MLB Player News

It’s no surprise, as Espada worked with new general manager Billy Eppler with the Yankees and interviewed for the Angels’ manager job which went to Brad Ausmus when Eppler was with the club. Espada has interviewed for multiple managerial posts over the last couple years.

Betts is back at shortstop and hitting second in Monday’s series opener against the longtime rival Giants following a five-week absence recovering from an oblique strain. The 33-year-old fantasy stalwart was hitting .179 (5-for-28) with two homers and seven RBI across eight games prior to the injury. He might need time to knock the metaphorical rust off after just a pair of minor league rehab contests following the lengthy layoff. However, his return should provide a massive boost for the Dodgers, and fantasy managers as well.

Stanton will undergo follow-up imaging to determine whether his calf has made enough progress to start ramping up again. The 36-year-old veteran has been hitting recently, but needs to be able to run the bases before he’s cleared for a rehab assignment. He’s been on the shelf recovering from a low-grade calf strain since April 25.

The Angels could certainly use O’Hoppe back as quickly as possible since their current catching tandem features Sebastián Rivero and Omar Martinez. The 26-year-old backstop has been on the shelf recovering from a fracture in his left wrist since April 25.

Walker gets the call to join Baltimore’s relief corps after spending a couple weeks in the minors. He was in camp as a non-roster invitee this spring. The well-traveled 31-year-old has made 27 appearances in the big leagues since 2023. He got into three contests for the Blue Jays last year before bouncing around between several other organizations.

Baltimore’s top pitching prospect returns to the minors without making an appearance after being called up last Friday. The 23-year-old has allowed four runs with a 4/3 K/BB ratio across 6 2/3 innings over two appearances this season. His future is extremely bright, but the Orioles aren’t ready to hand him a rotation spot just yet.

The procedural move doesn’t adversely impact Kjerstad’s potential return timeline. The 27-year-old corner outfielder is currently on a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk working his way back from a hamstring strain. He won’t return to Baltimore until at least mid-to-late May.

Smith hit the injured list with a right glute strain back on May 4. The 28-year-old infielder will also have to deal with a wrist issue during his rehabilitation process. There is no timetable for his return at the moment.

Bader returns to San Francisco’s struggling lineup for Monday’s critical series opener against the division-rival Giants following a nearly one-month absence. The 31-year-old veteran hit the injured list with a hamstring strain back on April 15. He was hitting .115 (6-for-52) with one homer in 15 games prior to landing on the shelf.

Beck provides San Francisco with a fresh arm for Monday’s series opener against the Dodgers. The 29-year-old righty will be making his season debut when he gets into a game. He’s made 71 appearances for the Giants, registering a serviceable 3.94 ERA across 157 2/3 innings during that span, since 2023.

Smith was up with San Francisco for Sunday’s game against the Pirates and would up recording a pair of outs in his season debut. The 25-year-old was acquired from the Tigers in a small trade back in late March.