MLB Player News

Giants manager Tony Vitello seemed to indicate earlier this week that there was a possibility Eldridge could begin the year in at Triple-A Sacramento. It might be the correct decision for the 21-year-old top prospect’s long-term development to continue playing everyday in the minors as opposing to occupying a platoon role in the big leagues. There are two weeks left before San Francisco has to make a decision on his immediate future.

Langford and Seager have swapped lineup spots for the first time this season as the Rangers will go with back-to-back lefty batters at the top of their lineup against Athletics starter J.T. Ginn. It’s an interesting wrinkle they could employ against teams that don’t have an elite left-handed weapon in their bullpen throughout the year.

Burger draws his first off day of the season following 17 consecutive starts at the cold corner. The 30-year-old slugger has put together a resurgent campaign so far with four homers and 12 RBI during that span. Joc Pederson makes a rare appearance at first base in his absence.

Padres manager Craig Stammen told reporters they believe it’ll be weeks, maybe months before Pivetta returns to San Diego’s rotation. The 33-year-old expressed confidence he’ll pitch again this season, but fantasy managers should still anticipate a lengthy absence. The greater concern is that flexor strains are often a precursor to more significant elbow issues and can sometimes lead to UCL surgery if rest and rehabilitation prove ineffective. There should be a more definitive return timetable once Pivetta ramps up a throwing program. It’s not a worst-case scenario, but it’s hardly an encouraging update.

It was Snell’s second time facing hitters as he continues to ramp up his throwing progression towards a late-May return to Los Angeles’ rotation. The 33-year-old’s build up was delayed due to shoulder fatigue during spring training. He should be ready to head out on a minor league rehab assignment by the end of April.

Brandon Valenzuela will make his fifth consecutive start behind the plate in this one. Heineman has been on the shelf for nearly a week at this point due to back spasms. He would presumably be available off the bench in an emergency situation but Toronto is clearly trying to stay away from him until the issue subsides.

White hasn’t played since last Tuesday due to an ongoing foot issue, but the he’ll avoid a trip to the injured list. The 31-year-old reserve outfielder has gotten into just seven games this season.

Not good. Wiggins blossomed into one of the top pitching prospects in baseball last year when he posted a 2.19 ERA and 97/36 K/BB ratio across 78 innings across three minor league levels to finish the year at Triple-A. No word yet on how much time the dynamic 24-year-old righty, who was a second-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, is going to miss. However, elbow issues tend to result in extended absences.

Polanco will get a breather as he continues to play through a lingering Achilles issue. The 32-year-old veteran infielder has gotten off to a frosty start at the dish, hitting .179 (10-for-56) with one homer and two RBI through 14 games in his Mets debut. MJ Melendez gets a turn at DH in his first game of the season as New York attempts to snap a seven-game losing streak.

Ohtani will get a break from hitting for precautionary reasons due to a minor right shoulder issue. The two-way sensation has gone 0-for-7 at the plate in a pair of contests since being hit by a pitch on the right shoulder during Monday’s series opener against the Mets. The Dodgers are going to allow him to focus exclusively on pitching during Wednesday’s start at Dodger Stadium. It’s the first time he’s pitched without being in the lineup since 2021. Blockbuster offseason acquisition Kyle Tucker ascends to the leadoff spot with rookie catcher Dalton Rushing getting a turn at DH in his place.

Lawrence Butler has been dropped to eighth in the order after leading off four of their last six games. Kurtz has been mired in an unexpected slump at the dish this season, hitting .200/.380/.291 with eight runs scored, two homers, three RBI and two steals through 16 games. The fact that he’s struck out in nearly 40 percent of his 71 plate appearances is a big concern but he’s still getting on-base at a near-elite rate.