MLB Player News

Duffy was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday.

Duffy becomes the fourth Cub to land on the COVID-19 injured list in the last two days. His expected return date is unclear, as it's unknown whether he contracted the virus himself or was merely exposed to someone else who tested positive. Ildemaro Vargas' contract was selected in a corresponding move.

Vargas' contract was selected by the Cubs on Tuesday.

Vargas failed to win an Opening Day roster spot despite a strong camp and was designated for assignment, but he passed through waivers unclaimed and won't wind up waiting long for his first opportunity. With a career .254/.282/.391 slash line in 298 MLB plate appearances, he's unlikely to play a major role during his time with the team, but he'll give the Cubs depth around the diamond. Matt Duffy landed on the COVID-19 injured list in a corresponding move.

Hayes (wrist) has yet to resume swinging, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Recent reports indicated that the Pirates weren't optimistic that Hayes would be able to return from the injured list when first eligible Wednesday, and that's now been all but confirmed by manager Derek Shelton. The Pirates haven't supplied a specific timeline for his return, but he'll presumably have to get through a few batting practice sessions without issue before being allowed to return to game action.

Hayes (wrist) doesn't appear likely to return from the injured list when first eligible Wednesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Hayes exited in the second game of the season with left wrist inflammation. The Pirates initially seemed optimistic that he'd return in just 10 days, but that optimism has since faded somewhat. That said, there hasn't been any indication that he's suffered a setback and is in line for an extended absence.

Riley will sit for the first time this season Tuesday against the Marlins.

After showing promise but generally failing to produce at a high level over his first two seasons, the young third baseman has been given every opportunity to prove himself this year. He started each of Atlanta's first 10 games at third base but has gotten off to a very slow start, hitting .188/.278/.188. Ehire Adrianza will get the nod at the hot corner Tuesday.

Machado went 1-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and two runs scored in Monday's 6-2 win over the Pirates.

Machado singled in the sixth inning and was brought home on a Wil Myers homer. He scored another run thanks to Myers in the seventh after Machado swiped second base. The star third baseman is now riding a seven-game hitting streak.

Machado went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Sunday in a 2-0 win over Texas.

After getting ejected in the eighth inning of Saturday's contest, Machado was back in the lineup Sunday as the Padres' designated hitter. He provided an insurance run for closer Mark Melancon with a solo shot to left field in the top of the ninth inning. The blast was Machado's second of the campaign, and he now has five RBI.

Peterson isn't starting Monday's game against the Cubs.

Peterson had started each of the last two games and went hitless with one walk and three strikeouts in eight plate appearances. Keston Hiura will shift to second base Monday while Daniel Vogelbach starts at first base.

Newman went 1-for-5 with a run in Sunday's 7-1 win against the Cubs.

Since going 2-for-5 on Opening Day, Newman has collected only four hits in 27 at-bats. He's totaled one extra-base hit (a double) and no stolen base attempts. The team has batted him in various spots of the lineup without success. As a result, he could lose some playing time to Erik Gonzalez at shortstop until he regains his batting stroke.

Longoria went 2-for-4 while knocking in two during Sunday's win over the Rockies.

The 35-year-old has seemingly found the fountain of youth in 2021, as he knocked in two off Carlos Estevez in the seventh inning. Longoria is currently slashing .333/.394/.667 and has been a crucial element to the Giants' hot start.