MLB Player News

Ahmed is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Padres.

Chris Owings will take over at shortstop after five straight starts there for Ahmed. The 27-year-old hit .250 with a .836 OPS over that five-start stretch, recording a pair of solo home runs along the way. He figures to draw back into the lineup Saturday against Luis Perdomo.

Baez is batting seventh and playing shortstop Friday against the Brewers.

He stuffed the box score Thursday, going 3-for-5 with a grand slam and five RBI. Addison Russell, who's sitting Friday, has been erratic this year, and Baez has five home runs in May. Even when Jason Heyward (hand) returns, Baez probably will plug in for at least two starts per week. In the meantime, he'll get a chance against Brewers call-up Paolo Espino.

Seager went 1-for-3 with two walks in Thursday's 7-2 win over the Marlins.

The 23-year-old is slumping overall in May but he's now hit safely in four of his last five games. What's been missing is the power, as Seager has just five extra-base hits, including just one homer, in 68 plate appearances during the month. Although his hard contact has dropped from April's excellent 53.5 percent figure, it remains a solid 34.0 percent; therefore, it could be just a matter of time before Seager experiences a power surge.

Baez went 3-for-5 with a grand slam, five RBI and two runs during Thursday's win over Cincinnati.

This was a juicy matchup for Baez with the wind blowing out at Wrigley Field and facing a rookie southpaw. After posting a .359 wOBA against left-handed hurlers last year, he'd struggled against them this season and had positive regression of his .200 mark entering Thursday's game. Baez can be a frustrating fantasy own, but he's been scorching hot in May with five homers, 14 RBI, 11 runs and two stolen bases. He's probably never going to hit for a plus average, but Baez can provide solid counting stats. His eligibility at multiple position is also a sneaky asset.

Cordoba is playing shortstop and batting second Thursday.

The Rule 5 pick fills in for Erick Aybar, who's presumably getting a day of rest. Cordoba has pieced together plate appearances at second base, shortstop, left field and center field this year, giving him utility in NL-only and some deep mixed leagues. His prime lineup spot Thursday could make him a decent DFS sleeper.

Story (shoulder) will start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

The shortstop could return if he has a successful few days with the Isotopes. Story has been a depressing tale in 2017, with a .180/.289/.396 line in 128 plate appearances, though he's sustained a bit of his 2016 power with six home runs.

Baez is hitting seventh and playing second base Thursday.

The utility infielder jumps back into the lineup as Ian Happ moves to left field to spell Kyle Schwarber. Baez will stare down Reds left-hander Amir Garrett. Though he's struggled against southpaws so far in 2017 (.176/.243/.294), he boasts a career .263/.328/.433 line against them, and his presence in the lineup makes him worth considering in DFS and daily-transaction leagues.

Cordoba was a late addition to the starting lineup Wednesday, going 2-for-4 with a triple and a stolen base in a loss to the Brewers.

Matt Szczur (ankle) was a late scratch and Cordoba answered the call in left field. The former's injury isn't considered serious, so it is unlikely that the utility man earns regular playing time. The 21-year-old has performed well in a reserve role this season, slashing .278/.339/.481 in 59 plate appearances, so Cordoba would gain some fantasy value should he receive regular playing time at some point this season.

Seager went 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs in a 6-1 win against the Giants on Wednesday.

He's contributing in every fantasy category, as Seager's solid .286 average is accompanied by six homers, 21 RBI, 27 runs and a pair of steals. After exploding onto the scene over the past two seasons, Seager's settled in as one of the game's top shortstops, and it's hard not to feel like the best is yet to come for the impressive 23-year-old.

Baez is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Reds.

Baez had started seven straight contests, but he only batted .115 with six strikeouts in that span, so he'll head to the bench for a night off. Ben Zobrist will take over at second base now that he's healthy again.