MLB Player News

Witt went 0-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base, two runs scored and three strikeouts in Monday's 10-7 loss to the Guardians.

Witt had struck out just once in his first three major-league games, so there's little reason to be concerned about his poor day at the plate. He also picked up his first walk and stolen base in the loss. The 21-year-old has already dazzled on defense at third base, and he's shown a little power and speed -- both of his hits this season are doubles. Hitting second in a strong top half of the Royals' order should continue to give Witt chances to contribute in all five standard fantasy categories.

Mateo went 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Monday's 2-0 win over the Brewers.

Mateo was involved in the lone scoring play of the game. He walked and stole second before coming home on a two-run single by Cedric Mullins in the second inning. Mateo's already stolen two bases in four games while going 3-for-12 with three walks in four games. If he can maintain his strong on-base skills and speed, he should continue to see a starting role at shortstop.

Franco went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in a loss to Oakland on Monday.

Tampa Bay fell behind early and was never competitive in its first loss of the campaign, but Franco provided a moral boost by extending his strong start to the season. The 21-year-old notched his third three-hit game over the Rays' first four contests, pushing his average up to .600 over 16 at-bats. Franco has yet to go deep, but he has two doubles among his nine hits.

Fletcher left Monday's game against the Marlins due to left hip tightness.

The severity of Fletcher's injury is unknown at this time, so he'll be listed as day-to-day until the team unveils more information. Tyler Wade and Jack Mayfield could see more opportunities at shortstop if Fletcher is forced to miss significant time.

Baez went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Monday's win over the Red Sox.

Baez looks comfortable with his new team, as he has started 5-for-15 across his first four games, and he now has his first home run of the young season. The home run was a big one too, as it broke a 1-1 tie in the eighth inning and propelled Detroit to victory. The shortstop has been batting third for the Tigers and should continue to see plenty of chances to produce from the heart of the order.

Story (illness), who isn't available for Monday's game against the Tigers, hopes to be available Tuesday against Detroit, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Story missed Sunday's game against the Yankees due to a non-COVID illness, and he won't be available to appear off the bench in Monday's series opener in Detroit. However, he's traveling with the team and has a chance to return to action following a two-game absence. Jonathan Arauz is starting at second base and batting eighth in Monday's game.

Smith is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rays, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Smith started each of Oakland's first three games at third base, going hitless with six strikeouts across 11 at-bats. Manager Mark Kotsay will give Sheldon Neuse a look at the position Monday, and if Neuse finds some success, Smith could end up moving into more of a timeshare at the hot corner.

Seager will start at shortstop and bat second in Monday's game against the Rockies.

Seager will hit out of the two hole for the second straight contest -- both of which have come against lefty starting pitchers -- after he previously slotted third in the order against right-handers in the first two contests. The 27-year-old has thus far lived up to the 10-year, $325 million megadeal he inked over the winter, as he's opened his tenure with the Rangers with three consecutive two-hit games while scoring three times and driving in two runs.

Crawford went 1-for-2 with a double, a walk and a run in a loss to the Twins on Sunday.

Crawford was the only other Mariner besides Mitch Haniger to record an extra-base hit in Seattle's first loss of the season, with his third-inning two-bagger setting him up to subsequently score the team's first run on Adam Frazier's single. The newly-minted shortstop has now reached safely in each of the first three games of the season, drawing a pair of walks in the opener on Friday before singling twice Saturday.

Witt will start at third base and bat second in Monday's game against the Guardians.

Witt has batted out of the No. 2 spot in each of his first four MLB games, and he's provided little reason for the Royals to move him down in the order. He was one of the few bright spots for Kansas City in Sunday's 17-3 blowout loss, going 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI.