MLB Player News

Newman started at shortstop and went 1-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored in Monday's 7-5 loss to the Rockies.

Newman started for a second consecutive game after holding down second base in Sunday's loss to Atlanta. Shortstop will be an amalgam of bodies while Geraldo Perdomo (knee) recovers from surgery to repair a torn right meniscus that is expected to keep him out of action for about a month. Blaze Alexander started at short Saturday and Jace Peterson the day prior. It's unclear if this will be a strict platoon moving forward; Arizona faces righty Cal Quantrill on Tuesday, which could favor the left-handed hitting Peterson.

Bogaerts went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run Monday in a 9-8 victory versus the Cubs.

Bogaerts capped a seven-run sixth inning for San Diego with a two-run blast that brought the team to within a run. It was the first homer of the season for the second baseman, and it marked the first time he has knocked in any runs since the team's third game of the campaign. Bogaerts has been quiet to start the season, slashing a modest .250/.304/.327 with 10 runs and six RBI through 52 plate appearances.

Cronenworth went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run and two walks in Monday's 9-8 win versus the Cubs.

The Padres went down 8-0 before Cronenworth began a spirited comeback with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. The long ball was the first of the year for the first baseman, but he's produced offense in other ways, as he currently leads the team with 11 total RBI. Cronenworth has reached base safely in 10 of 13 contests and is slashing .313/.382/.500 through 56 plate appearances.

Tatis went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run, an additional run and a walk Monday in a 9-8 win against the Cubs.

Tatis came to the plate in the eighth inning with a runner on base and the Padres down by a run, and he turned the margin upside down with a two-run blast to left field. It was the fourth long ball of the season for the talented outfielder, and the homer extended his modest hitting streak to four games. In addition to the four homers, Tatis has eight RBI, nine runs, two steals and a .286/.352/.551 slash line through 54 plate appearances.

Scott went 0-for-3 with a stolen base and a hit-by-pitch in Monday's 5-3 extra-inning loss to the Phillies.

Scott continues to start in center field, but he's hitting just .077 and getting on base at a .163 clip through his first 11 games. That's not good enough to let his speed shine on the basepaths. He's added a 2:11 BB:K, two doubles and six runs scored through 43 plate appearances. Tommy Edman (wrist) was cleared for baseball activities Monday but still has a long ramp-up period ahead, while Dylan Carlson (shoulder) is not close to a return. Scott may be at risk of losing playing time when Lars Nootbaar (ribs) is activated from the injured list, which could come later this week.

Alzolay (1-1) was tagged with a blown save and a loss against the Padres on Monday, allowing one run on one hit while striking out one batter over two-thirds of an inning.

Chicago built what looked to be an insurmountable 8-0 lead by the midpoint of the fourth inning, but San Diego came storming back with seven runs in the sixth. The Cubs' bullpen was able to hold onto the one-run lead until the eighth, and Alzolay was brought in with one out and one runner on base in that frame, possibly to try to complete a multi-inning save. He struck out Xander Bogaerts to begin his outing before surrendering a two-run homer to Fernando Tatis that provided the winning margin for San Diego. The blown save was the second of the season for Alzolay, who also failed to convert a save chance Opening Day.

Herrera went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and two total runs scored in Monday's 5-3 extra-inning loss to the Phillies.

Herrera has gotten an extended run of playing time while Willson Contreras (hand) remains out of the lineup. Over his last five contests, Herrera has gone 7-for-20 with two homers and four RBI. The 23-year-old gives the Cardinals another option for the designated hitter spot when the team is at full health, and he may force his way into the lineup even Contreras is healthy if he continues to hit well.

Assad pitched five-plus innings against San Diego on Monday, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out seven batters in a no-decision.

The Cubs staked Assad to an 8-0 lead through four frames, and he appeared well on his way to a win after completing five scoreless innings. However, the right-hander gave up a two-run homer to Jake Cronenworth before being pulled in the sixth, and the Padres went on to score five more runs in that frame along with two in the eighth to pull out an improbable comeback victory. Assad's overall line was pretty decent -- he struck out seven and allowed just six baserunners -- though he needed 104 pitches to get 15 outs. He figures to get at least a few more turns in the rotation to try to nail down a permanent starting role with Jameson Taillon (back) not yet ready to make his 2024 debut and Justin Steele (hamstring) out until May.

Helsley (1-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit and one walk over one inning, taking the extra-inning loss Monday versus the Phillies. He did not record a strikeout.

Helsley was brought in to pitch the 10th inning, but he gave up an RBI double to Alec Bohm and a sacrifice fly to Bryson Stott after intentionally walking Bryce Harper with one out. This was the first time Helsley has given up runs since he blew a save March 30 versus the Dodgers. All six of the right-hander's appearances have been one inning so far -- in previous years, he's been tasked with getting more than three outs, but manager Oliver Marmol told reporters Sunday that Helsley will not be doing that as often in 2024, per Katie Woo of The Athletic. Helsley has a 4.50 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 5:1 K:BB while converting three of his four save chances so far this season.

Suarez earned a save against the Cubs on Monday, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.

The Padres put up nine runs from the sixth through eighth innings to carry a one-run lead into the ninth, and they turned to Suarez to try to nail down the comeback victory. The right-hander had little trouble doing so, striking out a batter to start and end the frame and needing just 14 pitches to retire the side in order. Suarez wasn't a certainly to work as the closer this season for San Diego coming into spring camp, but he looks to have a firm hold on the role at this point, tying for the league lead with four saves while allowing just one run and posting an 8:3 K:BB over six innings.