosario went 1-for-4 with a double, a walk, two RBI and a stolen base Tuesday against the Marlins.

Rosario played a big part in the Met's first-inning explosion, driving a two-RBI double to left field. He later reached base on a walk and subsequently stole second base, his first of the season. After leading off Monday, Rosario was back to batting seventh Tuesday and he continues to bat primarily toward the bottom of the solid Mets lineup.

Hernandez went 2-for-4 out of the leadoff spot in a 4-2 loss to the Giants on Tuesday and is now hitting .375 with two home runs over his first 16 at-bats.

It marked the second time in five games that Hernandez has led off, with Joc Pederson handling the role in the other three. Regardless of where he's hit in the lineup, the 27-year-old has been raking thus far in 2019, and Pederson's poor numbers against left-handed pitching seem to be giving Hernandez a path to the top of the order in matchups against southpaws.

Garcia will open the campaign at Double-A Harrisburg, Byron Kerr of MASN Sports reports.

Garcia, who won't turn 19 years old until May, will be one of the youngest players in the Eastern League when he debuts with Harrisburg. The assignment is an aggressive one, but certainly not undeserved after Garcia slashed .299/.338/.412 in 221 plate appearances at High-A Potomac last season and held his own at big-league camp this spring. The Nationals will likely continue to develop Garcia as a shortstop, though he could eventually shift to second base as he draws closer to the big leagues.

Albies went 3-for-4 with two doubles, one RBI, a run scored and a walk in Monday's 8-0 romping of the Cubs.

Albies had collected exactly one single in each of his first three games with Monday being the breakout fantasy owners were waiting for. The 22-year-old hit over .300 during spring training and has an on-base percentage over .500 in this young season.

Rosario is starting at shortstop and hitting leadoff Monday against the Marlins, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Rosario will assume leadoff duties Monday after hitting no higher than sixth in the team's season-opening series. Regular leadoff man Brandon Nimmo is situated on the bench, suggesting Rosario's placement atop the order is only temporary, though manager Mickey Callaway did say he likes the shortstop in the leadoff spot, per Healey. Through three games this season, Rosario is 3-for-12 with an RBI and a pair of runs scored. He'll face southpaw Caleb Smith in this one.

Albies went 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in Sunday's loss to the Phillies.

The steal was his first of the season, although he was also caught stealing for the first time. Albies swiped a disappointing 14 bases in 17 attempts last season thanks in part to a tepid .305 OBP, but through three games in 2019 he's got more walks (two) than strikeouts (one). If he can continue to sharpen his plate discipline and reach base more consistently, the steals should follow.