MLB Player News

Ramírez looks like he skipped the ramp-up phase entirely this spring, taking minor leaguer Antonio Menendez deep for a three-run homer in the fifth inning to cap a multi-hit performance that also featured a run-scoring ground-rule double earlier in the contest. The 33-year-old franchise icon remains the top fantasy option at the hot corner after returning first-round fantasy value in each of the past two seasons. He’ll be a top 10 pick in all fantasy drafts this spring.

There was a chance that Rodón would be summoned to make his season debut later this week after throwing 65 pitches in his previous rehab start last Friday. The 33-year-old veteran southpaw, who is coming back from offseason elbow surgery, will get at least one additional tune-up outing to continue building up his pitch count and stamina before making his season debut in early May.

No word on the reason for the move yet. Spencer Horwitz moves up to the leadoff spot with Jake Mangum taking over in center field.

Smith is back handling the catching duties and hitting third on Monday night at Dodger Stadium following a two-game absence due to back tightness. The 31-year-old backstop is off to a nice start at the dish this season, slashing .266/.337/.392 with three homers and 14 RBI across 24 games. Dalton Rushing retreats to the bench after starting three of the last four contests behind the plate.

Maton rejoins Chicago’s high-leverage mix following a nearly three-week absence due to knee tendinitis. The 33-year-old’s lengthy history is key spots would suggest he’ll get a chance to work the ninth inning while both Daniel Palencia and Caleb Thielbar on the injured list, but the Cubs will probably opt against throwing him right into the fire, especially since he’s allowed six runs in four innings this season.

Barnes returns to the minors to make room for Phil Maton to rejoin Chicago’s bullpen. The 30-year-old lefty was charged with four runs over three innings of work during his lone appearance for the Cubs this season.

Morel returns to Miami’s lineup after missing the first month of the season recovering from an oblique strain. The 26-year-old figures to take over at first base and offers minimal fantasy appeal given his persistent strikeout issues. He’s too young to give up on completely, but he can be safely ignored in shallow fantasy formats for now.

Hernández hit .159 (10-for-63) with three steals in 22 games for the Marlins this season. The 26-year-old heads back to the minors to make room for Christopher Morel on the roster for Monday’s game against the Dodgers.

Freeland will get the ball for Tuesday’s series opener in Cincinnati after missing just over two weeks with shoulder inflammation. The 32-year-old offers some limited appeal as a low-upside streaming option in deeper mixed leagues since it’s a road matchup against one of the weaker lineups in the game this season.

It’s a tough development for Murray as he suffered a fracture in his left shoulder, in addition to a dislocation, that will require a surgical procedure. The 26-year-old could potentially make it back before the regular season wraps up, but he’s going to be on the shelf until at least sometime in August, even in a best-case scenario.

Stanton remains on the bench for the third consecutive contest with Jasson Domínguez, who is at DH and hitting sixth on Monday night, coming up from Triple-A to face a couple right-handed starters this week. There’s been zero indication the Yankees are going to place Stanton on the injured list, but it feels almost inevitable if he’s not going to be ready to go in a couple days. The 36-year-old will continue receiving treatment and resting as he continues to recover from a right calf issue that cropped up last week.