MLB Player News

Ward got the O’s on the board with a 394-foot (107.4 mph EV) three-run blast off of Joey Cantillo in the fifth inning, trimming their deficit to two runs at 5-3. The 32-year-old outfielder also singled in the contest. He has done a very nice job in his first year with the Orioles, slashing .295/.388/.445 with a homer, 11 RBI and one stolen base in his first 103 plate appearances.

Black has torn the cover off the ball in six games since being called up from the minors, hitting .429 (9-for-21) with four doubles and seven RBI during that span. It’s admittedly a small sample size, but the 25-year-old former prospect has shown flashes of intriguing fantasy potential in the past without gaining any traction at the highest level. He’ll continue to get opportunities to face right-handed starters while taking a seat against most southpaws, which is the case with Nationals lefty Foster Griffin on the mound on Saturday afternoon.

Not good. Springer appeared to be hit directly where he suffered a broken toe earlier this month during the third inning of Saturday’s game against the Twins. He was in serious pain and immediately left the contest with a trainer. He’ll presumably head for X-rays to determine whether he suffered any fractures. There should be an additional update on his status shortly.

Hader will make his first rehab appearance since landing on the injured list with a biceps issue at the conclusion of spring training. The 32-year-old closer isn’t eligible to come off the 60-day injured list until mid-May, which means he’s going to get a handful of rehab outings under his belt before returning as Houston’s ninth-inning option.

Ribalta returns to Washington’s relief mix for Saturday’s game against the Brewers. The 28-year-old has made a pair of scoreless relief appearances in the big leagues this season in addition to pitching well on the doorstep of the majors.

Pérez passed through waivers unclaimed after struggling to an inflated 6.19 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 9/11 K/BB ratio across 16 innings of work this season. The 30-year-old lefty has the ability to elect free agency or stick around as organizational depth.

Díaz told reporters he’s feeling better and hopes to return later this weekend, while downplaying concern about a potential trip to the injured list. The 34-year-old on-base machine will get some extra time off to rest and recover after leaving Friday’s series opener with oblique tightness. It doesn’t sound like a massive concern, but oblique issues can be tricky matters. Clearly, the Rays don’t want to take any chances. It’ll be Jake Fraley taking over at DH in his absence on Saturday evening.

Cleavinger returns to Tampa Bay’s high-leverage mix after missing five weeks at the outset of the season recovering from a calf strain. The 32-year-old southpaw figures to operate in a setup capacity behind closer Bryan Baker, but could wind up vulturing the occasional save in certain matchups.

Gómez has been cast off from Tampa Bay’s bullpen mix after struggling to an underwhelming 6.23 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 13/10 K/BB ratio across 17 1/3 innings over nine appearances. The 26-year-old figures to draw some interest as a low-leverage innings eater on waivers.

“I think he’s going to be fine,” Murphy told reporters after Misiorowski left Friday’s start during the sixth inning of a no-hit bid with a right hamstring cramp. It’s worth noting that the hard-throwing 24-year-old will still need to make it through a bullpen session before he’s officially cleared to take the ball against the Cardinals on Wednesday. However, it certainly sounds like his early exit was merely out of an abundance of caution.

DeLauter continues to receive opportunities against left-handed starters, which is a great sign for his long-term fantasy outlook. The 24-year-old rookie went 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles and reached base safely in all five of his plate appearances during Friday’s series opener in West Sacramento.