MLB Player News

Loftin went 2-for-2 with a double, three RBI and a walk in Monday's loss to the Orioles.

Entering for Michael Massey in the seventh inning, Loftin reached safely in all three plate appearances, highlighted by a bases-clearing double as the Royals attempted a comeback in the 12th inning. Recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Monday as the corresponding move for Jonathan India (shoulder) being placed on the injured list, Loftin's positional versatility should help him earn opportunities, though most of his starts are likely to come at second base against southpaws.

Walker went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run, a double and two additional runs scored in Monday's 9-2 win over the Guardians.

It was a breakout performance by Walker, who had entered Monday in a brief 0-for-15 cold spell over his prior five games. Following a disappointing debut season with Houston a year ago, Walker is off to an excellent start in 2026. The 35-year-old first baseman is slashing .274/.367/.536 with 12 extra-base hits, 18 RBI and 16 runs scored across 98 plate appearances.

Olson went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and an additional RBI in Monday's victory over Washington.

Olson walloped a Jake Irvin sinker over the center-field fence to tie the game at 2-2 in the fourth inning, and a five-run sixth inning carried Atlanta to the win. The first baseman has been outstanding all season, hitting safely in 12 of his past 13 games and in 20 of 23 contests overall in 2026. He's slashing .278/.365/.589 with six homers, 10 doubles, 19 RBI and 19 runs, continuing to assert his status as one of the most productive hitters in the National League.

The Royals recalled Loftin from Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Loftin is expected to fill a utility role during his latest stint with the Royals, with his call-up corresponding with Jonathan India's (shoulder) move to the 10-day injured list. Capable of playing three infield spots as well as well as the corner outfield, Loftin could end up seeing most of his opportunities at second base, where he'll profile as a potential platoon partner for the left-handed-hitting Michael Massey.

Hoskins will start at designated hitter and bat fifth in Monday's game against the Astros.

Hoskins will stick in the lineup for a fourth straight game, with Cleveland having faced three right-handed starters during that stretch. The 33-year-old had begun to lose out on regular starts after striking out at a 41.4 percent clip over his first eight games, but he's turned in more competitive plate appearances since then, walking nearly as often as he's struck out (5:6 BB:K). Hoskins is still batting just .192 on the season and isn't providing much power either (one home run), making him an underwhelming fantasy option through the first three-plus weeks.

Torkelson is absent from the lineup for Monday's game in Boston.

It's been a dreadful start to the season for Torkelson, who is slashing just .182/.333/.227 and has yet to homer. The Tigers will roll with Colt Keith at first base Monday while Torkelson gets a breather.

Horwitz went 1-for-2 with a solo home run Sunday against the Rays.

Horwitz began the game on the bench with a lefty on the mound, though he entered as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning. He slugged his second homer of the season in his first plate appearance, both of which have come in his last seven appearances. He's gone 6-for-18 with three RBI and four runs scored in that span.

Murakami went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 7-4 win over Athletics.

Murakami extended his club's lead with a towering two-run blast in a lefty-lefty matchup against Jeffrey Springs in the fifth inning. It marked the first-year slugger's third homer in as many days and eighth of the season. His .208 batting average and 33.3 percent strikeout rate leave something to be desired, but Murakami's power, combined with a 21.5 percent walk rate, has helped produce a .918 OPS through 22 games.

Rice went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, two walks and an additional run scored in Sunday's 7-0 win over the Royals.

Rice's second-inning homer marked his fourth consecutive game with a long ball. The 27-year-old first baseman was a popular breakout candidate entering 2026, and he's delivered on those expectations to this point. Through 84 plate appearances, Rice is slashing .338/.476/.800 with eight big flies, six doubles, 18 RBI and 21 runs scored.

Ward started at first base and went 2-for-5 with an RBI in Sunday's loss to the Rockies.

Ward made his big-league debut and produced early, notching his first MLB hit and RBI with a fourth-inning single. The reigning Pacific Coast League MVP was off to a monster start at Triple-A Oklahoma City, posting a 1.020 OPS through 18 games, which prompted his promotion following Freddie Freeman's move to the paternity list. Earning regular opportunities with the Dodgers will be difficult, though Ward has more than proven himself against Triple-A pitching and turned in an encouraging MLB debut.