MLB Player News

Alexander helped keep the Astros in the playoff hunt down the stretch last year, going 4-2 with a 3.66 ERA in 13 starts and one relief appearance after arriving in late June, but he arrived in camp this year being viewed strictly as a fallback plan. He has an option year left, so he’s Triple-A bound unless an injury epidemic strikes.

Verlander sat 92-93 mph with his fastball and touched 96 mph, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. He gave up three homers while facing Wenceel Pérez and Jahmai Jones. The next step for Verlander would seem to be a rehab assignment.

Mead has plenty of history at third base, but he’s definitely below average at the position and it wasn’t entirely clear whether the Nationals would be willing to use him there after demoting Brady House. It’s the 12th start this year for Mead; he’d started at first base 11 times and second base once. If Mead can hold his own at third base, then it would make sense for the Nationals to play him there against lefties, allowing Andrés Chapparo to play first base as Luis García Jr.'s platoon partner.

Young left Monday’s game after being hit by a pitch and didn’t start last night, though he did play an inning of defense off the bench. He’s in center today.

It’s Torkelson’s first time out of the lineup in exactly a month. The Tigers have Dillon Dingler at DH today, which is probably playing a role in Torkelson’s absence. Colt Keith is starting at first.

The 24-year-old Thornton will be making his major league debut in a start against the Nationals tonight. The 2023 fifth-round pick had a 3.16 ERA and a 40/12 K/BB in 37 innings over seven starts for Syracuse.

Duarte pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings Tuesday in his Mets debut. He’ll be a candidate to be recalled next time the team needs a reliever.

Garrett figured to be in the Marlins’ rotation for the long haul, but that was before he walked eight and allowed seven runs over 4 1/3 innings in two starts. He’ll try to figure things out in Jacksonville, where he had a 2.30 ERA but also a surprisingly high 12.3 percent walk rate in six starts before being called up.

Vodnik had four saves for the Rockies last month, but he’d really struggled of late, giving up 14 runs in his last nine innings of work. Not that we’re recommending any Rockies relievers, but Juan Mejia and Antonio Senzatela are probably slightly better bets for saves with Vodnik out.

Thompson is back in the majors for the first time since 2024. He had a 3.34 ERA but just 19 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings for Albuquerque. He’s made five starts and thrown as many as 4 2/3 innings at a time, so he’s stretched out to go long if needed.

Crim lost his chance to make the Rockies this spring because of an oblique strain, though he was ready for the start of the minor league season. He’s hitting .265/.339/.449 in 36 games for Triple-A Albuquerque, and he’ll remain with the club if he clears waivers.