MLB Player News

Berti went 1-for-4 with a walk, three runs scored, two RBI and two stolen bases in the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the Rangers.

The 32-year-old hadn't stolen a base since returning from a minor hip issue at the beginning of September, and he hadn't swiped multiple bags in a game since July 1, but Berti appears to be back in top form on the basepaths. Despite playing in only 83 games this season around various injuries, he still leads the majors with 34 steals, four ahead of the Baltimore duo of Cedric Mullins and Jorge Mateo.

Marcano was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Marcano played regularly for most of August, but he started just three of the Pirates' first 10 games in September amid an extended slump at the plate, and he ultimately lost out on a spot on the big-league roster. With three weeks to go, there is a chance Marcano could be recalled before the campaign comes to a close.

Seager went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in a 10-6 loss to Miami in the second game of Monday's doubleheader.

Seager, who surpassed his previous career high in home runs Aug. 28, reached the 30-homer mark in the seventh inning. The 28-year-old infielder has battled injuries during his career, but Seager has maintained good health in his first season with the Rangers.

Lindor went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Monday's loss to the Cubs.

New York had trouble generating offense throughout the contest, but Lindor stayed hot with his third multi-hit effort over his past five games. He took Brandon Hughes deep in the ninth inning for his 23rd homer of the season, pushing his season RBI total to 92. That ties the career-high mark he established in 2018 while with Cleveland.

Pena went 3-for-5 with a double, one RBI, two runs scored, a walk and a stolen base in Monday's 7-0 win over Detroit.

Pena opened the game's scoring with an RBI single before stealing second base and scoring in the first inning. The rookie infielder later reached base three more times and scored another run in the contest. He's now stolen 10 bases in 12 attempts this season while posting a .253/.288/.411 slash line through 117 games. Pena has gone 18-for-53 (.340) with three extra-base hits over his last 12 appearances.

Rojas isn't starting Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader against the Rangers, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Unsurprisingly, the 33-year-old sits after starting the afternoon contest and going 1-for-3 with a run. Rojas has hit .280 with two doubles this month, and he sits while Joey Wendle starts at shortstop.

Smith isn't in the lineup for the nightcap of Monday's doubleheader in Miami.

The 24-year-old went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in the afternoon game and is an unimpressive 2-for-14 since the beginning of September. Kole Calhoun and Bubba Thompson will man the outfield corners Monday night.

Cruz is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Reds.

The hot-hitting rookie will hit the bench for the first time since Aug. 23, ending a 16-game stretch in which Cruz slashed .313/.353/.641 with four home runs and 14 RBI. With a southpaw (Mike Minor) on the hill for Cincinnati, the lefty-hitting Cruz will give way to the righty-hitting Kevin Newman at shortstop and atop the batting order.

Fletcher (hand) isn't starting Monday against Cleveland.

Fletcher is out of the lineup for a second consecutive game due to a right hand contusion. Luis Rengifo is starting at second base in place of Fletcher, who noted that he's still dealing with some soreness with the hand that provides complications when he grips the bat, per Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. Fletcher is thus unlikely to be available Monday in a pinch-hitting capacity, though because his hand isn't bothering him when he throws, he could be deployed as a late-inning defensive replacement.

Franco is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Manager Kevin Cash confirmed that Franco is on the bench for the series opener for maintenance purposes after the star infielder returned to action over the weekend following a two-month stint on the injured list. Taylor Walls will step in at shortstop for Franco, who went 4-for-11 with two doubles, three RBI and two runs in his first three games back in the Tampa Bay lineup.