MLB Player News

With the Nationals down 2-0 in the seventh, Lopez hit Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds with a pitch and then threw a fastball over Andrew McCutchen’s head three pitches later. Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton complained, and both teams cleared the dugout and yelled at each other a little bit. No warnings were issued by the umpires, and Martinez was not ejected from the game, so the suspension is a bit of a surprise here. López will be available to return from his suspension on April 20 against the Rockies.

Ramos is just 6-for-53 with no homers in 16 games since joining the Yankees, so he’s losing time even with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton still absent. Things might change if he heats up, but he figures to play mostly versus southpaws for now, making him useless in mixed leagues.

The Brewers weren’t exactly quick to activate Frelick, who, after just a couple of weeks off due to a shoulder injury, went 10-for-36 with two homers over 10 games for Triple-A Nashville on a rehab assignment. It seems like a sign that they’ll treat him as more of a fourth outfielder now than the lineup fixture he’s been in recent years. Frelick hit just .236/.301/.330 in 313 plate appearances before going on the injured list, and Luis Lara has been a bit of an upgrade both offensively and defensively in his place.

Ornelas went 2-for-9 during his 10-day stint with the Brewers. He’ll probably clear waivers, at which point he’ll have the option of declaring free agency.

Brendan Beck was sent down last night to open up a spot. Topa, who has pitched for the Brewers, Mariners and Twins over parts of seven big-league seasons, will be making his Yankees debut. He had an 8.05 ERA in 19 innings for Minnesota earlier this year. He has a career 4.27 ERA in 168 2/3 innings.

Stanton has already missed four months, so this is just a paper move. However, it doesn’t sound like he’ll be a factor next month after suffering a left calf strain while rehabbing his right calf strain.

It’s new news that Winn has a fracture. The Cardinals figure to play JJ Wetherholt at shortstop for now. Nolan Gorman was recalled to replace Winn, but he didn’t play any second base in the minors, suggesting that he’ll remain limited to third base. That’s probably bad news for Blaze Jordan. Bryan Torres, José Fermin and Ramón Urías figure to see time at second base.

The official Nationals Communications Department tweeted out six days ago about Chaparro being first in the majors in slugging and OPS since the All-Star break. Alas, actual Nationals management couldn’t care less. They’re probably right about Chaparro not being a long-term regular, but he is hitting .343/.410/.686 in his very limited action against righties this season, and it’s interesting that the team just doesn’t really want to give him a chance. Of course, it’s not helping right now that CJ Abrams is again DHing due to his ankle injury; Chaparro might have gotten the nod there tonight if Abrams was at short or second.

No setback has been reported for Stowers with his hamstring, and this is probably just about the Marlins facing a tough lefty tonight and some desire to ease him back into action. Fellow left-handed bats Jakob Marsee, Owen Caissie and Joe Mack are also sitting against Boston’s Payton Tolle tonight.

Ashcraft opted for rest and rehab over surgery, so now it’s time to put his arm to the test. He had a 3.33 ERA in 26 appearances in a setup role before getting hurt.

It’s the usual issue for Fairbanks. He might be back in 15 days and get the closer’s role back for the end of the season. Until then, Calvin Faucher is probably the favorite for saves in the Marlins pen, making him a decent pickup for those with a need.