MLB Player News

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday that Newman (groin/hamstring) will see time at both shortstop and second base once he's ready to return from the 60-day injured list, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Newman served as Pittsburgh's primary shortstop in 2021 and opened the current season atop the depth chart at the position before landing on the IL in late April with a left groin strain. He then suffering a hamstring injury during his initial rehab assignment at Triple-A Indianapolis in late May, resulting in his timeline for a return being pushed back. Newman restarted the minor-league assignment June 21 and has slashed .419/.424/.484 in his eight games with Indianapolis, likely setting him up to rejoin the big club this week. He'll be joining a Pirates club that has prioritized younger options in recent weeks, most notably installing hotshot rookie Oneil Cruz as its full-time shortstop. Though Cherington indicated Cruz "doesn't need to be at shortstop every day," the expectation is that the 28-year-old Newman will have to settle for more of a utility role while Cruz continues to see the bulk of the starts at shortstop.

Walls isn't in the lineup Monday against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Walls started in the last three games and went 3-for-11 with a double, two runs, an RBI and a stolen base. He'll get a breather while Isaac Paredes shifts to the keystone with Ji-Man Choi starting at first base.

Escobar went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in a 4-1 win over the Rangers on Sunday.

Escobar's home run off Jon Gray gives him nine on the season. He has now hit three home runs in his first thee games in July. Despite the hot start to the month, the veteran third baseman is slashing only .228/.286/.408 on the season and has a WAR of exactly 0.0.

Suarez went 2-for-3 in a win over the Athletics on Sunday.

Suarez has now reached safely in 10 straight games, a stretch during which he's hit .351 (13-for-37) with five doubles, two RBI, five walks and two runs. The slugger's slash line now sits at .240/.332/.436 following Sunday's production, with the batting average and on-base percentage at their highest point since April 28 and 29, respectively.

Wisdom went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Sunday's extra-innings loss to the Red Sox.

Wisdom's solo home run, his 17th of the season, tied the game at 2-2 in the eighth inning, but Boston scored twice in the top of the 11th to get the win. The 17 long balls are the most on the team, with Willson Contreras second with 13 home runs. Wisdom is hitting only .232 this season, but his power production is giving him fantasy value.

Rivera went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and an additional run scored in Sunday's 7-4 win over the Tigers.

Rivera had an awful June, batting .159 with two doubles, one triple, four RBI, two runs scored and a 3:15 BB:K in 20 contests. His poor form at the plate saw him cede some playing time to Nicky Lopez at third base recently, and Sunday was Rivera's first start since June 29. He responded with his first multi-hit game since May 27. The third baseman has a .207/.258/.386 with five homers, 18 RBI, 17 runs scored, five doubles and three triples in 47 contests. It'll probably take more than one productive effort to regain a starting role -- at best, Rivera's looking at a short-side platoon role, though manager Mike Matheny doesn't often employ such timeshares.

Madrigal (groin) is scheduled to take part in live batting practice Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The live batting practice session could mark the final hurdle that Madrigal needs to clear in his recovery from a left groin strain before he heads out on a minor-league rehab assignment. David Bote (shoulder) and Christopher Morel have been picking up most of the work at second base of late for the big club, but Madrigal should reclaim a near-everyday role in the middle infield once he's activated from the 10-day injured list.

Sosa is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

Sosa recently made three consecutive starts, but he'll stick on the bench for a second straight contest to close the weekend now that Nolan Gorman has shaken off a hand injury. Expect the 26-year-old to serve in a utility role moving forward now that St. Louis is at full strength in the infield.

The Giants optioned Vosler to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday.

After going 0-for-5 with a walk while making two straight starts following his call-up from Sacramento on Friday, Vosler will head back to the Giants' top minor-league affiliate. Right-handed pitcher Sean Hjelle was recalled from Triple-A to take Vosler's spot on the active roster.

Urshela is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles.

Urshela will head to the bench and give way at third base to the hot-hitting Jose Miranda. Despite Miranda's improved production of late, Urshela still appears to be viewed as manager Rocco Baldelli's preferred option at the hot corner.