MLB Player News

Soler will start at designated hitter and bat cleanup in Sunday's game against the Padres.

After completing his four-game suspension Saturday, Soler will slot back into his typical spot in the heart of the Angels lineup for the series finale. Jo Adell will move down to the No. 6 spot in the order after occupying the cleanup spot during three of the four games that Soler was out.

Cortes is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox.

Cortes and fellow left-handed hitters Jeff McNeil and Lawrence Butler will hit the bench for the series finale while southpaw Noah Schultz takes the hill for the White Sox. Since Brent Rooker (oblique) landed on the injured list April 10, Cortes has gained a foothold in the Athletics' regular lineup versus right-handed pitching while shuffling between the corner-outfield spots and designated hitter.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Luis Torrens will receive a turn behind the plate while Alvarez rests after going hitless in four at-bats Saturday night. Alvarez has been largely exempt from the Mets' recent struggles, going 7-for-28 with more walks (five) than strikeouts (four) during the team's 10-game losing streak.

Stanton is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals.

Stanton will hit the bench for the second Sunday in a row, as the Yankees will give the veteran slugger some rest after he had started each of the last six days while going 3-for-25 (.120 average) with one home run, two RBI and an additional run over that stretch. Ben Rice will replace Stanton in the lineup as the Yankees' designated hitter.

Ozuna went 2-for-6 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 8-7 extra-innings loss to the Rays.

After batting an abysmal .051 through the Pirates' first 14 games, Ozuna has now hit safely in six straight appearances and has two homers over the last three contests. The 35-year-old might be finding his swing and has boosted his slash line to .185/.254/.292 with two homers, seven RBI, six runs scored and a 6:16 BB:K across 71 plate appearances.

Taillon (1-1) picked up the win Saturday, allowing one run on five hits and three walks over six innings in a 4-2 victory over the Mets. He struck out four.

The veteran right-hander delivered his second quality start of the season on 100 pitches (61 strikes), and the only blemish on his line was a Mark Vientos solo shot in the second inning. Taillon has given the Cubs six innings in three straight trips to the mound, and he'll take a 3.97 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 21:9 K:BB through 22.2 innings into his next outing, which is set to come on the road next weekend against the Dodgers.

Sosa isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Sosa's 0-for-3 performance Friday ended what had been a seven-game hitting streak. The Blue Jays will give him a break Saturday, providing Eloy Jimenez with an opportunity to work as the DH.

Loperfido (quadriceps) is not in the Astros' starting lineup against the Cardinals on Saturday.

Loperfido injured his right quad during Friday's series opener. He'll rest up Saturday in hopes that he is cleared to return to the lineup for Sunday's series finale. Houston will instead start Yordan Alvarez, Taylor Trammell and Cam Smith in the outfield from left to right.

Alvarez went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Friday's 9-4 loss to the Cardinals.

Alvarez's solo shot off right-hander Kyle Leahy in the bottom of the third inning was Alvarez's eighth long ball of the season, matching Jordan Walker and Aaron Judge for the league lead. The lefty slugger's longest home run drought is three games this season. He also has six doubles on the year. Alvarez has started all 21 games to this point and is slashing .333/.479/.750 with the eight homers, 19 RBI, 17 runs scored, one stolen base and an 18:10 BB:K across 94 plate appearances. In addition to home runs, Alvarez also leads the majors in RBI and walks.

Harper went 3-for-4 with a triple in Friday's 9-0 loss to Atlanta.

The three-bagger was Harper's first of the season and the 25th of his career. After starting the season in a 2-for-20 cold spell during March, the All-Star first baseman is tearing the cover off the ball in April. Over 50 at-bats on the month so far, Harper is batting .360 with 10 extra-base hits, nine RBI, eight walks and one stolen base.