MLB Player News

Votto's RBI-single Sunday against the Cardinals' Carlos Martinez was measured with a 113.6 mph exit velocity, just his second ball over 110 mph according to Statcast since 2015, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Votto hasn't benefited from the livelier ball the last few years, in no small part because he frequently hasn't been at full strength, but he appears healthier now. With him batting in the third spot in the order, the Reds need a far better season from him Votto than they've received the last few seasons.

Smith is not in the lineup Monday against the Phillies.

The Mets had to wait four days to start their season due to the Nationals' COVID-19 outbreak, and Smith will have to wait at least one more day to make his first start. He'll be on the bench against lefty Matt Moore, with Brandon Nimmo sliding to left field and Kevin Pillar leading off and playing center field.

Cooper was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Monday due to his reaction to the coronavirus vaccine, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Per Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com, Cooper's absence isn't expected to be a long one, and he could return as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. League rules allow a team to call up an additional player when someone is sidelined for even a brief period due to COVID-19-related issues, however, so the Marlins will add Jordan Holloway to the roster in his absence.

Dalbec isn't starting Monday's game against the Rays, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Dalbec went hitless with one walk and five strikeouts in 11 plate appearances to begin the season, and he'll get a day off for the series opener against Tampa Bay. Marwin Gonzalez will step in at first base Monday, batting seventh.

Diaz isn't starting Monday's game against the Red Sox, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Diaz had a strong performance Saturday against the Marlins with a double and two RBI, but he'll get a breather for Monday's series opener against Boston. Yoshi Tsutsugo will shift to first base Monday while Austin Meadows serves as the designated hitter.

Naylor will start in right field and bat seventh Monday against the Royals.

The lefty-hitting Naylor has now started in each of Cleveland's first four games, with three of those assignments coming against southpaws. Cleveland appears to be using a platoon of Ben Gamel and Jordan Luplow in center field, but Naylor and Eddie Rosario look to have clear paths to everyday roles at the corner spots. Through his first three games, Naylor has gone 3-for-12 with a pair of doubles and a run.

Gurriel went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Sunday's 9-2 win over Oakland.

Gurriel's .179 spring-training batting average has given way to a hot start in the regular season. Perhaps that's why he was raised from seventh to fifth in the batting order Sunday, although Michael Brantley's wrist injury may have played a role as well. The first basemen is 7-for-15 with a home run and three RBI over the first four games.

Vaughn will start Monday and Tuesday against left-handers, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Vaughn, who was held out of Sunday's series finale against the Angels, has started two of the first four games. One game facing a left-hander and one a right-hander. He may eventually settle into a primary role at DH, but the White Sox have rolled with the uber-hot Yermin Mercedes as designated hitter the last three games.

Lowe went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Sunday's 7-3 win over the Royals.

Lowe opened the scoring with his third-inning homer. It was his first long ball of the season. The 25-year-old worked as the designated hitter Sunday, but he's also the Rangers' primary first baseman to begin the year. Lowe went 5-for-14 (.357) with a homer, nine RBI and two runs scored in the three-game series against the Royals. He also struck out five times and didn't draw a walk. Plate discipline could be a factor later in the year if he starts to slump.

Guerrero went 1-for-4 with a home run in Sunday's win over the Yankees.

Guerrero has hit safely in his three games to date, but this one was his most impactful performance since he went deep for the first time in 2021. The slugging infielder has scratched the surface of his potential in his first two years in the majors, but he seems primed to take a huge leap forward in 2021.