MLB Player News

Winker (illness) will serve as the Mets' designated hitter and No. 6 batter in Monday's game against the Twins.

Winker hadn't been included in the New York lineup for any of the previous five games while recovering from flu-like symptoms. After checking out fine following a pinch-hitting appearance in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Athletics and then resting in Sunday's 8-0 win in the series finale, Winker has now been given the green light to make his first start in a week. A healthy Winker should continue to occupy the strong side of a platoon at designated hitter, while Starling Marte draws the majority of the starts versus left-handed pitching.

Ohtani (elbow) threw 30 pitches and sat around 90-to-92 miles per hour with his fastball in his most recent bullpen session Saturday, MLB.com reports.

After undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his non-throwing shoulder in November, Ohtani has bounced back nicely while filling an everyday role at designated hitter for the Dodgers to begin the season, slashing .273/.377/.500 with four home runs and four stolen bases through 17 games. He still has yet to make his debut on the mound for the Dodgers while ramping back up from his September 2023 Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, but he's been gradually increasing the volume and intensity of his bullpen sessions and could be ready to face hitters within the next few weeks. He remains without a clear timeline to make his first appearance as a pitcher with the Dodgers, and because of the impact he provides as a hitter, Ohtani won't be a candidate to go out on a minor-league rehab assignment to get stretched out. Instead, he'll have to build up as a pitcher through simulated games, which the Dodgers will have to strategically map out so as not to interfere with his regular routine as the team's DH.

Winker has been on the bench for five straight games while dealing with flu-like symptoms, Tim Britton of the Athletic reports.

The 31-year-old was able to pinch hit Saturday, so the Mets don't seem to be contemplating an IL stint for Winker. He's batting .200 (5-for-25) to begin the season and is still looking for his first home run, but he should return to the strong side of a platoon at DH once healthy.

Suzuki (wrist) is not in the Cubs' starting lineup against the Dodgers on Sunday.

Suzuki left in the fifth inning of Saturday's contest after experiencing pain in his right wrist, which he originally injured against the Rangers this past Monday. Justin Turner will serve as the designated hitter and bat third against Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow in the series finale.

Bryant is not in the Rockies' starting lineup against the Padres on Sunday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Bryant went 0-for-7 with two strikeouts in the first two games of the series. Kyle Farmer will serve as the designated hitter and bat third against Padres right-hander Michael King.

Marte is not in the Mets' starting lineup against the Athletics on Sunday.

Marte will begin Sunday's game in the dugout after going 1-for-9 with two RBI and three strikeouts over the first two games of the series. Mark Vientos will serve as the designated hitter while Luisangel Acuna and Brett Baty start at second and third base, respectively.

Sheets is not in the Padres' starting lineup against the Rockies on Sunday.

With Colorado sending southpaw Kyle Freeland to the mound, Sheets will retreat to the dugout while Luis Arraez serves as the designated hitter. Sheets has gone 2-for-5 with two walks and a solo homer in the first two games of the series.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said after Saturday's win over the Dodgers that Suzuki (wrist) is considered day-to-day, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Suzuki was lifted from Saturday's contest in the top of the fifth inning due to right wrist pain. Counsell said Suzuki initially injured the wrist Monday against the Rangers. If Suzuki is unable to play in Sunday's series finale against Los Angeles, Justin Turner would be the most logical candidate to fill in as the designated hitter.

Suzuki was removed from Saturday's game against the Dodgers due to right wrist pain, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Miguel Amaya pinch hit for Suzuki in the top of the fifth inning. Suzuki initially dealt with wrist discomfort earlier this month when the Cubs were in Sacramento facing the Athletics. Before leaving Saturday, Suzuki was 0-for-2 at the plate. He entered the day slashing .302/.400/.556 with four home runs, 15 RBI, 11 runs scored, one stolen base, 11 walks and a league-high 23 strikeouts.

Bell went 1-for-4 with a two-run single in Saturday's 7-6 loss to Miami.

Bell tied things up in the third inning, when his single to left field brought Keibert Ruiz and James Wood across home plate. Bell has gone 3-for-11 with three walks, three runs scored, one home run and five RBI across his last three starts.