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.

Bregman went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Tigers.

Bregman opened the scoring in the first inning with his 14th homer of the season. The third baseman is hitting .270 with 34 RBI and 26 runs scored in 42 games this season. He's working on a five-game hitting streak, during which he's gone 7-for-25 with three long balls, eight RBI and six runs scored.

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.

Candelario was optioned to Triple-A Toledo following Wednesday's loss to the Astros, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Candelario went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Wednesday, bringing his current slump to 2-for-35. The 25-year-old has only two home runs and nine RBI while slashing .192/.285/.288 with 46 strikeouts in 165 plate appearances this season, but it's still somewhat surprising to see him demoted after starting 139 games last season. The Tigers have yet to announce a corresponding move.

Urshela is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Orioles, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Urshela will sit for Game 2 after going hitless in three at-bats during the first half of Wednesday's twin bill. DJ LeMahieu is starting at third base and leading off in his stead.

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.

Groshans is back on the 7-day injured list with Low-A Lansing with a recurrence of general soreness in his left foot.

He was out from April 29 until May 8 with the same issue and it's a little concerning that he landed right back on the IL a week after being activated. The team may conduct some tests to try to better assess the issue.