MLB Player News

Moncada said that his body "hasn't felt the same" since having COVID-19 in mid-July, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Moncada was able to produce a negative test ahead of Opening Day, but continues to feel the effects of contracting the virus, saying he feels a "lack of energy, strength." The third-baseman, who is also continuing to deal with leg soreness, is hitting .248/.338/.421 on the campaign. While those numbers are nothing to scoff at, it's worth noting that the post-virus effects could be part of the reason that he's seen a drop-off in production from last season.

Moncada said that his body "hasn't felt the same" since having COVID-19 in mid-July, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Moncada was able to produce a negative test ahead of opening day, but continues to feel the effects of contracting the virus, saying he feels a "lack of energy, strength." The third-baseman, who is also continuing to deal with leg soreness, is hitting .248/.338/.421 on the campaign. While those numbers are nothing to scoff at, it's worth noting that the post-virus effects could be part of the reason that he's seen a drop-off in production from last season.

Escobar is not in Thursday's lineup against the Dodgers.

He is hitting .171 with one home run in 35 at-bats over his last 10 games. Andy Young will start at third base and bat seventh against lefty Clayton Kershaw.

Madrigal isn't in Thursday's lineup against the Royals.

Madrigal is riding a five-game hitting streak since returning from the injured list, but he'll get a breather for the series opener against Kansas City. Danny Mendick will start at second base.

Bregman (hamstring) took batting practice Thursday and is close to coming off the injured list, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

According to Kaplan, Bregman said he is 100 percent healthy, so his activation should come any day now. He also did some running and fielding Wednesday, with his hamstring apparently responding well to the activity. Aledmys Diaz will act as Houston's primary third baseman until Bregman is deemed ready to go.

Machado went 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored in Wednesday's win over the Angels.

Machado has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games, posting 10 multi-hit performances and hitting .474 with a 1.387 OPS in that stretch. The star third baseman has been one of the most productive bats in the San Diego lineup, racking up 11 homers with 20 extra-base hits and 32 RBI in 167 plate appearances across 38 games.

Newman is not in Thursday's lineup against the Cubs.

He is hitting .200 with zero home runs and zero steals over his last 10 games. With Adam Frazier, Erik Gonzalez and Ke'Bryan Hayes all trending toward regular playing time, Newman will get more days off down the stretch.

Kieboom has been swinging the bat better at the Nationals' alternate site and according to manager Dave Martinez could rejoin the big-league roster "in the next week or so," Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

"I'd love to get him back up here and let him play. I want him to gain some confidence again, and then when he comes up here, see what he can do," Martinez said Wednesday. Kieboom had zero extra-base hits and a 38.7 percent strikeout rate when he was jettisoned from the roster, and the 23-year-old may not immediately regain the starting job at third base when he returns given the Nats' wealth of veteran utility options who can fill in at the hot corner.

Hayes is not in Thursday's lineup against the Cubs.

Hayes put on a show in his debut Tuesday but went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts Wednesday. JT Riddle is starting at third base and hitting eighth. Hayes should play regularly going forward. This is seemingly just a day off.

Donaldson went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI during Wednesday's victory over the White Sox.

Donaldson, who was reinstated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's game against the White Sox, wasted no time in contributing to his team's win, knocking in a two-run double off Reynaldo Lopez in the second inning. The 34-year-old third baseman missed the month of August with a strained right calf and should continue to make an immediate impact on Minnesota's lineup.