MLB Player News
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Dee Strange-Gordon SS | WAS
Marlins' Dee Gordon: Three hits including walkoff single Monday
Gordon went 3-for-6 with a run scored and an RBI in Monday's win over the Phillies.
His third hit was the most important, as he laced a bases-loaded line drive into right field in the 10th inning for a walkoff single. It's Gordon's first multi-hit performance since the All-Star break, but he still sports an impressive .340/.375/.396 slash line over his last 12 games with three steals and 13 runs.
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Javier Baez SS | DET
Cubs' Javier Baez: Scores twice in Monday's win
Baez went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in Monday's win over the Braves.
Baez started at shortstop in this one with Ben Zobrist at the keystone, then shifted over to second when Addison Russell made a pinch-hit appearance. With Russell hitting just .233 and the veteran Zobrist needing regular days off, expect Baez to keep getting plenty of starts for the Cubs, albeit in more of a utility role.
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Paul DeJong SS | DET
Cardinals' Paul DeJong: Hits two-run shot in win over Mets
DeJong went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run during Monday's win over the Mets.
The 23-year-old middle infielder has been a pleasant surprise for the Cards and fantasy owners. DeJong is now up to 10 homers, 22 RBI, 18 runs with a .299/.315/.583 slash line through just 149 plate appearances and is establishing himself as a strong fantasy asset in the majority of settings. Considering his .571 slugging percentage with Triple-A Memphis before his promotion to the majors, there's some sustainability in his pop, too. However, DeJong's .367 BABIP is almost certain to decline.
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Dansby Swanson SS | CHC
Braves' Dansby Swanson: Relegated to part-time role
Manager Brian Snitker said that Swanson will play a part-time role at shortstop for the Braves moving forward, David O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Swanson is hitting just .220 on the season, and although he seemed to figure things out during the month of June, things have fallen apart lately. He has more strikeouts (23) than hits (22) in the past 30 games, including just five extra-base hits in that span. Now that Sean Rodriguez and Danny Santana are back from the disabled list, Snitker will utilize his depth by spreading starts among his many options, which also include the hot-hitting Johan Camargo. Snitker commented that he thinks it's better for Swanson to spend time in the big leagues rather than the minors, but a trip to Gwinnett certainly isn't out of the question if things continue to go south.
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Dansby Swanson SS | CHC
Braves' Dansby Swanson: Sits out again Monday
Swanson is not in the lineup Monday against the Cubs.
On Sunday, Swanson collected his first hit since July 6, but he'll hit the bench for another day off since he's still batting below the Mendoza Line over his past 14 games. Johan Camargo will pick up another start at shortstop, which could continue to be a trend if 2015's top overall draft pick continues to scuffle at the dish.
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Tyler Bortnick SS | ARI
Brewers' Tyler Bortnick: Signs minor-league contract with Milwaukee
Bortnick has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Brewers.
Bortnick will begin his time with the Brewers in Triple-A Colorado Springs. The 30-year-old last played with Triple-A Toledo in Detroit's system during the 2016 season, hitting .222/.327/.356 with one home run and six RBI in 17 games. Bortnick will serve as organizational depth in the infield moving forward.
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Dee Strange-Gordon SS | WAS
Marlins' Dee Gordon: Not starting Sunday
Gordon is out of the lineup Sunday against the Dodgers.
Gordon will be passed over for a start for the first time since July 2 after going 0-for-8 at the plate to begin his second half. Derek Dietrich will take over at second base, while Martin Prado is bumped up to the leadoff spot.
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Javier Baez SS | DET
Cubs' Javier Baez: Sitting out Sunday
Baez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Orioles, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.
Baez was in the lineup for the Cubs' first two games out of the All-Star break, but despite rebounding nicely from an 0-for-4, three-strikeout showing Friday with three hits and a walk Saturday, he'll take a seat in the series finale. Ben Zobrist receives the nod at the keystone.
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Chris Owings SS | LAD
Diamondbacks' Chris Owings: Scores twice, steals base Friday
Owings went 2-for-3 with two runs and a stolen base in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Braves.
Owings also reached base a third time when he was hit by a pitch for the first time all season. The shortstop may have missed out on an All-Star nod, but he still remains in the midst of the best season of his career. His .294 average is 17 points better than his previous career best, and his 12 home runs nearly match his total (15) from the past three seasons combined.
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Orlando Arcia SS | MIN
Brewers' Orlando Arcia: Launches ninth home run
Arcia went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer in Friday's win over the Phillies.
The home run was Arcia's third of July and ninth this season. His season line, which sat at .251/.293/.368 at the end of May, is now up to .282/.322/.425. He hasn't attempted a steal since June 28 and has just five stolen bases this year, but Arcia's bat is catching up to his glove quicker than most expected after some initial struggles at the big-league level.