MLB Player News

Davis will start at third base and hit fifth Thursday against the Nationals.

Davis will be making his fourth start in five games and appears to have fended off Todd Frazier for top duties at the hot corner. The 26-year-old initially looked on track to lose out on playing time when it was expected that Jed Lowrie (knee/hamstring) would return from the injured list at some point this month, but Lowrie has since incurred a setback in his recovery that will likely keep him sidelined until at least June. Lowrie's ongoing absence should give Davis an extended shot at regular at-bats, making the latter intriguing in NL-only formats and deeper mixed leagues.

Escobar went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run, three RBI, three runs and a walk during an 11-1 victory against the Pirates on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old absolutely tormented Pirates pitching this season, going 15-for-27 (.556) with two home runs and 11 RBI in seven games. Unfortunately, the Diamondbacks won't play the Pirates again in 2019, but he's hitting pretty well against everybody. Escobar is batting .293 with nine home runs, 27 RBI and 26 runs in 164 at-bats this season.

Riley went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Cardinals.

Getting the start in left field and hitting sixth in his MLB debut, Riley took Michael Wacha deep in the fourth inning. The 22-year-old slugger had 15 homers in 37 games for Triple-A Gwinnett prior to his promotion, and if he keeps flashing his power in the majors, he could well hang onto a starting job even after Ender Inciarte (back) gets healthy.

Suarez went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run and three RBI on Wednesday against the Cubs.

Suarez took Carl Edwards Jr. deep in the eighth inning to knot the game at five. It was his 13th home run of the season and sixth in his past 11 games. Notably, he's also recorded multiple hits in five of his past six contests, raising his average from .242 to .263. After a relatively slow start to the season, Suarez appears to be taking yet another step forward with his power production, slugging .577 across 176 plate appearances.

Muncy is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Padres, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Muncy will give way to David Freese at first base with left-hander Matt Strahm toeing the rubber for the opposition. Since the start of May, Muncy is hitting .286/.375/.524 with three homers and two stolen bases in 12 games.

Riley had his contract selected from Triple-A Gwinnett prior to Wednesday's game against the Cardinals. According to David O'Brien of The Athletic, Riley is starting in left field and hitting sixth.

Ender Inciarte was sent to the injured list while Jesse Biddle was designated for assignment in a pair of corresponding moves, clearing the way for Riley to join the Braves ahead of his big-league debut. The well-regarded prospect hit .299/.377/.681 with 15 homers and 39 RBI in 37 games for Gwinnett before earning a promotion; if he carries his success to the majors, it's possible Riley sticks in a full-time role the rest of the season at the expense of Inciarte.

Machado went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run in a loss against the Dodgers on Tuesday.

Of Machado's nine homers this year, four have come against the Dodgers -- including two off future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. After struggling at the start of his first season with the Padres, Machado has picked it up by getting at least one hit in 16 of his last 18 games, batting 21-for-72 (.292) over that stretch.

The Braves will promote Riley from Triple-A Gwinnett ahead of Wednesday's game against the Cardinals, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Riley will get the long-awaited call to the big leagues in response to center fielder Ender Inciarte exiting Tuesday's loss with a back injury, but a promotion for the 22-year-old would have certainly been justified from a performance standpoint. After slugging a grand slam in his final game for Gwinnett on Tuesday, Riley leaves Triple-A with a .299/377/.681 slash line and 15 long balls in just 37 games. Though Riley played exclusively at third base prior to this season, he's dabbled at first base and left field recently, with the Braves likely to use him at the latter position while Inciarte is sidelined. If Riley continues to mash in his initial opportunities with the Braves, it's possible he sticks in a full-time role for the rest of the season while Inciarte transitions to a fourth-outfielder role once healthy.

Arenado went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk Tuesday against the Red Sox.

Arenado took Chris Sale deep in the seventh inning for his 11th homer of the season. He already has five home runs in May, only one of which has come at home. After failing to go yard in his first 15 games of the season, Arenado has rebounded and is hitting .317/.365/.604 across 181 plate appearances.

Longoria is not starting Tuesday against the Blue Jays, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Longoria has gone 8-for-24 with three homers in his last six games. Pablo Sandoval gets the start at third base.