MLB Player News

Montero previously told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic that he’s “pretty much retired,” but he has since clarified that by saying, “I’m done.” It was already pretty clear that he’s moved on to his next act, as the 35-year-old has begun to work as an agent and is the CEO of ZT Sports.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro is shaking things up by moving Carter to the leadoff spot for the second time this season to face Rangers righty Kumar Rocker. Maikel Garcia has been moved to third in the order with Vinnie Pasquantino hitting cleanup. The 22-year-old rookie backstop has been mired in an extended tailspin at the plate, hitting .198 (19-for-96) with one homer, 11 RBI and 32 strikeouts over his last 30 games.

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker delivered a positive update on Seager’s health following the session, which bodes well for his chances of heading out on a minor league rehab assignment at some point in early June. The 32-year-old shortstop has been on the shelf recovering from back inflammation since May 18.

Lee takes a seat with Orlando Arcia getting a shot at third base for the first time since being called up earlier this month. The 25-year-old infielder has cooled off a bit in the last few games after an impressive five-game stretch earlier this week where he batted .350 (7-for-20) with one homer and six RBI. He appears to be Minnesota’s preferred option at the hot corner until further notice with top prospect Kaelen Culpepper seemingly earmarked for shortstop once he arrives this summer.

Sogard is at second base and hitting fifth after coming off the bench during Friday’s series opener in Cleveland. The versatile 28-year-old has been playing through a lingering side issue recently. He’s hit a respectable .273/.368/.394 with two RBI in 11 games since coming up from Triple-A Worcester earlier this month.

It makes sense that Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy is giving Kiner-Falefa some additional run since he’s hitting an absurd .414 (12-for-29) with one homer, seven RBI and one steal over his last 15 games. Marcelo Mayer heads to the bench on Saturday afternoon in Cleveland after starting four of the previous five games at shortstop for Boston.

Juenger earns his first promotion to the majors after posting a serviceable 3.15 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 23/8 K/BB ratio across 20 innings for Triple-A Buffalo this season. He also has three saves during that span. The 25-year-old joins Toronto’s bullpen ahead of Saturday’s contest against the division-rival Orioles and figures to operate in low-leverage spots initially.

Voth has been jettisoned from Toronto’s pitching staff for the second time this season after allowing five runs over 3 1/3 innings during a bulk relief outing against the Orioles on Friday night. The 33-year-old journeyman figures to pass through waivers unclaimed and might stick around with the Blue Jays as emergency depth.

It’ll be rookie outfielder Rikuu Nishida taking over in center field and hitting ninth. It sounds like a precautionary move by the White Sox to prevent the issue from getting worse. Hill should be considered day-to-day heading into Sunday’s series finale.

There hasn’t been any reporting concerning a potential physical issue or illness that Ozuna is dealing with. He remains stapled to Pittsburgh’s bench with Konnor Griffin limited to DH exclusively due to a forearm issue. It’s probably for the best since the 35-year-old has been scuffling recently, hitting .219 (16-for-73) with three homers and 27 strikeouts in 20 games since the start of May. It would make sense for the Pirates to give top prospect Esmerlyn Valdez some extended runway in the near future, especially if Ozuna doesn’t turn things around.

Pérez joins New York’s bullpen mix ahead of Saturday’s game against the Marlins after spending a couple weeks stationed on the doorstep of the big leagues. The 30-year-old southpaw compiled an inflated 6.19 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 9/11 K/BB ratio across 16 innings of work for the Nationals earlier this season.