MLB Player News

Cooper (ear) is feeling better but remains shut down from baseball activities, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Cooper landed on the injured list Wednesday with an inner ear infection, an issue which had been bothering him for a few days. He should be able to make a quick return once he's totally symptom-free.

The Cubs selected Mervis' contract from Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

News broke Thursday of Mervis' impending promotion and the move is now official. The Cubs have received very little production from Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini in the first base/designated hitter spots, so they've now turned to their top prospect in hopes that he can provide a boost. Mervis sports a .286/.402/.560 slash line with six home runs and a 19:18 K:BB over 24 games with Iowa this season. It'll be the 25-year-old's first stint in the big leagues. Mervis is starting at first base and batting seventh in his debut Friday versus the Marlins and manager David Ross confirmed that the rookie would be in the lineup regularly, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Santana went 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI in Thursday's 3-2 loss against Tampa Bay.

Santana spearheaded the Pirates' ninth-inning rally, plating Tucupita Marcano and Bryan Reynolds with a double off Jason Adam to bring Pittsburgh to within a run. However, the first basemen would not advance past second base, as Connor Joe struck out to end any hopes of a Pirates victory. Santana is now up to 19 RBI on the season, despite only having two homers, and is tied for fourth in MLB with 11 doubles.

Olson went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Thursday's 6-3 win over Miami.

Olson gave Atlanta a bit more breathing room with his ninth-inning solo shot. He's hit safely in five of his last six games, going 5-for-23 with two homers, four RBI and eight runs scored in that span. He's up to nine long balls, 26 RBI, 27 runs and a .244/.363/.528 slash line through 32 contests overall. The first baseman is also striking out at a career-worst 34.9 percent rate.

The Cubs are expected to promote Mervis from Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Mervis had a massive breakout season in the minors last year (.984 OPS, 36 home runs, 119 RBI in 137 games) as he ascended through three different levels of the Cubs' farm system, and he's backed it up out of the gate here in 2023 with a .962 OPS in 24 games at Triple-A Iowa. The 25-year-old should get everyday playing time between first base and designated hitter and offers high-level fantasy upside in the power department. Trey Mancini and Eric Hosmer could both be dinged on playing time with the arrival of Mervis, though that should be a good thing overall for Chicago's offense.

Cronenworth went 2-for-3 with a run scored in Wednesday's 7-1 victory over Cincinnati.

Cronenworth has hit safely in five straight contests, going 8-for-22 over that stretch. Following a sluggish start to the season, the 29-year-old Cronenworth is now slashing .241/.315/.429 with three home runs, 14 RBI and 16 runs scored. While he can be overshadowed by some of the other names in San Diego, Cronenworth is a solid fantasy option while hitting in the middle of a powerful Padres' lineup.

Steer went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's loss to San Diego.

Steer was responsible for the Reds' lone run in Wednesday's lopsided loss, smacking a solo shot off Seth Lugo to lead off the sixth inning. It's the third home run of the season for Steer and his first since April 9. The 25-year-old third baseman is slashing a respectable .240/.316/.404 with 14 runs scored and 10 RBI through 117 plate appearances. Steer offers intriguing power potential and should continue to see a regular role on a rebuilding Reds team.

Walker went 2-for-4 with two home runs, five RBI, three runs and a walk during Wednesday's 12-7 win over the Rangers.

Walker put Arizona on the board with a three-run blast during the third inning and followed up with a solo shot in the fifth. He also walked with the bases loaded in the seventh and came around to score. The 32-year-old clubbed just two home runs in his first 20 games of the season, but he's found his power stroke over the past nine contests, going 12-for-34 (.353 average) with five long balls, 14 RBI and nine runs.

Flores went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 4-2 victory over the Astros.

Flores, starting at DH against left-hander Framber Valdez, extended the Giants' lead to 4-2 in the top of the ninth with a solo homer off Bryan Abreu. It was the fifth home run of the season for Flores and his third in eight games. He's gotten off to a solid start at the plate, slashing .253/.303/.470 with 12 runs scored and 10 RBI through 83 plate appearances. However, it's hard to count on consistent production from Flores as he's fallen into a short-side platoon role with LaMonte Wade and Joc Pederson.

Gurriel will start at first base and bat third in Wednesday's game against Atlanta, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The 38-year-old will pick up his third start in four games, and he could be headed for regular playing time at first base in the short term after Garrett Cooper (ear) was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday. Even at his advanced age, Gurriel continues to make contact at a high rate, so he could make for a decent source of batting average while he's getting steady playing time. Fantasy managers shouldn't look to him for much power production, however.