MLB Player News

Rendon (illness) remains out of the lineup Tuesday against the Dodgers, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

Rendon fell ill over the weekend and he's still battling the sickness in advance of Tuesday's game, per manager Dusty Baker. The infielder's condition has improved, however, and Baker confirmed that there's a chance Rendon would be used as a pinch hitter. Assuming his progress continues, Rendon would appear to have a good chance to return to the regular lineup Wednesday.

Asche's playing time will be impacted when Aaron Altherr is ready to come off the disabled list later this month, Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Altherr, who is recovering from a wrist injury, must be activated from the disabled list no later than July 28. If the Phillies don't trade Peter Bourjos this month then Asche may have to split time in left field. Things will get complicated further when the Phillies decide to give top prospect Nick Williams a look in the outfield in August or September.

Suarez homered, a two-run shot, in a 1-for-4 game Monday against Atlanta.

Suarez has struggled to make contact, as his two strikeouts Monday give him 95 in just 90 games. But the power is still there -- he now has 16 homers in 90 games after mashing 13 in 97 games last season. Suarez owns just a .265 BABIP and could produce closer to his .280/.315/.446 line from 2015 if he can just get a few more hits to fall in.

Peterson is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Reds.

Peterson will rest after playing all three games against the Rockies following the All-Star break. The 26-year-old is having a career-best season, hitting .277/.360/.400 with four home runs and 15 RBI through 52 games.

Peterson went 1-for-3 with two walks in Sunday's win over the Rockies.

That gives him seven walks in his last nine games, as Peterson seems to be adapting to the leadoff spot for the Braves nicely. Unfortunately, he's scored only two runs during that stretch (one of those on a solo homer) despite reaching base 14 times as the rest of the offense behind him continues to struggle.

Longoria went 2-for-4 with two solo home runs in Sunday's win over the Orioles.

He now has 21 HR on the season, putting him on pace to top his previous career high of 33 set back in 2009. Longoria is now just the third third baseman in MLB history to hit 20 or more homers in eight of their first nine seasons, joining Eddie Mathews and Scott Rolen.

Rendon was a late scratch from Sunday's lineup due to flu-like symptoms, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Rendon was apparently feeling a bit under the weather during Sunday's pregame warmup, so he'll get the day off as a precaution. Stephen Drew will move over to take his place at third, while Trea Turner will get the start at second. With a team day off Monday, Rendon will presumably be ready to go for Tuesday's series opener against the Dodgers, but check back up on his status just to be certain.

Rendon went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Saturday's win over the Pirates.

He's got three homers in July, but otherwise Rendon has had trouble sustaining any momentum at the plate, hitting .231/.362/.487 in 39 at-bats on the month. He had a mediocre first half overall, but at least Rendon has managed to stay healthy so far this year.

Rivera was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Sunday, MLB.com reports.

The Brewers dropped Rivera from the 25-man roster to clear room for Sunday's starting pitcher, Zach Davies, who was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move. Rivera played in just two games with the Brewers following his July 8 promotion, logging no official at-bats.

Valencia is starting at DH and hitting cleanup Saturday, the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports.

With the A's calling up third baseman Ryon Healy on Friday, Valencia is headed for slightly reduced playing time going forward. That said, he should get plenty of starts at DH and he is expected to start at first base Sunday, which could become a theme. His bat is not the problem - he's slashing .306/.357/.498 - but his defense at third base leaves a lot to be desired. He is also a prime candidate to be traded before the end of July.