MLB Player News

Vargas started at first base and went 1-for-4 in Monday's 6-2 loss to San Diego.

This was Vargas' third appearance and first start of the season. All three appearances have come at first base. Prior to 2020, Vargas played mostly middle infield and some third base, but a productive summer camp has manager Torey Lovullo looking to get him in the lineup wherever possible. Vargas is 2-for-7 with a run scored in 2020.

Chapman went 3-for-4 with a double, one RBI and one strikeout in Monday's 3-0 win over the Angels.

This was a much-needed breakout day at the plate for the slick-fielding third baseman. He was 1-for-12 through the first three games but is now batting .250 with a .732 OPS.

Rendon (oblique) is expected to start Tuesday's game against the Mariners, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

This lines up with previous reports that he was close to getting the start Monday and wouldn't debut later than Wednesday. Rendon should assume a prominent spot in the lineup for his Angels debut

Kieboom is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Blue Jays.

Kieboom is on the bench for the third time in four games to begin the season, but it's worth noting that he's been nursing a groin issue that has rendered him unable to play the field for now. The rookie is still available to serve as a designated hitter, but because the Nationals prefer to use Howie Kendrick in that capacity, at-bats have been hard to come by for Kieboom. At least until the Nationals are more comfortable with Kieboom's health, Asdrubal Cabrera looks primed to serve as the team's top option at the hot corner.

Candelario is not in the lineup Monday against the Royals.

Candelario started at third base in both of the first two games of the season, but he'll now sit for the second straight contest. Jordy Mercer starts at third base in his absence.

Suarez went 0-for-11 with a walk and four strikeouts while starting all three games of the Reds' season-opening series against the Tigers.

Suarez's availability for the start of the season looked to be in jeopardy after he required right shoulder surgery in January, but baseball's four-plus-month hiatus allowed him to enter summer camp at full health. The 29-year-old still appeared to be rusty against Detroit, but after a 49-homer 2019 season, he'll have a long leash as he looks to escape the slump. Suarez will remain in the lineup for Monday's series opener against the Cubs, slotting in as the No. 3 hitter versus southpaw Jon Lester.

Renon (oblique) was in contention to start Monday against Oakland and will likely debut no later than Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Rendon developed oblique tightness late in camp, but the fact that he was never placed on the injured list seemingly indicates that the issue isn't particularly serious. David Fletcher remains the starting third baseman Monday, but Rendon should appear in an Angels uniform for the first time quite soon.

Senzel (illness) is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs.

Senzel fell ill prior to Sunday's series finale with the Tigers and was scratched from the lineup, and it appears he's still feeling under the weather 24 hours later. Phillip Ervin will draw the start in Senzel's stead, slotting in as the Reds' leadoff man and center fielder.

Rendon (oblique) remains on the bench for Monday's game against the Athletics.

Rendon avoided the injured list to start the season after battling oblique tightness late in camp, but he's yet to appear in a game thus far. The fact that he remains on the active roster suggests his return is imminent, with manager Joe Maddon indicating he could serve as the designated hitter before he's ready to take the field, but it will be David Fletcher at third base again for now.

Escobar went 1-for-12 with five strikeouts while starting in the first three games of the Diamondbacks' season-opening series with the Padres.

The Padres' pitching staff has gotten the better of the Diamondbacks' hitters thus far in the four-game set, as Arizona scored only six runs in total through three contests. Escobar's slow start looms larger than normal in an abbreviated campaign, but his outstanding production over his prior one and a half seasons with Arizona should give fantasy managers faith that he'll heat up sooner rather than later.