MLB Player News
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Jake Burger 3B | TEX
Rangers' Jake Burger: Homers in win
Burger went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, two RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 5-4 win over the White Sox.
Burger opened the scoring with a two-run blast in the second inning and then doubled and scored in the ninth. Since rejoining the Rangers on May 1, the 29-year-old has gone 14-for-48 with eight extra base hits and nine RBI over 13 games. On the year, he's slashing .223/.259/.426 with seven long balls, 21 RBI, 18 runs scored and one stolen base across 158 plate appearances.
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Willson Contreras C | STL
Cardinals' Willson Contreras: Aiming for return Monday
Contreras (back) may return to the Cardinals' lineup Monday versus the Orioles, John Denton of MLB.com reports.
Contreras was once again sidelined for Sunday's 4-3 win over the Diamondbacks, missing his third straight game with back spasms. Manager Oli Marmol said following the contest that the catcher is doing "better" and that he hopes Contreras will start Monday's series opener in Baltimore. Considering Contreras was able to move around the field and take batting practice Sunday, he appears to be on track for a return to the lineup in the near future.
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Nick Kurtz 1B | ATH
Athletics' Nick Kurtz: Not starting Sunday
Kurtz (hip) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels.
Kurtz's absence from the lineup isn't especially surprising after he was lifted late in Saturday's 11-inning loss to the Phillies due to the left hip flexor injury he sustained while running the bases. The Athletics are currently labeling Kurtz as day-to-day, but his availability for the start of the team's upcoming series in Houston following Monday's team off day isn't yet known. Logan Davidson will cover first base Sunday in Kurtz's stead.
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Rowdy Tellez 1B | TEX
Mariners' Rowdy Tellez: Idle against southpaw
Tellez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros.
Tellez will take a seat for the second straight game while the Astros send another lefty to the hill in Colton Gordon. Donovan Solano will cover first base in Tellez's stead.
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Michael Busch 3B | CHC
Cubs' Michael Busch: Sitting against southpaw
Busch is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds.
Busch will sit for the third time in five games, with all of his absences coming against left-handed pitching. The Cubs appear to be viewing Busch as a pure platoon player, as he's logged just 25 plate appearances against lefties all season and is slashing just .143/.280/.190 in those matchups. Justin Turner will replace Busch at first base.
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Ryan Mountcastle 1B | BAL
Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle: Exiting starting nine Sunday
Mountcastle is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox.
Mountcastle looks to be getting a rest day after starting six of the Orioles' last seven games, including the second leg of Saturday's doubleheader. Emmanuel Rivera will fill in at first base for Mountcastle, who is slashing .266/.286/.342 with no home runs so far in May.
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Jake Bauers RF | MIL
Brewers' Jake Bauers: Playing time trending up
Bauers is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates.
Though he'll be on the bench Sunday while the Pirates send southpaw Bailey Falter to the hill, Bauers seems to be the Brewers' preferred option in left field against right-handed pitching over the switch-hitting Isaac Collins. Bauers had started three of the last four matchups with righties, though he went just 1-for-11 with two walks and a stolen base during that stretch.
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Spencer Steer 1B | CIN
Reds' Spencer Steer: Taking seat Sunday
Steer is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.
Steer is in the midst of a 12-game hit streak, during which he's batting .357 (15-for-42) with five doubles and a homer, but he'll sit Sunday after starting the previous five contests. Connor Joe will take over at first base and bat eighth versus Chicago righty Ben Brown.
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Carlos Santana 1B | CHC
Guardians' Carlos Santana: Late scratch Sunday
Santana was scratched from the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers due to left leg tightness, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.
The Guardians are labeling Santana's removal from the starting nine as a precautionary measure, in part due to the quick turnaround from Saturday night's game and Sunday's early start time. Kyle Manzardo will step in at first base and bat fifth against Detroit ace Tarik Skubal.
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Willson Contreras C | STL
Cardinals' Willson Contreras: Sitting again Sunday
Contreras (back) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.
Manager Oliver Marmol previously indicated that Contreras was expected to play Sunday, but the 33-year-old will instead sit for a third straight game due to back spasms. Alec Burleson will receive another start at first base for the Cardinals in Contreras' absence. According to John Denton of MLB.com, Contreras seemed to be moving around on the field prior to Sunday's game and was able to take some swings in the batting page, so the Cardinals are still seemingly viewing him as day-to-day heading into Monday's series opener in Baltimore.