MLB Player News

Ozuna is finally getting some help in Atlanta after single-handedly carrying the club’s offense at the outset of the year. His fifth-inning blast off Rockies reliever Noah Davis was his 35th round-tripper of the season and he’s a virtual lock to eclipse the 40-homer summit for the second consecutive season. The fact that he’s limited to a utility spot will bother some fantasy managers, but he’s an undeniable absolute offensive force.

Arcia will get a day off in the early portion of the season, with Nick Allen handling shortstop duties and hitting eighth against Max Meyer and the Marlins.

Muncy will take a break with Jesus Luzardo on the mound for the Phillies. Miguel Rojas will play third base in Muncy’s absence.

DeJong has struck out 11 times and picked up just four hits over the first week of the season. He’ll take a break with Jose Tena handling third base against Brandon Pfaadt and the Diamondbacks.

Boone told reporters that Bellinger’s absence is precautionary, and doesn’t think it’s “anything big.” The 29-year-old could be available off the bench, but the Yankees will likely try and give him at least a day off. Trent Grisham gets the start in center in Bellinger’s absence. Consider him day-to-day, for now.

Carlson is back to the minors after the Orioles activated Gunnar Henderson (side) off the injured list. Carlson will be up and down without a regular role barring something unforeseeable.

As expected, Henderson is back for Friday’s game against the Royals. The 23-year-old has been out of action because of an intercostal (side) issue, but he’s ready to roll after completing a short rehab assignment. Henderson carries as much upside as any shortstop in baseball, and should be inserted into lineups as soon as possible.

Effross is now in a “holding pattern” according to manager Aaron Boone. The 31-year-old has been riddled with injuries over the past few seasons, and it doesn’t sound like he’s going to help the Yankees in the near future.

Hamilton is currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He’ll be an option in the mid-to-late innings for the Yankees upon his return.

That doesn’t mean Cousins is ready to pitch, but rather that he can begin throwing bullpens. The 30-year-old is on the 60-day injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow, and won’t be eligible to join the Yankees’ bullpen until the end of May. Cousins will be a middle-inning option as soon as he’s well enough to be one.

That according to Yankees manager Aaron Boone. The right-hander is on the 60-day injured list, and won’t be eligible to come off that list until the end of May. It remains to be seen if he’ll be ready to rejoin the rotation at that time, and a return in the middle of the summer seems like a more realistic timeline.