MLB Player News

Espinal started at third base and went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Friday's 6-5 loss to the Pirates.

Espinal delivered a two-run single that gave the Reds a 5-0 lead in the fourth inning. He's hit safely in six straight games, during which Espinal is 10-for-23 with three RBI and three runs. This continues a strong second half for the 29-year-old utility infielder. Espinal is batting .424/.452/.610 over 17 games since the All-Star break.

Pallante (6-6) picked up the win in Friday's 6-1 victory over the Twins, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out five.

It looked like it might be a short night for Pallante when four of the first five Minnesota batters reached base in the second inning, but the right-hander put out the fire and then didn't let another runner get into scoring position, retiring the last 13 batters he faced. Pallante has a 3.31 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 24:14 K:BB through 35.1 innings since the All-Star break, but with Lance Lynn (knee) closing in on a return from the IL, his time in the rotation could be drawing to a close. If he gets another turn, Pallante lines up to face the Padres at home next week.

Oller is scheduled to start Sunday's game against the Cubs at loanDepot Park.

Despite being roughed up for five earned runs while allowing nine baserunners over 4.2 innings in his Marlins debut Monday against the Diamondbacks, Oller will be awarded a second turn through the rotation. Oller had earned the call-up to Miami after posting a 2.70 ERA and 0.94 WHIP over his last five outings at Triple-A Jacksonville, but he's still likely to have a short leash in the big-league rotation if he struggles again Saturday.

Rosario started in right field and went 1-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored in Friday's 6-5 loss to Pittsburgh.

Rosario singled, stole a base and scored as part of the Reds' four-run fourth inning. It was the second straight start in right field for Rosario, who was claimed by Cincinnati last week. With Jake Fraley (knee) landing on the injured list Thursday, there could be more opportunities for Rosario.

Hodge (2-1) tossed 1.1 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win Friday against the Marlins. He walked one and struck out three.

Hodge came on with two outs in the seventh inning, then worked through the eighth as well. The young righty continued his strong recent play and lowered his season ERA to a sparkling 1.99. Jorge Lopez worked the ninth for the save in Friday's 6-3 win, but the two pitchers may simply split closing duties moving forward following the release of Hector Neris on Tuesday. It was Hodge who secured the first save for the Cubs after Neris was cut loose.

Suzuki went 2-for-4 with a walk, a double and a run scored in Friday's 6-3 win over the Marlins.

Suzuki extended his hitting streak to three games, with two of those contests being multi-hit performances. He's in the midst of another solid season, slashing .266/.340/.464 with 16 home runs and 10 stolen bases across 102 games. It's Suzuki's first campaign reaching double digits in both categories.

Hays went 1-for-4 in Friday's 7-4 loss to the Royals.

Getting the start in left field and batting ninth in his return from a hamstring strain, Hays poked a single in the top of the third inning as the Phillies threatened to put together a rally, but the top of the order failed to advance him. The veteran outfielder is slashing .262/.279/.381 in 11 games since being traded from the Orioles, with one homer, two steals, four RBI and five runs for his new club. Hays should reclaim an everyday role for the Phillies now that he's healthy.

Walker (3-5) took the loss Friday as the Phillies fell 7-4 to the Royals, coughing up six runs on eight hits and a walk over three innings. He struck out two.

Two-run homers by Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe in the third inning accounted for most of the damage off Walker, who failed to complete five innings for the third straight start since coming off the IL. The veteran righty has served up five long balls in 11.2 innings during his swoon, and on the season he's been taken deep 17 times in only 64.2 frames, leading to a bloated 6.26 ERA and 1.58 WHIP. The Phillies' lead in the NL East has slipped to five games over Atlanta, but for now Walker will be given a chance to work through his issues. He lines up to make his next start at home next week against the Astros.

Marte (ankle) is expected to begin running on a pool treadmill soon, MLB.com reports.

It's unclear when the pool work will begin, or if Marte can return after a minimum stay on the IL. Marte, who injured his left ankle Aug. 10, had a couple of failed attempts to get back on the field, but the Diamondbacks finally added him to the 10-day injured list Aug. 19. The team decided Marte simply needed rest.

Walker (oblique) recently began hitting against a high-velocity pitching machine, MLB.com reports.

Walker, who was placed on the 10-day injured list July 30, continues to check off boxes during his rehab. The process began with running, dry swings, hitting off a tee and then progressed to facing soft-toss pitching. Now, after hitting high-velocity pitches from a machine, Walker's next step is live batting practice.