MLB Player News

Hart was bitten by a tick in May while working on his farm in Indiana. He was initially diagnosed with COVID-19, which delayed treatment, worsened his symptoms and contributed to him losing nearly 20 pounds. Hart really struggled during his four appearances with the Red Sox but says he “never really felt like myself,” adding that he “couldn’t remember some of the pitches I was throwing the inning before.” The southpaw was removed from Boston’s 40-man roster last month but remains in the organization.

Ozuna, 35, will get a breather with Ryan O’Hearn operating as the designated hitter and Jake Mangum in left. Ozuna has struggled considerably in his first season with the Pirates with an OPS of just .487. We’ve seen him get off to slow starts only to finish with strong campaigns in the past, however.

Chivili will be out at least two weeks, and shoulder issues are often longer stints; particularly for pitchers. The right-hander’s spot on the roster is taken by David Weathers, who was activated off the injured list in a corresponding move. There should be more on Chivili’s status in the coming days.

Weathers is back with the club and will make the start Saturday against the Astros on Saturday.

Smith will get a breather while dealing with manager Dave Roberts saying that the backstop is “feeling a little tight.” The good news is that it appears this is just precautionary, and Roberts expects Smith to catch tomorrow. Dalton Rushing will try and keep hitting nothing but homers and hit sixth in Smith’s absence.

Warren will provide some pitching depth for the twin billing. Nolan McLean will start the first game of the doubleheader, and Kodai Senga will get game two.

Harris returns to Atlanta’s lineup after coming off the bench to deliver a go-ahead two-run double during Friday’s contest. The 25-year-old center fielder has been dealing with a lingering quad issue recently, but it doesn’t appear to be a serious concern.

Hader progressed to facing hitters earlier this month and figures to be getting close to heading out on a minor league rehab assignment. The 32-year-old stopper has been on the shelf working his way back from a biceps issue and appears on track to make his season debut at some point in the second half of May. Enyel De Los Santos has stepped up as Houston’s closer of late in his absence.

Sanders returns to the majors with starter Braxton Ashcraft away from the club on bereavement leave. The 29-year-old has been hit hard, allowing four runs and recording only one out in his lone appearance in the big leagues this season.

It’s unclear whether Ashcraft will return to take the ball on Monday against the Cardinals. The 26-year-old righty was outstanding in his previous start, allowing two runs over seven innings against the Rangers earlier this week.

Paredes is batting third for the second straight contest with Jose Altuve in the cleanup spot and Christian Walker hitting fifth. It’s a bit of a new-look lineup for Astros manager Joe Espada after Paredes mostly hit fifth or lower over the first month. The 27-year-old is in a groove right now, hitting .240 (6-for-25) with two homers and four RBI over his last seven games.