MLB Player News

Pederson was removed from Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks due to right groin tightness, reports, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Pederson grounded in the top of the inning and then was replaced in the field by Enrique Hernandez half an inning later, which the team said was merely precautionary. Although hamstring injuries can be tricky, there is a decent chance he will be able to avoid a trip to the disabled list, assuming it's nothing worse than the team is letting on.

Cespedes (hamstring) is out of Sunday's lineup against the Nationals.

As expected, Cespedes will remain out Sunday. In his place, Michael Conforto will start in left field. The Mets have Monday off, so consider Cespedes day-to-day heading into Tuesday's matchup against the Braves.

Goins will start at shortstop and bat ninth in the order Sunday against the Angels, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reports.

It's the fourth start in a row for Goins, who looks poised to hold down a full-time role in the short term following Troy Tulowitzki's (hamstring) placement on the disabled list Saturday. Goins has shown some decent plate discipline in the past, but with little power or speed to speak of and a career .224 batting average, there's little fantasy upside to be mined here.

Vogelbach was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Vogelbach, who came over from the Cubs last July in the Mike Montgomery trade, boasts big-time pop, but didn't have a chance to showcase it much during an eight-game trial with the Mariners late last season. That could change now that Vogelbach is back with the big club after the Mariners opened up room on the active roster for him by designating Leonys Martin for assignment. According to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, Vogelbach will start at first base and bat fifth in the order Sunday against the Athletics, and it wouldn't be surprising if he ends up occupying the larger side of a platoon at first base with veteran Danny Valencia, who has struggled to a .145/.217/.226 batting line to begin the season. Vogelbach should warrant an immediate add in AL-only formats, and those in deeper mixed leagues may want to keep an eye on him over the next few games, too.

Manager Brad Ausmus said Sunday that the Tigers are hopeful Martinez (foot) will return from the 10-day disabled list later in April or in early May, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Martinez is gradually increasing the intensity of his workouts, most recently running at about 40-to-60 percent strength Friday. He's scheduled to run again Monday, and if his sprained right foot checks out fine, the 29-year-old could soon be sent out for a rehab assignment. With the Tigers recently placing Miguel Cabrera (groin) on the DL, the team could certainly benefit from Martinez's return sooner rather than later.

Brantley is out of the lineup Sunday against the White Sox.

Brantley has started seven of the last eight games, and with the White Sox bringing left-hander Derek Holland to the hill Sunday, manager Terry Francona decided it was an opportune time to give the veteran outfielder a day off. Brandon Guyer will fill in for Brantley in left field and bat third in the order.

Buxton is not in the lineup Sunday against the Tigers, Chad Graff of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Buxton has shown some improvement the last three games with two hits in eight at-bats, but he still struck out four times. The young outfielder's season-long struggles (6-for-58 with 27 strikeouts) have resulted in him getting more frequent days off, but the Twins have said they aren't yet ready to send him back to the minors for further refinement.

Brantley went 2-for-5 with a a two-run home run and two runs during Saturday's win over the White Sox.

After a lost 2016 campaign, Brantley is proving the shoulder injury is a thing of the past with a .310/.385/.517 slash line, nine runs, three home runs, 11 RBI and three stolen bases. His cross-category contributions make him a valuable asset and hitting in the heart of a potent lineup helps his fantasy floor.

Vargas was recalled Sunday from Triple-A Rochester, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

The Twins won't need a fifth starter until May 6, so the team optioned Adalberto Mejia to Triple-A to open up a spot on the active roster for Vargas. Look for the slugger to serve as a power bat off the bench, as Robbie Grossman has performed well enough to hold on to an everyday gig at designated hitter.

McCutchen went 1-for-2 with a home run, a stolen base, two walks and two RBI in Saturday's loss to the Yankees.

McCutchen got the Pirates on the board with his first-inning homer. He's hitting just .262 this month, and so far he's looking like the same hitter he was during his disappointing 2016 campaign. Until he shows signs of a breakout, he'll be difficult to count on as a top-line fantasy starter.