MLB Player News

The Yankees officially selected Ford's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday.

New York announced the transaction shortly after George A. King III of the New York Post reported that Ford would receive his first big-league callup. The 26-year-old will assume the active roster spot of first baseman/designated hitter Greg Bird, who was placed on the 10-day injured list after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Bird had struggled mightily at the plate prior to getting hurt, so there could be an opportunity for Ford to stick around with the big club even if Bird's absence proves to be only a short-term situation. Ford slashed a modest .251/.326/.433 over 108 games in the minors in 2018 but has been one of the top hitters early on in the International League this season, amassing a 1.364 OPS over his first 45 plate appearances.

The Yankees plan to select Ford's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre ahead of Tuesday's game against the Red Sox, George A. King III of the New York Post reports.

Ford has played almost exclusively at first base throughout his minor-league career, so his impending promotion could signal that the Yankees are planning to option Luke Voit or Greg Bird to the minors or to place one of the two on the injured list. Since Ford doesn't possess a spot on the 40-man roster, the Yankees will need to make a corresponding transaction later Tuesday before his callup is official. Ford has gotten off to a hot start in the International League this season, submitting a monstrous 1.364 OPS across 45 plate appearances.

Pederson went 2-for-4 with a walk, a two-run home run and a second run scored in Monday's 4-3 win over the Reds.

His seventh blast of the year was a dramatic one, as he took Cincy closer Raisel Iglesias deep for a walkoff homer. Pederson now sports a .255/.382/.691 slash line through 17 games, and if the 26-year-old keeps raking, he won't have to worry about a potential timeshare with Alex Verdugo.

Reyes went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Monday's 5-2 loss to Colorado.

Reyes now has four homers this year, all coming in the last eight games. After an impressive 16 long balls in 261 at-bats last season, the 23-year-old slugger is currently operating on an even better pace despite his .222 batting average.

Martinez went 2-for-4 with a double in Monday's 8-1 loss to the Orioles.

The double was the fifth in the last six games for Martinez, who extended his hit streak to six games and has reached base safely in all 17 games played. The Red Sox have under-performed thus far, but Martinez and the man who hits behind him, Xander Bogaerts, have been steady offensive contributors.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache determined Monday that Ohtani (elbow) can start to face live pitching, Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times reports.

As expected, Ohtani was given the green light to participate in live hitting, and he'll do so beginning in one week. Dr. ElAttrache informed the Angels that Ohtani's elbow has healed to the point where hitting won't impede his pitching rehab, and there's a definite possibility that the two-way player could return sometime in May as a batter. "All is good," stated skipper Brad Ausmus. "Everything came back good. The doctor was pleased and he's going to continue his progression. If all goes well, next week he'll see live pitchers. As to where that happens, that's still to be determined."

Ohtani (elbow) will begin to face live pitching in one week, assuming his visit to the doctor Monday went as planned, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

This is big news for Ohtani, as this latest update indicates he's nearing the final steps in his rehab. The Angels have yet to hear back about how his visit with the doctor went, although if all went according to plan, Ohtani will step into the batter's box against live hitting in a week. It's still unclear whether he'll do so in simulated games or while on a minor-league rehab stint.

Soler is on the bench for the first time this season Monday against the White Sox.

Soler has started nine games as a designated hitter and a further six in right field. Lucas Duda will fill the former position Monday, with Chris Owings in right field.

Winker is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers.

Despite emerging as the Reds' hottest hitter with four home runs in his last five games, Winker will retreat to the bench with a tough lefty (Clayton Kershaw) on the mound for the Dodgers. Winker will continue to sit against southpaws every so often, but the 25-year-old should otherwise maintain a relatively stable role as the team's leadoff hitter.

Belt (neck) went 0-for-3 with a strikeout Sunday in the Giants' 4-0 loss to the Rockies.

Like most of his Giants teammates, Belt couldn't muster any offense against Rockies starter German Marquez, who tossed a one-hit complete game. Belt at least proved his health by playing all nine innings a day after he was scratched from the lineup with a stiff neck.