MLB Player News

Kelly will make his spring debut after completing a live batting practice session without any issues over the weekend. The 37-year-old veteran was shut down from throwing temporarily with a back issue last month. The general expectation is that he’ll be ready to pitch at the back-end of Arizona’s rotation to open the regular season. He recorded a pristine 3.52 ERA (4.15 xERA), 1.11 WHIP and 167/48 K/BB ratio across 184 innings last year between the Diamondbacks and Rangers.

Church loses his spot on Texas’ 40-man roster amid a flurry of roster moves. The 25-year-old made five relief appearances for the club last year and has been pitching at Triple-A Round Rock this season.

Polanco has been battling a lingering Achilles issue for the past couple weeks. He was feeling better recently before the issue flared up again. He’ll continue receiving treatment and will be reevaluated later this week to determine whether he’ll need some additional time off to finally put the issue to bed.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters Soto won’t return until at least the club’s next homestand, which begins next Tuesday against the Brewers. The 27-year-old fantasy superstar is working his way back from a calf strain that put him on the shelf back on April 3. It’s possible he’ll skip a minor league rehab assignment altogether and jump right back into New York’s lineup next week.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters Young will require surgery this week to address a meniscus tear in his left knee. The 30-year-old absence is another hit to New York’s outfield depth as he’ll be sidelined until at least late May or early June.

Díaz hasn’t pitched since last Friday due to a minor right knee issue with Alex Vesia stepping in for a pair of saves earlier this week against New York. The 32-year-old elite closer figures to make an appearance against his former club on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.

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.