MLB Player News

Escobar is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Braves.

Escobar is likely just receiving some rest on getaway day while Ildemaro Vargas checks in for him at the hot corner. Coming off back-to-back 20-homer campaigns, Escobar has been light on power early on in 2019, counting only four doubles and one home run among his extra-base hits.

Vargas will start at third base and will serve as Arizona's leadoff hitter Thursday against the Braves.

Though he's making just his third start of the season, Vargas has occupied a prominent spot in the order on all of those occasions, batting either first or second. He could make for cost-effective lineup filler in DFS contests Thursday, but Vargas' season-long outlook isn't nearly as robust while he remains locked into a reserve role.

Donaldson is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Diamondbacks, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The Braves and Diamondbacks are facing a quick turnaround from Arizona's 4-3 win in 10 innings Wednesday night, so manager Brian Snitker will give Donaldson a breather in the series finale. It's just the second day off all season for Donaldson, who has caught fire at the plate after a slow start to his tenure with Atlanta. He's recorded a hit in all but one of his last nine starts, posting a 1.070 OPS over that span.

Wisdom entered Wednesday's game after Asdrubal Cabrera was removed due to a hand injury. Wisdom struck out in his only at-bat.

The Rangers are downplaying Cabrera's injury, referring to his removal from the game as precautionary. Texas next plays Friday, so the team has time to monitor how the hand responds before making a decision about Cabrera's availability. If Cabrera can't go, expect Wisdom to fill in at third base.

McMahon (elbow) has returned to Denver and could be activated for Thursday's game versus the Phillies, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

McMahon returned to game action at extended spring training Tuesday and apparently looked healthy enough to rejoin the team. The 24-year-old will be re-evaluated Thursday and if things go as planned should be activated off the injured list.

Newman (finger) has resumed hitting and throwing, John Perrotto of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Newman has been on the 10-day injured list for a little less than a week. While this is certainly a step in the right direction for the young infielder, he remains without a timetable for his return.

Moncada tested negative for a concussion Wednesday.

Moncada was hit on the left side of his head by a throw while attempting to steal (successfully) in the fifth inning Wednesday. The infielder was initially able to stay in the game before being removed prior to his next at-bat for what the White Sox are calling precautionary reasons. Moncada should be considered day-to-day.

Moncada was removed from Wednesday's game against the Royals in the seventh inning with a potential injury, Buster Olney of ESPN reports.

Moncada was hit on the left side of his head by a throw while attempting to steal in the fifth inning, and while he was initially able to stay in the game, he was removed before his next at-bat. Specifics regarding the injury are not yet known.

Suarez is not starting Wednesday against the Dodgers, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Suarez gets just his second game off of the season. He has just two hits in his last four games but still has a strong .883 OPS on the season. Kyle Farmer gets the start at third base.

Kieboom went 2-for-4 with a walk, a double, a home run, two runs scored and four RBI for Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday.

The shortstop is demolishing PCL pitching right now, slashing .483/.595/.862 over the last eight games, with six of his 14 hits going for extra bases (three doubles, a triple and two homers). If there's a warning sign in Kieboom's numbers it's that he's struck out 10 times even during his hot streak, but he's balanced that out with seven walks. The Nats don't want to rush him, but Wilmer Difo is limping along with a .593 OPS and Trea Turner (finger) is still weeks away from returning to the lineup. While the sample is small, Kieboom is putting together a strong case that he's ready for the majors.