MLB Player News

Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman told reporters on Friday that the plan is for Volpe to serve as the team’s starting shortstop upon his return. He missed the entirety of spring training, so he’s going to need at least a few weeks’ worth of at-bats in the minor leagues before he’s an option to help out at the Major League level. Barring any setbacks, he should be ready at some point in early May.

All indications are that Ohtani is healthy, with Roberts noting there are several factors at play, including that he won’t be pitching on his usual six days of rest. He also pointed out that the Dodgers close out the series with an early-afternoon game on Wednesday, meaning the added workload on the mound would likely take him out of the lineup for the finale. The 31-year-old two-way superstar was limited to pitching exclusively earlier this month against the Mets over minor concerns about his throwing shoulder. Fantasy managers should anticipate Los Angeles continuing to approach his workload with caution, especially this early in the season.

Cruz is being treated by the Pirates medical staff, according to a team statement. The 27-year-old fantasy standout is presumably day-to-day. He’s gotten off to an excellent start, most notably making gains against left-handed pitching, hitting .259/.320/.518 with 19 runs scored, eight homers, 24 RBI and 10 steals in 27 games. Jake Mangum is patrolling center field in his absence with Spencer Horwitz taking over the leadoff spot.

Twins manager Derek Shelton told reporters all signs have been positive after Abel hit the injured list with elbow inflammation last week. All indications are that the issue is believed to be minor and the fact that he’s resumed throwing already is extremely encouraging. It won’t be a minimum stay on the injured list, but fantasy manager should anticipate Abel making it back to Minnesota’s rotation mix at some point in the next couple weeks.

Cole built up his pitch count to 52 in his previous rehab outing for High-A Hudson Valley last Thursday as he continues to progress towards a mid-to-late May return to New York’s rotation. There won’t be any public Statcast data from this next rehab outing, but there should be some reporting on his velocity and how he sustains it deeper into the contest.

There was a chance that Rodón would be summoned to make his season debut later this week after throwing 65 pitches in his previous rehab start last Friday. The 33-year-old veteran southpaw, who is coming back from offseason elbow surgery, will get at least one additional tune-up outing to continue building up his pitch count and stamina before making his season debut in early May.

No word on the reason for the move yet. Spencer Horwitz moves up to the leadoff spot with Jake Mangum taking over in center field.

Smith is back handling the catching duties and hitting third on Monday night at Dodger Stadium following a two-game absence due to back tightness. The 31-year-old backstop is off to a nice start at the dish this season, slashing .266/.337/.392 with three homers and 14 RBI across 24 games. Dalton Rushing retreats to the bench after starting three of the last four contests behind the plate.

Maton rejoins Chicago’s high-leverage mix following a nearly three-week absence due to knee tendinitis. The 33-year-old’s lengthy history is key spots would suggest he’ll get a chance to work the ninth inning while both Daniel Palencia and Caleb Thielbar on the injured list, but the Cubs will probably opt against throwing him right into the fire, especially since he’s allowed six runs in four innings this season.

Barnes returns to the minors to make room for Phil Maton to rejoin Chicago’s bullpen. The 30-year-old lefty was charged with four runs over three innings of work during his lone appearance for the Cubs this season.

Morel returns to Miami’s lineup after missing the first month of the season recovering from an oblique strain. The 26-year-old figures to take over at first base and offers minimal fantasy appeal given his persistent strikeout issues. He’s too young to give up on completely, but he can be safely ignored in shallow fantasy formats for now.