MLB Player News

Singer was staked to a four-run lead by the second inning and was able to breeze through five relatively painless frames to pick up his third win of the year. He finished with five strikeouts, walked three batters and also hit Brett Baty twice. He’s allowed three earned runs or fewer in five of his last six starts dating back to May 12. He’ll face the division-rival Brewers at home on Monday.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters Barger suffered the injury while ramping up his hitting progression as he worked his way back from elbow inflammation. The 26-year-old has been limited to just nine games this season due to injury and won’t make it back until well into the second half following this latest setback.

Altuve is back at second base and hitting leadoff following a one-game absence due to a minor leg issue. The 36-year-old veteran second baseman was a bit shaken up on a hard slide during Saturday’s contest against the Tigers, but appears ready to roll after some extra time off.

Smith is patrolling right field and hitting sixth after fouling a ball off his foot over the weekend. The 23-year-old former top prospect didn’t end up missing any time since he came off the bench during Sunday’s series finale against Detroit. He’s homered twice in his last six games, but continues to be a liability in the batting average department, which severely limits his realistic fantasy appeal.

It’s challenging to dismiss the possibility of a trip to the injured list despite a CT scan coming back clean on Suarez’s left hand. The 34-year-old veteran was hit by a pitch during Sunday’s series finale against the Pirates but expressed optimism on Monday that he’ll be able to avoid an extended absence after imaging revealed no structural damage. Fantasy managers should prepare to be without Suárez for at least a couple days, but it sounds like he managed to avoid serious injury.

There was reason for concern after De La Cruz sprained his left ankle during Sunday’s series finale against the Pirates. The 24-year-old fantasy superstar was able to finish out the contest, just his second since returning from a three-week stint on the injured list with a hamstring strain, and the Reds have apparently determined that he won’t require any additional time off to recover. It’s an extremely encouraging sign that he’s ready for Monday’s contest in Milwaukee at DH while Matt McLain handles shortstop with rookie Edwin Arroyo at the keystone.

DeLauter remains limited to DH in order to eliminate any unnecessary injury risk from playing right field while working his way back from a small fracture in his right ribs. The 24-year-old rookie standout went 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI against the Mariners on Sunday in his return from the injured list. He’s been a hitting machine from the moment he was drafted back in 2022 and should continue batting in the heart of Cleveland’s lineup until further notice. Needless to say, he should be rostered in all fantasy formats.

Greene receives his first day following 84 consecutive starts to open the season. The 25-year-old fantasy stalwart appears unlikely to match last year’s career-high 36 home runs, but a quick glance under the hood reveals that he’s making just as much hard contact while also displaying vastly improved plate skills. He’s still delivering early-round fantasy value, just in a completely different package. It’ll be Matt Vierling getting the nod in left field to face Yankees lefty Ryan Weathers.

Hernández returns to Los Angeles’ lineup following a nearly five-week absence recovering from a hamstring strain. The 33-year-old veteran slugger homered in three of his four minor league rehab contests for Triple-A Oklahoma City. He’s cobbled together a pedestrian year at the dish by his typical standards, slashing .276/.348/.436 with seven homers, 31 RBI and two steals in 204 plate appearances through 51 games. However, his return adds some much-needed over-the-fence pop for the Dodgers as they approach the All-Star break.

Ward heads back to the minors with veteran slugger Teoscar Hernández returning from the injured list for Monday’s series opener against the Athletics. The 28-year-old has hit .218 (12-for-55) with three homers and 12 RBI across 60 plate appearances in 20 games this season, his first real opportunity after years dominating the Pacific Coast League. He’s earned a real shot in the majors, but there simply isn’t room for him given Los Angeles’ overabundance of corner outfield depth. It would make sense if he were shipped elsewhere at the upcoming trade deadline.

Tuesday is the first day that Hicks can be activated from the injured list for his lower back inflammation. On Saturday, the Marlins said he was participating in full baseball activities and had no issues with swinging. There have been no updates since then, but if Hicks didn’t suffer any setbacks, then he should be able to return to join the team in Colorado.