MLB Player News

Phillips technically has been unofficially retired for a couple years but he’s signed a ceremonial one-day contract to retire with Cincinnati where he spent 11 seasons from 2006-2016. He last appeared in the big leagues for the Red Sox back in 2018 before spending a couple years kicking around the independent leagues. The 44-year-old second baseman finishes a nearly two-decade run with a .275/.320/.420 slash line with 211 homers and 209 steals in 1,902 games from 2002-2018.

Eldridge has had to split time with Rafael Devers and Casey Schmitt since coming up from Triple-A Sacramento last week. With their season trending in the wrong direction, it feels inevitable that the Giants are going to turn the cold corner over to their top prospect on a full-time basis at some point in the near future.

Roberts added that they’re leaning towards having Ohtani pitch exclusively on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium but they haven’t made a final decision yet. The 31-year-old generational talent has been mired in an uncharacteristic tailspin at the plate recently, hitting just .193 (11-for-57) with one home run and four steals over his last 15 games. He’s far too talented to continue struggling, but it’s possible that the tremendous two-way workload he’s shouldering is leading to some fatigue that’s adversely impacting his performance at the plate. The encouraging news here is that Ohtani seems to be completely fine from a physical standpoint. Hopefully the extra time off serves as a mental reset and helps get him back on track.

There was some optimism that Acuña might be able to check off enough boxes in time to return to Atlanta’s lineup when first eligible on Wednesday. That doesn’t appear likely at this juncture. The 28-year-old fantasy superstar, who is working his way back from a low-grade hamstring strain, has resumed baseball activities and will need to progress to running the bases at full strength before he’s activated. There should be additional updates on his return timeline later this week.

The Rangers appear to be in a bit of a holding pattern with Eovaldi after Schumaker didn’t have much of an update for reporters prior to Tuesday’s contest. The 36-year-old veteran was scratched from Monday’s start against the Diamondbacks with left side discomfort. It doesn’t appear that he’s headed to the injured list, but the Rangers haven’t divulged when they think he’ll be ready to take the ball again. There should be greater clarity on his status at some point later this week once he resumes throwing.

Langford told reporters he’s optimistic he can return in two or three weeks, which would be prior to the end of May. That seems a bit unlikely since he hasn’t been cleared to swing a bat or throw yet. The 24-year-old fantasy standout has been on the shelf recovering from a right forearm strain since April 22. There should be a clearer return timetable at some point in the coming weeks, but fantasy managers shouldn’t expect a return anytime soon.

Pederson will get a chance at the top of the order to face Diamondbacks righty Zac Gallen during Tuesday’s contest. The 34-year-old veteran has mostly batted towards the bottom of the order this season. He’s posted a pedestrian .665 OPS with two homers and eight RBI through 37 games. He remains a non-factor in the overwhelming majority of fantasy leagues.

Tatis remains in search of his first home run of the season heading into his 40th game of the season during Tuesday’s series opener in Milwaukee. However, he’s going to make his 10th appearance at the keystone already this season, which has significant fantasy ramifications moving forward since he’ll gain eligibility in most leagues at one of the scarcest position groups in the game.

Caissie will sit out his second consecutive contest after being scratched from Sunday’s lineup with left triceps discomfort. The 23-year-old rookie outfielder has gotten off to a slow start in his Miami debut, hitting .198/.254/.317 with two homers, 17 RBI and two thefts in 114 plate appearances over 35 games.

It sounds like Peña, who has been on the shelf working his way back from a hamstring strain since April 13, will spend most of this week on a rehab assignment. It makes sense since he’s been out of game action for nearly an entire month. There’s a chance he’s ready to return to Houston at some point later this week, but fantasy managers shouldn’t count on it.

The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Kevin Acee reports Verdugo will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. The 29-year-old outfielder never wound up appearing in a game for the Padres after signing a minor league contract back in early March.