MLB Player News

Ahmed struck out four times and drew a walk Thursday in the Diamondbacks' 5-1 win over the Padres.

The shortstop had struck out just twice in the Diamondbacks' last eight games combined, making it all the more surprising that he donned the golden sombrero Thursday. The ugly night at the dish won't diminish what has been a career-best campaign for Ahmed, whose 16 home runs have nearly doubled up his previous high in the category. He has been in the midst of a power outage lately, however, supplying only two extra-base hits -- both doubles -- over his past 10 contests.

Baez will hit atop the order and start at second base against Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Baez will serve as the Cubs' leadoff hitter for the second straight game after going 2-for-5 with a triple and one run scored during Wednesday's victory over the Brewers. Anthony Rizzo will stay in the cleanup spot with David Bote batting third.

Rojas (ankle) entered Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Braves as a pinch-hitter, lining out to left field in his lone at-bat.

Rojas has been withheld from the Miami lineup the past two days while nursing a left ankle bruise, which he sustained in the second half of Monday's doubleheader against Atlanta. The fact that he was at least able to contribute as a pinch-hitter Wednesday suggests that Rojas will likely avoid the disabled list. He'll vie for starts at shortstop with JT Riddle once he returns to full strength.

Swanson went 1-for-3 with a home run and three RBI in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Marlins.

His two-run shot in the fourth inning, Swanson's 10th homer of the year, gave the Braves a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The shortstop's .238/.295/.389 slash line on the season is mediocre at best, but he's already set a career high in home runs, and his 46 RBI leave him five shy of matching his personal best in that category as well.

Crawford (head) is starting at shortstop and hitting sixth Wednesday against the Dodgers, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

As expected, Crawford is back in action for the Giants after clearing the league's concussion protocol following an outfield collision in Monday's game. The lefty, who is slashing .275/.346/.431 with 11 homers this season, will face southpaw Hyun-Jin Ryu in his return to the starting lineup.

Camargo is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins.

Manager Brian Snitker will reward Charlie Culberson for his impressive play (9-for-26, four homers in August) with another start, this one coming at the expense of Camargo at third base. Camargo has been hitting well lately too, slashing .315/.327/.481 this month, so there shouldn't be any question about his status as the primary option at the hot corner down the stretch.

Rojas (ankle) remains out of the lineup Wednesday against the Braves, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.

Rojas left the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the Braves with a left ankle bruise. He'll wind up missing at least two starts.

Baez will serve as the leadoff hitter and man second base against the Brewers on Wednesday.

This marks just the third time all year that Baez has hit atop the order as manager Joe Maddon elects to shake things up following Tuesday's defeat. Since the All-Star break, Baez is hitting .295 with a .925 OPS and 17 RBI in 24 games. Don't expect him to remain the first hitter moving forward, though Maddon could decide to keep it going for a little while if the offense performs during Wednesday's matinee.

Crawford (concussion) is out of the league's concussion protocol and expects to return to the starting lineup Wednesday against the Dodgers, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

Crawford was held out of the lineup after experiencing concussion-like symptoms from an outfield collision Monday. The All-Star shortstop was available to pinch hit after being cleared for action Tuesday, and he will return to his usual starting role Wednesday. Crawford is slashing .275/.346/.431 with 11 homers and 45 RBI this year.

Story went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Tuesday's win over the Astros.

Story took reliever Brad Peacock deep in the eighth inning for his 25th homer of the year. Story leads all MLB shortstops in RBI (82) while trailing only Cleveland's Francisco Lindor in home runs (29) at the position. The 25-year-old is hitting .290/.347/.552 with 33 doubles and 15 stolen bases, and is riding a nice 11-game hitting streak.