MLB Player News

Marte went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and scored twice Sunday in the Diamondbacks' 4-3 loss to the Padres in 10 innings.

While Marte's efforts weren't enough for the Diamondbacks to end their season with a win, his performance down the stretch at least offers optimism about his prospects heading into 2019. Over Arizona's final six games, Marte turned in four multi-hit performances and posted a 4:4 BB:K. Though speed was his primary calling card in the minors, Marte has only totaled nine steals during his two seasons in Arizona, but he's made up for his lack of activity on the basepaths with his improved power and plate discipline. He walked in 9.4 percent of his plate appearances in 2018 and notched 52 extra-base hits, the latter of which ranked him in the top 20 among all qualifying middle infielders in baseball.

Hernandez went 3-for-5 with a triple, two RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's victory over San Francisco.

Hernandez continued his torrid play at the plate during this three-game set, finishing the series with nine hits and six runs scored. With a right-hander (German Marquez) set to start Monday's game against Colorado, it will be interesting to see if manager Dave Roberts keeps Hernandez's hot bat in the lineup, or if he goes with a typical starting nine filled with left-handed hitters.

Rosario is not in the lineup Sunday against the Marlins.

Rosario did not start Saturday's game, but he came in partway through and logged four plate appearances. There's a similar plan for Sunday's contest, as Jose Reyes will start and is expected to get one at-bat, per Mike Puma of the New York Post. Rosario very well could replace him then, effectively giving him nearly a full game at shortstop.

Frazier (hamstring) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Reds.

Frazier was forced to exit Saturday's contest with right hamstring tightness, and with nothing to play for on the season's final day, the Pirates will keep him on the bench to rest his injury. Unless he enters the contest as a pinch hitter, the 26-year-old will end the season with a .277/.342/.456 slash line to go with 10 homers, 35 RBI and 52 runs scored. Kevin Kramer will replace him at second base Sunday.

Rosario went 1-for-3 with a walk and two stolen bases in Saturday's 1-0 extra-innings win over the Marlins.

The young shortstop entered the game in the top of the fifth inning in place of the retiring David Wright, who was making his final appearance at Citi Field, and Rosario did his best to get into scoring position every time he reached base. He now has 24 steals on the year to go along with nine homers, 51 RBI and 76 runs, and while his .258/.297/.383 slash line on the season isn't impressive, Rosario's .291/.325/.427 performance in September does give some hope for a breakout in 2019.

Frazier left in the fourth inning of Saturday's game with right hamstring tightness.

He was replaced in right field by Pablo Reyes. The team has been conservative with a number of its players beset by minor injuries in recent days. As a result, it wouldn't be surprising to see Frazier sit out Sunday's finale.

Rosario is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Marlins.

Rosario heads to the bench after making 15 straight starts. Veteran Jose Reyes will start at shortstop alongside longtime teammate David Wright in the final game of Wright's career.

Frazier is not in the lineup against the Cubs on Thursday.

Frazier will head to the bench with left-hander Jon Lester on the mound for Chicago. In his place, Josh Harrison will start at second base and bat sixth during the series finale.

Marte went 2-for-3 with a walk Wednesday in the Diamondbacks' 7-2 win over the Dodgers.

Looking to spark an offense that has been stagnant for much of September, manager Torey Lovullo went with a different leadoff man for the fourth consecutive game, appointing Marte to the table-setting role. In reaching base three times during the contest, Marte made a compelling case for an audition atop the lineup for the Diamondbacks' season-ending series against the Padres. It's unclear if Lovullo intends to use Marte as his leadoff hitter again, but at the very least, the second baseman will be at less risk of sitting out over the weekend compared to some of the other veteran regulars in the Arizona lineup.

Hernandez went 2-for-4 with a stolen base, an RBI and a run scored in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Arizona.

Hernandez entered the starting lineup at second base despite a right-handed starter taking the bump for the Diamondbacks. The 27-year-old's improved play against righties this season (.234/.321/.473) has elevated his role from platoon backup to super-utility man. Hernandez is slashing .242/.324/.456 overall with a career-best 21 homers over 442 plate appearances.