MLB Player News

Vargas started at second base and went 1-for-3 with a run scored in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Blue Jays.

Vargas made a third consecutive start at second base, as Ketel Marte served as the designated hitter again while nursing a minor back issue. Vargas has hit safely in all 14 games he's played to start the season, going 20-for-53 (.377) with eight extra-base hits (two home runs), eight RBI and 11 runs. Once Marte is ready to handle defensive duties, Vargas can still find opportunities at first base with both Pavin Smith (elbow) and Carlos Santana (thigh) on the shelf.

Caminero went 2-for-7 with an RBI double in Saturday's 8-7 extra-innings win over the Pirates.

Paul Skenes was mowing down the Rays through four innings, but a rain delay of two hours and 27 minutes in the bottom of the fourth forced Skenes from the game. The Rays immediately scored five runs following the delay, and Caminero got the scoring started with an RBI double. The third baseman has hit safely in seven of his last eight games and is now slashing .250/.344/.438 with four home runs, nine RBI, 10 runs scored and a 12:17 BB:K across 93 trips to the plate.

Henderson went 2-for-4 with a solo home run during the Orioles' 4-2 loss to the Guardians on Saturday.

Henderson cut the Orioles' deficit to 3-2 in the eighth inning, when he smashed a solo home run to right field off Hunter Gaddis. Henderson struck out in two of his other plate appearances and is up to 29 strikeouts over 99 plate appearances this season, which is tied for seventh most in the American League. He is slashing .213/.283/.506 with four steals (on five attempts), seven home runs and 15 RBI.

Walker suffered a blown save Saturday against the Nationals, allowing one run on three hits and two walks with two strikeouts across two innings.

With the Giants leading 6-5 headed into the bottom of the ninth, Walker was called on to protect the one-run lead. He gave up a leadoff double to Jorbit Vivas and later the game-tying single to Brady House. Walker allowed two more baserunners in a scoreless 10th inning. Prior to Saturday, Walker hadn't entered in a save situation since March 30. Three different Giants are tied for the team lead with one save apiece, so Walker's position in the closer committee is tenuous, at best. The right-hander has a 4.00 ERA and 10:5 K:BB across nine innings this season.

Alexander is not in the Orioles' starting lineup against the Guardians on Saturday.

Alexander will be out of the lineup for a second consecutive game, with Coby Mayo starting at third base and batting eighth. Alexander is slashing .227/.292/.250 with three steals (in four attempts), one RBI, six runs scored and a 3:15 BB:K across 49 plate appearances this season.

Loperfido (quadriceps) is not in the Astros' starting lineup against the Cardinals on Saturday.

Loperfido injured his right quad during Friday's series opener. He'll rest up Saturday in hopes that he is cleared to return to the lineup for Sunday's series finale. Houston will instead start Yordan Alvarez, Taylor Trammell and Cam Smith in the outfield from left to right.

Paredes (leg) will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth against the Cardinals on Saturday.

Paredes entered Friday's game in the fourth inning as a pinch hitter but was later removed due to a leg injury, though the issue doesn't appear to be a serious one as he's back in the lineup for Saturday's contest. He has struggled at the plate as of late, going 0-for-11 with four walks and three strikeouts over his last four games.

The Phillies selected Reyes' contract from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Reyes has gotten off to a strong start at Lehigh Valley, slashing .333./.345/.654 with six homers, 15 RBI and 12 runs scored through 84 plate appearances. The 25-year-old has experience at first and third base as well as the corner outfield positions, so he'll replace the struggling Otto Kemp as Philadelphia's bench utility player. Reyes will be making his MLB debut while starting in left field Saturday against Atlanta.

The Phillies optioned Kemp to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Kemp has appeared in 10 games for the Phillies this season, during which he's managed just a .282 OPS through 22 plate appearances. He'll head back to the minors to get back on track, and Felix Reyes will come up from Triple-A to fill the open roster spot.

Pauley (oblique) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Brewers.

Oblique discomfort forced Pauley to make an early exit Friday and will officially keep him out of Saturday's contest as well. However, he said he was feeling better before the game and has taken swings, per Christina De Nicola of MLB.com, so he may be able to avoid a trip to the injured list. In the meantime, Javier Sanoja will start at the hot corner for Miami.