MLB Player News

Both hits came off Jesús Luzardo. McCutchen heated up quickly after signing with the Rangers earlier this month, and it’s worth wondering if he might turn this DH platoon with Joc Pederson into a full-time spot for himself. It seems like Pederson deserves a real look first, but he did not have good spring numbers on the heels of his disastrous 2025. He’s 0-for-2 with a walk through three games, but both of his balls in play have been hard hit, with one leaving his bat at 110 mph. McCutchen is 4-for-9 with four RBI while drawing the start both times the Phillies threw lefties.

The Rockies didn’t provide a new diagnosis after the tests on Dollander’s elbow, but obviously it was pretty good news if he’s going to be allowed to resume throwing in the first half of June. Dollander was placed on the IL on Friday with what was termed a strain.

No word yet, but it looks like the Mets might call on Tong to face the Nationals on Thursday. That would presumably mean that Zach Thornton will be sent right back down after starting tonight. Tong has a 5.68 ERA and a 55/24 K/BB in 38 innings for Syracuse, so he doesn’t seem like a mixed-league option at the moment.

Jones has now started just two of five games, and in both of those starts, he went 0-for-2, striking out twice, and was then removed for a pinch-hitter. Overall, he’s 3-for-20 with no extra-base hits and an 11/3 K/BB. The Yankees might not want to wait for Giancarlo Stanton or Jasson Domínguez to return to send Jones back to Triple-A.

Other than a two-game absence due to back tightness, it’s the first time he’s sat this season. The Red Sox are starting another lefty in Connelly Early, and Pasquantino is hitting .113/.175/.151 in 57 plate appearances versus southpaws this year. The Royals have Salvador Perez at first base and Starling Marte DHing tonight.

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.