MLB Player News

Loperfido was originally an Astros prospect but was traded to Toronto in 2024 as part of the Yusei Kikuchi deal. He is now back in Houston after hitting .333/.379/.500 with four home runs in 104 plate appearances for the Blue Jays last year. Loperfido also cut his strikeout rate to 21.4 percent in 91 Triple-A games in 2025 after posting a 28 percent mark in Triple-A in 2024. Improved plate discipline would help Loperfido utilize his plus raw power, and there’s a real chance that Houston gives him a chance to be their starting left fielder against right-handed pitching.

With Eduardo Rodriguez on the mound, all three left-handed hitters will take a seat. Blaze Alexander will stay in the lineup and play centerfield with Johnathan Rodriguez hitting cleanup and playing right field and Weston Wilson hitting fifth and playing left field.

McGonigle follows behind Konnor Griffin and Colt Emerson as high-end prospects who have inked long-term extensions before completing their first month in the big leagues. McGonigle’s deal is the biggest extension signed by a prospect ever, breaking Griffin’s record ($140 million) from last week. The 21-year-old is off to a great start to his MLB career, and will now be a fixture in the middle of the Tigers lineup for years to come.

With a right handed pitcher on the mound, Gorman will re-enter the starting lineup. However, he’s hitting just .204 with a 33 percent strikeout rate, so he’ll need to start producing to hold off Ramon Urias and Thomas Saggesse for playing time.

Contreras was removed from Tuesday’s game with lower back soreness, which will keep him out for at least one game. As of now, there is no indication that the injury will require a trip to the injured list, but we will have more information on that in a couple of days. Andruw Monasterio will play first base and bat sixth for a Red Sox lineup that is really struggling right now.

Pérez was designated for assignment by the Braves last week and passed through waivers unclaimed. He elected free agency but then resigned with Atlanta. While this may not seem like a big deal, it does mean that Pérez could be the starting pitcher called up when the Braves need a fifth starter again on April 21st. That would mean that Didier Fuentes and JR Ritchie could remain in the minors for longer than fantasy managers are hoping.

The Orioles needed a spot on the 40-man roster to call up Sam Huff, so Sandridge was let go. The 27-year-old had thrown 1 2/3 scoreless innings in Triple-A but had allowed two hits and walked three while striking out two.

The 30-year-old has thrown twice since being recalled and allowed three runs on three hits in 1 2/3 innings. He did throw 2/3 shutout innings on Tuesday, so it was nice for him to get that better second appearance.

The Orioles already have two catches on their roster, but Maverick Handley hasn’t played since being called up on Saturday. Perhaps Huff will fill in as the backup catcher or be more of a DH option now that Ryan Mountcastle (foot) is out.

Hader said his four-seam fastball was between 91-93 mph, and he was pleased with his overall performance. While this may not seem like a major accomplishment, it’s the first time Hader has faced hitters in months, so it’s certainly a step in the right direction. He will need to face hitters in simulated sessions a few more times and then head out on a rehab assignment, so the middle of May feels like a best-case scenario for Hader to return to the Astros bullpen. With Bryan Abreu struggling, the Astros will continue to roll with some combination of him, Bryan King, and Enyel De Los Santos until Hader returns.

Tucker played a part in both runs the Dodgers would score in Tuesday’s pitchers’ duel against the Mets. He drew a walk in the first inning and crossed home on a groundout, then later put the Dodgers ahead with a base hit in the eighth. The 29-year-old outfielder is still looking to get going at the dish, batting .242/.360/.306 with one homer, 13 runs scored, 10 RBI, and three steals across 75 plate appearances.