MLB Player News

The Nationals turning Stone Garrett into a full-timer could have been bad news for Rutherford, but it’s thus far led to Alex Call sitting against right-handers. Rutherford has remained in the lineup and gone 6-for-11 in his last three starts. He was 0-for-16 prior to that. Although he’s made a great deal of progress this year, it’s doubtful that Rutherford will offer much fantasy value as a platoon guy batting at the bottom of the Nationals lineup.

Estrada will get the first shot at replacing an injured Cody Ponce (knee) in Toronto’s rotation, at least until Trey Yesavage (shoulder) is ready to make his season debut. The 26-year-old was jettisoned to the minors at the end of spring training and projects as more of a long relief option at the highest level. He made two relief appearances for the Blue Jays last season and posted a 5.73 ERA across 97 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level. He’s not a recommended streaming option for fantasy managers.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Ponce will miss significant time, but the club remains hopeful he’ll pitch again this season and will await additional medical opinions before determining his next steps. The 31-year-old journeyman left his Blue Jays debut on Monday night with right knee discomfort before an MRI revealed an ACL sprain in his right knee. His prolonged absence puts additional strain on Toronto’s rotation which is already without Trey Yesavage (shoulder), Shane Bieber (elbow) and José Berríos (elbow).

The McGonigle era has gotten off to a phenomenal start with Detroit’s top prospect hitting .357 (5-for-14) with two doubles and four RBI through four games. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the 21-year-old hitting machine’s early-season performance has been his plate discipline, as he’s struck out just three times while also drawing three walks. He’s batting second for the first time on Tuesday night at Chase Field after hitting sixth at the outset of the year.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch is going to shake things up by moving Colt Keith to the leadoff spot after Carpenter went 1-for-16 with 10 strikeouts in four games to kick off the season. It’s possible this is just a temporary move to try to find a spark but it would be a significant boost for Keith if he remains atop Detroit’s lineup ahead of Kevin McGonigle, Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson.

Freeland makes just his second start of the season with Miguel Rojas getting the night off. The 24-year-old infielder is serving as Los Angeles’ de-facto utility specialist while Tommy Edman (ankle) continues recovering from offseason surgery.

Arenado takes a seat for the first time this season following four consecutive starts with prospect Jose Fernandez set to make his major-league debut at Chase Field. The 34-year-old defensive wizard has gotten off to a frigid 2-for-16 start in his Diamondbacks debut.

Crawford is progressing towards a quick return to Seattle’s lineup after opening the season on the shelf with shoulder inflammation. He’ll likely require a handful of rehab contests to get back up to speed but should be ready to make his season debut later this week.

Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters it’s going to take a little while for Cole to get back after he suffered a fractured toe over the weekend while playing for Triple-A Sugar Land. His absence is a hit to Houston’s outfield depth when injuries inevitable strike at the highest level.

Laureano takes a seat after making four consecutive starts in left field to open the season. The 31-year-old is off to a really strong start at the dish, hitting .357 (5-for-14) with one homer and one steal in four contests. It’ll be Nick Castellanos heading out to cover left field and face Giants ace Logan Webb.

Adames gets another shot atop San Francisco’s lineup after going 1-for-4 on Monday as the Giants picked up their first win of the season. It’ll be the fourth time he’s led off in his entire nine-year career. No other changes for Giants rookie skipper Tony Vitello as Luis Arraez sticks in the cleanup spot for the second straight contest.