MLB Player News

Riley went 3-for-5 with a double, two home runs, three RBI and three runs scored for Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

After striking out four times in his first two games of the season, Riley put on a show against Norfolk. The Braves' No. 1 fantasy prospect could struggle to hit for a plus batting average in the majors if he can't keep the K's under control, but he has legit middle-of-the-order power -- his 12 homers in 75 games last year in his first exposure to Triple-A pitching was just scratching the surface of his potential. Riley will continue working on his game in the minors while Josh Donaldson occupies third base in Atlanta, but if the veteran breaks down once again, the 22-year-old could make his big-league debut later this season.

Anderson will bat third and man third base in Sunday's game against the Braves, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

One of the few core pieces of a rebuilding Marlins roster, Anderson has slotted in as the No. 2 or 3 hitter in each of the team's games this season. Despite batting just .176 through nine contests, Anderson is in no danger of dropping in the lineup with few other Marlins position players making cases for looks in the heart of the order.

Escobar went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Red Sox.

Escobar, who had one hit over 25 at-bats, has hit safely in the first two games of the series against Boston. Jake Lamb had been a threat to this playing time, but a quadriceps injury will sideline Lamb for up to six weeks, presenting a path for Escobar to get regular at-bats.

Newman went 2-for-4 with a walkoff RBI double against the Reds on Saturday.

He played second base while starter Adam Frazier came off the bench to serve as a pinch hitter. Newman got his second start in three games but will likely have to wait for starting shortstop Erik Gonzalez to struggle before he gets a chance to regularly contribute. Newman has the potential to hit for a high batting average and steal some bases if he's given the opportunity.

Davis went 3-for-3 with two solo home runs and a walk in Saturday's 6-5 win over the Nationals.

Davis received the start at third base Saturday and hit both home runs off Washington starter Patrick Corbin. The 29-year-old should continue to see fairly regular at-bats while Todd Frazier (oblique) and Jed Lowrie (knee) remain on the injured list.

Rendon went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a solo home run in a 6-5 loss to the Mets on Saturday.

Rendon started a three-run rally during the eighth inning with the homer to help the Nationals take a 5-3 lead, only to see the bullpen falter during the bottom of the frame. The 28-year-old went 0-for-4 in the season opener but is 12-for-23 with four doubles, three home runs and six RBI in his last six games.

Machado went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in a 6-4 win over the Cardinals on Saturday.

Machado provided the Rays' fifth and sixth runs with his two-run shot in the eighth inning and has now homered twice in the last three games. The two hits raised Machado's batting average to .290 for the season.

McMahon (elbow) was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a left elbow strain.

McMahon sustained the strain Friday when he hyperextended his left elbow on a play at first base. The severity of the injury remains unclear, but the 24-year-old will be eligible to return from the injured list April 16 versus the Padres. Mark Reynolds and Pat Valaika figure to see an increased workload at first base with Daniel Murphy (finger) also on the injured list.

McMahon is not in Saturday's lineup due to a hyperextended left elbow, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

McMahon suffered the injury while making a play at first base Friday. He had an MRI, the results of which have not yet been released. Pat Valaika gets the start at second base in his absence.

Moustakas will head to the bench for the first time Saturday against the Cubs.

Moustakas will sit against left-hander Cole Hamels, though don't expect him to sit against every lefty, as he remained in the lineup Friday against Jose Quintana. Hernan Perez will start at second base Saturday.