MLB Player News

Castro will start at shortstop and bat seventh in Monday's game against the Cubs.

Castro has now drawn five consecutive starts, with four of them coming at shortstop. He appears to be ahead of Diego Castillo in the pecking order for work at the position, but both players will lose out on work at shortstop once Kevin Newman (groin) is ready to return from the 10-day injured list, likely at some point next week. When Newman is back, Castro may still have a pathway to playing time at the keystone over Josh VanMeter, but Castro will need to pick up the pace at the plate to ensure he sticks in an everyday role.

Peterson will start at third base and bat eighth in Monday's game against Atlanta, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Peterson's defensive versatility has allowed him to hold down a quasi-everyday role of late, as he'll stay in the lineup for the seventh time in eight games Monday while playing his third different position. He's helped his case for seeing steady at-bats by going 7-for-24 with two home runs and three walks over his last seven starts. The Brewers are without Willy Adames (ankle) due to an injury that could force him to the injured list, so Peterson looks like he may have a clear path to a regular role at third base if Luis Urias is forced to cover shortstop in Adames' stead.

Arenado went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run, a walk and an additional run scored in Sunday's 15-6 win over the Giants.

Arenado's two-run home run in the fourth inning came off reliever Zack Littell after the Cardinals previously chased Giants starter Carlos Rodon early. Arenado had gone 7-for-36 (.194) in nine games since his last homer. The third baseman's slump was just a bit of course correction -- he's still slashing .312/.374/.600 with eight long balls, 29 RBI, 16 runs scored and 12 doubles through 33 contests.

Manager David Bell said Sunday the Reds are targeting Wednesday for Senzel (illness) to begin a minor-league rehab assignment, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Senzel has been sidelined since landing on the COVID-19 injured list May 4, so he'll need some games in minors to get back up to speed. Bell previously mentioned the start of Cincinnati's next homestand, which begins May 23 against the Cubs, as a potential return date for the 26-year-old, so his rehab assignment may go through next weekend before he rejoins the big-league club.

Farmer (general soreness) is out of Sunday's lineup against the Pirates.

The plan all along was to hold Farmer out of action through the weekend and take advantage of Monday's off day before a potential Tuesday return. Matt Reynolds is starting at shortstop and leading off.

Machado is not in Sunday's lineup against Atlanta, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

He gets a well-earned day off for the morning game (11:35 AM first pitch) following Saturday night's game. This is Machado's first day off of the season. He is hitting .359/.439/.586 with seven home runs and six steals in 34 games.

Muncy will sit Saturday against the Phillies, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Muncy's bat has yet to wake up this season, as he's hit just .147/.341/.295 with three homers through his first 30 games, though his 27:26 BB:K indicates he's still seeing the ball quite well. He'll get a rest Saturday, with Hanser Alberto starting at second and Justin Turner at third.

Farmer's absence from the lineup for Saturday's game against Pittsburgh is due to general soreness, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

The issue doesn't seem particularly serious, as Farmer will be available off the bench, but he isn't expected to return to the lineup until Tuesday's game in Cleveland. Matt Reynolds starts at shortstop Saturday and will likely remain there for Sunday's series finale.

Farmer isn't starting Saturday against the Pirates.

Farmer started in the last eight games but hit just .107 with two doubles, five RBI and four runs. Matt Reynolds will take over at shortstop and bat ninth.

Vargas went 1-for-3 with a triple, a run scored and two RBI in Friday's loss to the Diamondbacks.

Vargas isn't typically known for his offense and batted ninth in this one, but he was able to provide a useful fantasy line. The 30-year-old had his contract selected Tuesday with the Cubs putting Nick Madrigal (back) on the injured list, and Vargas will be a depth option while Chicago deals with some injuries.