MLB Player News

Sosa (back) is starting at third base and batting ninth Friday against the Rockies.

Sosa missed five straight games due to a lower back injury, but he managed to avoid the IL and returns Friday with a shiny .344/.353/.625 slash line in 34 plate appearances on the year. He should see regular action at the hot corner with Alec Bohm needed at first base.

Madrigal is starting at third base and batting ninth for the Cubs in Friday's game versus the Dodgers.

The Cubs are going with a right-handed heavy lineup against southpaw Julio Urias. Madrigal is off to a solid start at the plate this season as he sees the occasional start at third and second base, sporting a .323/.364/.387 slash line.

Escobar went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Thursday's win over the Giants.

He took southpaw Sean Manaea deep for his second long ball of the year as part of a five-run fourth inning for the Mets that put the game out of reach. Escobar is stuck on the short side of a platoon right now while New York gives prospect Brett Baty a long look at the hot corner, but the veteran could yet win back the starting job at third base if he gets going at the plate and the rookie struggles. Over his last four games, Escobar's gone 4-for-16 with a double and a homer, and Thursday's multi-hit performance was his first of the season.

Muncy went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, a stolen base and two walks in Thursday's 6-2 victory versus the Cubs.

Muncy gave the Dodgers an early lead with a second-inning solo shot to right-center field. The slugger got off to a slow start this season, slashing .121/.293/.212 with 16 strikeouts through his first nine contests. However, he's turned a corner since then, going 11-for-28 (.393) with seven long balls, 14 RBI and a 10:8 K:BB across his subsequent 10 games. The hot stretch has pushed Muncy's homer total to nine on the season, tied for second-most in MLB.

Baty isn't starting Thursday against the Giants.

Baty will take a seat Thursday with left-hander Sean Manaea set to start the game for San Francisco. Eduardo Escobar will man the hot corner for the Mets and bat seventh.

McMahon is making a third straight start at third base Thursday against the Phillies.

Colorado seems underwhelmed by the early defensive play of Elehuris Montero, who is serving as the designated hitter Thursday. McMahon could continue to get more looks at his old position, with Alan Trejo benefitting from an uptick in starts at second base.

Sosa (back) remains out of the lineup Thursday versus the Rockies.

It's the fifth straight absence for Sosa, who tweaked his lower back last weekend. He was scheduled to visit with a specialist Wednesday in Chicago. Josh Harrison is playing third base and batting ninth Thursday against Colorado, with Alec Bohm covering first base and hitting seventh.

De La Cruz (hamstring) was activated from the minor-league injured list by Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

De La Cruz is getting off to a delayed start this season after suffering a left hamstring strain toward the end of spring training, but the dynamic 21-year-old infield prospect can now continue his rapid ascent through the Reds' minor-league system. He was assigned to Triple-A out of camp after slashing .304/.359/.586 with 28 home runs, 86 RBI, 47 stolen bases and 87 runs scored in 121 games last season between High-A Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga. A five-tool talent, De La Cruz could reach the majors at some point in 2023.

Arenado went 0-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Wednesday's 14-5 win over the Diamondbacks.

Arenado was on the back end of a first-inning double steal with Dylan Carlson, and a throwing error on the play led to the Cardinals' second run. Willson Contreras then knocked in Arenado with an RBI double. Arenado has struggled a bit lately, going 2-for-19 with one walk and six strikeouts over the last five games. That short slump has him down to a .293/.349/.413 slash line with two home runs, 13 RBI, nine runs scored and a steal through 19 contests.

Madrigal went 2-for-4 with a walk and two RBI in Wednesday's 12-2 win over the Athletics. He was also caught stealing.

Madrigal batted eighth but was still able to put together a strong fantasy effort. He's now appeared in 12 of the team's 17 games, seeing time at both second and third base. Madrigal is batting a solid .345, though his ceiling will remain capped as long as he's in a utility role with the Cubs.