MLB Player News

Fernandez went 2-for-5 with a double, a two-run home run and two runs scored Friday against the Cubs.

Fernandez got a rare opportunity to start in consecutive games, both at designated hitter. He's homered in consecutive contests, potentially making a push for more consistent playing time. Since being recalled July 2, Fernandez has started at least two games in a row only six times.

Friedl went 0-for-4 with two walks in Friday's 7-5 loss to the Cardinals.

Friedl's having a rough month of August, posting a .594 OPS with just two extra-base hits and five RBI over 23 games. Friedl is slashing .230/.353/.278 across 33 contests since the All-Star break.

Farmer went 1-for-1 with a two-run home run Friday against the Cubs.

Farmer entered the game as a defensive replacement for Ezequiel Tovar in the eighth inning and managed his seventh home run of the season. Farmer has started only two of Colorado's last 14 games.

Stephenson (thumb) took batting practice Friday, MLB.com reports.

Stephenson also caught and blocked balls using a glove fitted with a thumb guard, as he continued to increase his level of activity. He soon could catch for a pitcher on flat ground. Per manager Terry Francona, Stephenson is pushing the recovery while the medical staff is trying to prevent a setback and added "he's doing pretty well."

Locklear started at first base and went 0-for-4 in Friday's 3-0 win over the Dodgers.

The news that Pavin Smith (quadriceps) landed on the 10-day injured list Friday opens the door for Locklear to see more playing time. The righty-hitting first baseman was in Friday's starting nine against a left-hander (Blake Snell), which is normal, and manager Torey Lovullo told Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports that Locklear's role will expand for him to face certain right-handers as well. Utility infielder Ildemaro Vargas, a switch hitter, may also play against righties.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that Alexander's role will shift from primary starter at third base to playing various spots around the field after top prospect Jordan Lawlar was called up to the majors, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Alexander had been the primary starter at third base since the Eugenio Suarez trade but slid over to second base Friday while Lawlar manned the hot corner. Lovullo said Lawlar would be limited to the left side of the infield -- shortstop or third base -- and would start against all lefties, while the manager does a mix-and-match against righties. Lovullo also said the righty-hitting Alexander could get starts in center field, where the Diamondbacks are lefty heavy.

Lawlar started at third base and went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Friday's 3-0 win over the Dodgers.

Lawlar's three-K night continued a trend that was evident in his previous visits to the majors: striking out a lot. In two brief stints with Arizona, he's been overwhelmed by the pitching, collecting 20 strikeouts over 56 plate appearances. HIs presence in the lineup resulted in Blaze Alexander, who had been the primary third baseman since the Eugenio Suarez trade, being moved to second base Friday while Ketel Marte served as the DH. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo told Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports that Lawlar would see time on the left side of the infield while Alexander migrates around the field, including time in center field. The manager added that Lawlar will be in the lineup against every left-hander, and the club will mix-and-match against righties.

Marquez (3-12) took the loss Friday against the Cubs, allowing eight runs on nine hits and three walks in 4.1 innings. He failed to record a strikeout.

Marquez was far from sharp in his first major-league start since July 20, surrendering at least five runs for the eighth time this season. It was the veteran right-hander's first outing this year with zero strikeouts, and he's now walked at least three in four of his past five appearances dating back to June 29. Marquez has a miserable 5.87 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 73:38 K:BB across 102.2 innings, so he won't be a recommended streaming option at hitter-friendly Coors Field against the division-rival Giants next week.

Horton (9-4) picked up the win Friday against the Rockies, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out four.

Horton pitched at least five innings for the seventh time in his last eight starts, though the six hits allowed were his most since July 9 in Minnesota. The rookie right-hander has been dealing since the All-Star break, producing a shiny 0.86 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 38:13 K:BB across his last 50 frames. Horton will be trying to keep the good times rolling at home against Atlanta in his next scheduled appearance.

Cortes (2-3) took the loss Friday against the Twins, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks in three-plus innings. He struck out two.

It's possible Cortes would have worked deeper into the outing, but he was ejected in the middle of the fourth inning, per Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune. It was still a poor showing by the 30-year-old left-hander, who tied a season low in punchouts and issued multiple free passes for the fifth time in seven starts in 2025. Cortes has an uninspiring 5.06 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 27:17 K:BB over 32 frames, though he should carry some upside in mixed leagues next week against an Orioles team with a .674 OPS versus left-handed pitching since the beginning of August.