MLB Player News

Kansas City’s captain clobbered a no-doubter to left field off White Sox burgeoning relief ace Michael Kopech in the eighth inning to put the Royals ahead for good in the opening contest of Wednesday’s twin bill. It’s an even more impressive feat considering the 33-year-old veteran backstop is playing through a Grade 1 left groin strain that he suffered earlier this week. He’s off to a remarkable start at the plate so far, posting a .953 OPS with nine runs scored, five homers and 17 RBI through 17 contests.

Grissom was slated to make his Red Sox debut during Tuesday’s series opener against the Giants, but apparently is feeling under the weather. He should be ready to return at some point later this week.

Selby joins Kansas City’s active roster ahead of Tuesday’s showdown against Toronto after being acquired earlier this month from the Pirates in a small trade. The 26-year-old righty made 21 appearances (five starts) last year in his big-league debut.

Bowlan heads back to the minors after being lit up for four runs over 2 2/3 innings on Monday in a spot start against the Blue Jays. The 27-year-old righty figures to be back at some point, but is going to get some time back in the minors to regroup.

It doesn’t sound like Kimbrel is headed for the injured list, but it’s unclear whether he’ll be available for Tuesday’s showdown against the Yankees. The 35-year-old veteran closer underwent additional treatment on Tuesday and remains day-to-day with back tightness. It would presumably be Yennier Cano taking the ball, if he’s unavailable, if a save situation arises.

Rangers general manager Chris Young told reporters Tuesday that Scherzer is dealing with some lingering thumb soreness in the wake of last Wednesday’s rehab outing for Triple-A Round Rock. However, there’s optimism he’ll be ready to take the ball later this week. The positive news here is the 39-year-old veteran isn’t experiencing any issues with his back following offseason surgery. Barring any additional setbacks, Scherzer should make his season debut at some point in early May.

Astros general manager Dana Brown told reporters Tuesday that the decision was mutually agreed upon to send Abreu to extended spring training in Florida to get some additional at-bats and work on his timing at the plate. The 37-year-old slugger, who signed a three-year, $58.5 million pact with Houston prior to last year, is batting .099 (7-for-71) with just one extra-base hit this season through 22 games. The move presumably clears up a spot for top prospect Joey Loperfido to get some extended run as Houston’s primary option at the cold corner.

Emanuel finds himself headed back to the minors as extra organizational relief depth after going unclaimed on waivers for the second time this season. The 31-year-old lefty has made a pair of relief appearances this season for Miami.

Kessinger was sidelined prior to the regular season with a hamstring injury, but now he’ll need the injured list with a shoulder injury. The decision opened up a roster spot for Astros’ top prospect Joey Loperfido.

Kuhnel will hit waivers after the Astros called up their top prospect Joey Loperfido. The 29-year-old reliever made one appearance with Houston and allowed four earned runs in two innings of work.

Loperfido possesses stratospheric over-the-fence pop, earning his first trip to the big leagues after clubbing an eye-popping 13 round-trippers, while also chipping in five steals, in just 25 games this season for Triple-A Sugar Land. Unfortunately, the astronomical pop comes with some serious contact issues as he also struck out 30 percent of the time in 122 plate appearances. There’s some risk here that his lackluster plate skills prevent him from making an impact for fantasy managers. However, his immense power ceiling juxtaposed by veteran first baseman José Abreu’s ongoing cold spell at the dish make him worthy of at least a speculative roster spot in deeper mixed leagues.