MLB Player News

Santana went 1-for-4 with a solo home run during Sunday's win over Minnesota.

After leading off all season, Santana was dropped to the five-hole Sunday, and Jason Kipnis batted first. Kipnis hit two home runs and Santana hit his fourth of the season, so the swap might stick. Considering Santana's underwhelming start to the year, being relegated down the lineup could be the catalyst for an uptick in production without sacrificing much fantasy upside. He'll certainly be in line for more RBI opportunities while batting in the middle of the lineup.

Cron (foot) was activated from the 10-day disabled list, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports. He'll start at first base and bat sixth in the lineup Sunday against the Tigers.

Cron rejoins the Angels following a three-game rehab assignment at Triple-A Salt Lake, during which he went 5-for-12 with a home run and two doubles. With Luis Valbuena beating him back from the disabled list, Cron looks bound to settle for the small side of a platoon at first base, though both will be in Sunday's lineup with designated hitter Albert Pujols (personal) unavailable.

Santana will bat fifth in the order and man first base in Sunday's game against the Twins, Zack Meisel of Cleveland.com reports.

The lefty-hitting Jason Kipnis (.346 average in 26 at-bats) has enjoyed some success against Twins southpaw Hector Santiago, so perhaps in recognition of that, manager Terry Francona will move Kipnis up to the leadoff spot while Santana drops in the order. Santana has been stuck in a 1-for-13 slump over the last four games, but it's unlikely that Francona will completely pull the plug on him as the Tribe's table setter.

Calhoun was moved down to fifth in the batting order Friday, going 2-for-3 with a stolen base and a run in a win over the Tigers.

Manager Mike Scioscia wanted to shake up his lineup in order to spark a slumping offense, and it worked Friday. Moving out of a favorable spot in front of Mike Trout will result in tougher at-bats for Calhoun, but it could also lead to increased RBI opportunities. A change in the lineup could also help spark the veteran's slumping bat. He is slashing just .236/.308/.354 through 37 games.

Gurriel is not in the starting lineup against the Yankees on Friday.

Gurriel is just 3-for-23 over the past week, so manager A.J. Hinch will give him a day to get his mind right. Utility player Marwin Gonzalez will man first base in his absence.

Carter is not in the Yankees' starting lineup Friday against the Astros.

Jacoby Ellsbury gets the start at DH and Aaron Hicks slots into center field, relegating Carter to the bench. The power-hitting righty is just 4-for-20 over his last eight games and has not hit a home run since April 21 after blasting 41 of them last season.

Cron (foot) went 2-for-4 in a rehab game with Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday, his first action since taking a pitch to the wrist Sunday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Cron played all nine innings at first base, a firm indication he's fit to resume everyday baseball activities. The 27-year-old says his bruised foot has completely healed, but the Angels are unsure of how many at-bats they want him to get in the minors. Luis Valbuena and Jefry Marte have been filling in as a platoon at first base, so there's no pressing need to have Cron back in the lineup right away.

O'Hearn said he gained a lot of confidence from his production last season, as well as getting the chance to join the Royals in spring training for a while this year, Tony Boone of the Omaha World-Herald reports.

The first baseman is slashing .262/.325/.486 with six home runs and 14 RBI through his first 28 games at the Triple-A level. With Eric Hosmer widely thought to be on his way out (whether via trade or free agency), O'Hearn is not far from making his MLB debut. "You know it's there. It's been there," O'Hearn said. "Everybody knows Hosmer is going to be a free agent, and we don't know if he's going to be a Royal anymore or not. It's really out of my control. All I can do is play every day here, play as hard as I can and try to continue to get better and progress." The 23-year-old admitted he could use some work to improve his defensive, but didn't hesitate in adding that he feels ready to compete at the MLB level.

Mountcastle is crushing pitchers to the tune of a .305/.338/.542 slash line with seven home runs, 23 RBI and 22 runs through 33 games with High-A Frederick.

Mountcastle, the O's first-round pick in 2015, is well on his way to MiLB's higher levels. His home run, RBI and run totals are all good for top-five marks in the Carolina League, while the shortstop's 40 hits ranks first. Mountcastle is still working out defensive kinks -- he made 21 errors at short in 2016 -- and where he fits defensively is still up in the air. But one thing's for sure; the 20-year-old can swing it, and Mountcastle is deserving of a spot across most dynasty leagues that reserve slots for minor league players.

Diaz will start in left field and bat eighth Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

After serving as the Indians' primary third baseman in his first stint with the big club earlier this season, Diaz has settled in as the team's left fielder since his promotion Monday. With Michael Brantley (ankle) still day-to-day, Diaz's stay in the lineup may not last much longer, as the club still remains optimistic that Brantley will be able to rejoin the lineup at some point during the Tribe's weekend series with the Twins.