MLB Player News

DeJong went 3-for-3 with a triple, a walk, three RBI and a run scored in the Cardinals' 5-2 victory over the Cubs on Friday.

DeJong had seen his average dip to .248 headed into this contest, but he was able to break out of his recent quiet spell by reaching base in all four of his at-bats against the Cubs, pumping his slash line up to .258/.335/.447 through 217 at-bats. That's still off the pace of last year's campaign when he logged an .857 OPS, but DeJong is capable of putting together lengthy hot streaks when he gets in a groove, so hopefully this three-hit effort is a sign he's gearing up for one.

Baez (upper leg) is starting at shortstop and hitting cleanup Friday against the Cardinals.

While Baez was out of the lineup Wednesday and Thursday, he appeared in each of those games off the bench, so the injury was never considered serious. Baez is one of just six players in MLB with 15-plus home runs and 15-plus steals, and is one home run and one steal away from tallying his first 20-20 campaign.

Turner went 3-for-6 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored Thursday against the Marlins.

Turner made waves for the wrong reasons earlier in the week after being benched for not running out a bunt attempt. However, he was dialed in Thursday, launching his 13th home run of the season and recording his first multi-hit game since July 6. Despite the strong performance, it is still concerning that Turner has not successfully stolen a base since June 29 while he's been caught on each of his last five attempts.

Ahmed went 2-for-4 with a home run, double and four RBI in the Diamondbacks' 7-6 loss to the Cubs on Thursday.

Ahmed connected on the first grand slam of his career in the fifth inning, bringing him up to 13 home runs and 48 RBI on the campaign. A .234 average depresses Ahmed's fantasy value, but the increased power production he has displayed in 2018 has made him a useful asset in deeper leagues.

Arcia has been officially recalled ahead of Thursday's game against the Giants.

The Brewers had already penciled Arcia into Thursday's lineup, so a callup was imminent, but now the move is official. The Brewers sent Jorge Lopez to Triple-A Colorado Springs in a corresponding move. Since being sent down, Arcia rediscovered his swing and hit .346/.424/.494 over 21 games at Triple-A. He'll hit eighth in his return Thursday.

Arcia is in the Brewers' lineup for Thursday's game against the Giants, according to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Brewers have not announced a roster move to add Arcia back to the roster, but he is listed as the team's starting shortstop Thursday, so it appears he will be rejoining the big club imminently.

Featherston signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Wednesday.

Featherston had been playing for the independent Kansas City T-Bones before the club sold his rights to the Reds after Cincinnati expressed interest in bringing him into the organization. The 28-year-old, who owns a .160/.221/.256 batting line over 244 career plate appearances, will report to Double-A Pensacola.

Crawford (hand) took batting practice for the first time Thursday with High-A Clearwater, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic Philadelphia reports.

He had already resumed fielding activities, but this marked a big step in his recovery from breaking his left hand. Crawford has been out since June 19, and could soon progress to a rehab assignment.

Rojas (back) is starting at shortstop and hitting seventh Thursday against the Nationals, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.

He dealt with back spasms in Monday's game, but it was a minor issue, as he appeared off the bench the following day. Rojas won't play every day going forward, but his defense should earn him three or four starts per week, sharing time with JT Riddle and Martin Prado.

Swanson is out of Thursday's lineup against the Dodgers.

Ozzie Albies (hamstring) returns to action, but the Braves weren't quite ready to send Charlie Culberson to the bench, so he will slide over to shortstop, hitting sixth. Swanson is hitting .241/.323/.328 with one home run and two steals in 58 at-bats this month.