MLB Player News

Kayfus has started just half of Cleveland’s six games to open the season, going hitless in eight at-bats. The 24-year-old former prospect could continue losing playing time to Angel Martínez since it doesn’t look like rookie sensation Chase DeLauter is going anywhere, health permitting.

The Dodgers will have to find creative ways to get Rushing’s bat in their lineup on a consistent basis since he’s hitting .444 (12-for-27) with seven homers in eight games this season. The 25-year-old former top prospect launched two homers on Monday against the Rockies and will get a chance to face Giants starter Landen Roupp with Will Smith getting some extra rest from handling the catching duties.

It’s an extremely rare day off for Pages with Alex Call taking over in center field. The 25-year-old fantasy standout has been an extremely impactful fantasy contributor this season, slashing .370/.416/.605 with five homers, 21 RBI and four steals in 22 games. He leads the majors in both hits (30) and RBI during that span.

Cortes receives another opportunity in the heart of the Athletics’ lineup after going 4-for-5 with his second homer of the season during Monday’s series opener. The unheralded 28-year-old has gotten off to a strong start and has seen more playing time than originally anticipated due to Brent Rooker’s oblique injury.

This explains why Lowe was absent from the lineup for the second straight contest despite righty Kumar Rocker taking the ball for the Rangers on Tuesday night at Globe Life Field. The 31-year-old slugging second baseman will likely receive some extra time off this week, but it doesn’t sound like a potential injured list situation based on comments from Pirates skipper Don Kelly. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. Nick Gonzales is at second base in his place on Tuesday evening.

Boyd returns to Chicago’s rotation mix after missing just over two weeks with a left biceps strain. The 35-year-old lefty might have some limitations from a pitch count standpoint after throwing 64 pitches in a rehab start last Thursday for Triple-A Iowa. It’s a strong matchup right out of the chute with the Phillies struggling offensively to open the year.

Haase returns to the majors with rookie backstop Daniel Susac hitting the shelf with an elbow issue. The well-traveled 33-year-old will handle the backup catching duties behind starter Patrick Bailey.

No word on how much time Susac figures to miss, but it shouldn’t be a lengthy absence. The 24-year-old rookie backstop has been outstanding in limited action this season, batting .478 (11-for-23) with three extra-base hits and five RBI in 11 games. It’ll be Eric Haase coming up to handle the backup catching duties in his absence behind starter Patrick Bailey.

It’s merely a procedural move to free up a spot on San Francisco’s 40-man roster. Buttó is facing a 5-6 month absence after undergoing surgery last weekend to remove a blood clot from his right armpit. There’s a small possibility he’s able to return later this season, but that feels optimistic.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson told reporters Duran is feeling much better and was able to resume throwing for the first time since hitting the injured list with an oblique strain over the weekend. The 28-year-old closer is likely facing a multi-week recovery timeline, but it doesn’t sound like he’s dealing with a high-grade strain that would’ve led to a much longer absence. It’ll likely be Brad Keller handling the closing duties while he’s on the shelf.

It doesn’t sound like there are any plans to put Garcia on the injured list, but that could change if he’s not ready to pitch in a couple days. The 29-year-old has been unavailable since last Friday. Jakob Junis appears to be the favorite to continue closing games for the Rangers.