MLB Player News

Hultzen was non-tendered by the Cubs in early December, but he’ll be back with the organization in some capacity to open the 2020 campaign. It’s unclear whether this minor league deal includes an invitation to major league camp. The former first-round pick of the Mariners finally made his MLB debut last September at age 29 and worked 3 1/3 scoreless innings of relief for Chicago.

Myers will get a chance to reboot and build up as a traditional starter down in the minors with the hope that he’s an option for New York’s rotation in a couple weeks. The 27-year-old has struggled to a 4.05 ERA and 26/7 K/BB ratio across 33 1/3 innings this season. He didn’t end up pitching more than two innings in any outing since May 2.

Severino winds up losing his spot on New York’s 40-man roster with Cionel Pérez coming up from Triple-A Syracuse. The 31-year-old lefty has pitched well in the minors this season, but the Mets haven’t given him a look yet. There should be some interest on waivers from other teams.

It’s a significant hit for Chicago and fantasy managers as Murakami will remain on the shelf until at least late June, even in a best-case scenario. There’s a chance he’s out until around the All-Star break in mid-July. The 26-year-old power-hitter was putting together a phenomenal rookie campaign, slashing .240/.378/.560 with 43 runs scored, 20 homers, 41 RBI and one stolen base across 246 plate appearances through 57 games. There are some lingering contact concerns in his profile, but he’s looked like an over-the-fence power threat so far. There should be a clearer return timetable once he’s cleared to begin ramping up baseball activities. It’ll be Miguel Vargas moving over to cover first base with breakout prospect Jacob Gonzalez getting a chance with the White Sox in a multi-position role.

Mead takes a seat following five consecutive starts at the hot corner for Washington. He’s started eight of their last 10 games at the position. The 25-year-old former top prospect has shown some really encouraging signs at the plate recently, homering four times in his last six games. There’s some definite intrigue in deeper mixed leagues. It’ll be Jorbit Vivas getting a chance at the hot corner to face Padres righty Michael King on Saturday afternoon.

Buxton has been limited to DH almost exclusively since returning from a hip issue that resulted in a five-game absence earlier this month. The 32-year-old fantasy standout hitting .229 (8-for-35) with two homers and four RBI during that nine-game stretch since the injury. Kody Clemens is in center field for the third time in the last four games on Saturday afternoon at PNC Park.

Walls returns to Tampa Bay’s lineup after missing three straight contests due to hamstring tightness. He’s back at shortstop and hitting ninth on Saturday afternoon against Angels starter Reid Detmers.

Williamson managed to avoid serious injury after being hit by a pitch on the left forearm during Friday’s series opener in his return from the injured list. The 25-year-old infielder is hitting .272/.357/.342 with zero homers, 14 RBI and four steals through 40 games in his Tampa Bay debut.

Carter takes a seat against righty Seth Lugo with Michael Helman getting an opportunity in center field. The 23-year-old former top prospect has been struggling for a couple weeks, batting .136 (12-for-88) with three homers and five steals over his last 30 games.

Paredes has been struggling of late, hitting .164 (9-for-55) with three homers and five RBI over his last 15 games. Astros manager Joe Espada has opted to move him down in the order after mostly hitting second in recent weeks. It’ll be red-hot sluggers Yordan Alvarez and Christian Walker moving up to second and third in the order to pick up a few additional at-bats with Taylor Trammell moving into the cleanup spot.

Sulser returns to Tampa Bay’s bullpen following a minimum stay on the injured list recovering from a lower back strain. The 36-year-old journeyman has compiled a respectable 3.68 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 16/9 K/BB ratio across 22 innings of work this season.