MLB Player News

Goldschmidt went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Monday's 5-3 win over the Diamondbacks.

Goldschmidt's slow start has been the cause of much consternation for St. Louis, and it's led to him batting fifth in the last two games. He's gone 3-for-7 since the drop in the order, so it looks like the change is at least having a short-term effect. The first baseman is batting a meager .195 with a .566 OPS, two homers, nine RBI and eight runs scored over 94 plate appearances. Goldschmidt's track record will give him a lot of leeway to work out of his struggles, but it's possible that the 36-year-old may be starting to feel his age as well.

The Cubs are expected to recall Mervis from Triple-A Iowa prior to Tuesday's game against the Astros, Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reports.

Hayden Wesneski is also headed back to the majors, per Birch. There's no word yet on what the corresponding moves will be, but Wesneski would have to replace an injured player since he hasn't been down 10 days yet. That could point to an injured list stint for Ian Happ (hamstring). Mervis is slashing .288/.402/.606 with five home runs and a 19:12 K:BB over his first 82 plate appearances with Iowa this season. He could see some action in the designated hitter spot for the Cubs.

Casas (rib) underwent an MRI on Monday that confirmed the expectation that he'll be out for a significant length of time, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

The Red Sox haven't placed a timetable on Casas' return, but it seems likely he'll blow past the 10-day minimum on the injured list. For now, the team plans to get by with a combination of Bobby Dalbec, Pablo Reyes and possibly Rob Refsnyder, who has been working at the position since the start of spring training. Another option is for Boston to wait and see what happens after May 1, when several players could exercise opt-out clauses.

Alonso went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's loss to the Giants.

Alonso accounted for the Mets' first run with a fifth-inning solo blast to left field. The long ball snapped a seven-game homerless drought for the slugger, and he had gone just 4-for-26 with one RBI during that stretch. Alonso still leads the team -- and is tied for third in the majors -- with seven homers on the campaign, though he's knocked in just 12 runs.

Clemens went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run and a double during Monday's 7-0 win over the Reds.

Clemens filled the role of Bryce Harper (personal) rather admirably, earning the start at first base and contributing two extra-base hits. Following his double in the fourth, Clemens capped his day with a three-run homer over the wall in right center on a full count in the ninth to help rubber stamp the Phillies' win. Despite the performance, Clemens may not remain in Philly for much longer, as Harper should return from the paternity list in a few days, likely signaling Clemens' return to Triple-A.

Mountcastle isn't in the lineup for Monday's game against the Angels due to knee soreness, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

Skipper Brandon Hyde noted the team is holding Mountcastle out of the lineup in the series opener simply as a precaution. Hyde also stated that the first baseman will be available off the bench Monday if the situation arises.

The Padres recalled Batten from Triple-A El Paso on Monday.

The move comes with Manny Machado going on paternity leave. Batten has made one appearance in the majors this season, starting at first base and going 1-for-3 with a triple against the Brewers on April 17. With Triple-A El Paso this season, Batten is slashing .224/.318/.293 with one home run and nine RBI over 66 plate appearances, adding two stolen bases.

Burger (intercostal) will be evaluated soon to determine whether he can begin hitting, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

It's been a week since Burger landed on the injured list with a left intercostal strain, and the infielder is feeling better. He would likely need to start with some low-impact hitting drills initially before progressing to batting practice and eventually rehab games. It's still too early to determine a potential timetable for Burger's return.

Manager Kevin Cash said Aranda (finger) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham later this week, Steve Carney of StPeteNine.com reports.

Aranda had the pins removed from his surgically repaired right ring finger a week ago, and he looks to be nearing a return to game action. The 25-year-old has been sidelined for the past month, so he'll need a good number of rehab at-bats before being activated from the 10-day injured list. Aranda had been in line to serve as the Rays' primary designated hitter against right-handed pitching before getting hurt.

Clemens will start at first base and bat eighth in Monday's game in Cincinnati.

After being called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley earlier in the day, Clemens will get the first chance to fill in for everyday first baseman Bryce Harper, who was placed on the paternity list. The 27-year-old Clemens received 148 plate appearances with the Phillies last season, producing a .644 OPS with four home runs. Clemens will likely be sent back down to Triple-A once Harper is ready to return later this week.