MLB Player News

Merrill went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in a loss to the Giants on Monday.

Merrill got San Diego off to a good start with a solo blast in the first inning, but the Padres weren't able to score again until the ninth frame. The long ball was likely a sigh of relief for fantasy managers who endured the outfielder's 16-game homerless stretch. Merrill has contributed six stolen bases on the season, but he's otherwise been pretty disappointing on offense, posting a .220/.283/.362 slash line with four homers, 16 RBI and 20 runs through 33 games.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday that Hernandez (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment this week, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Hernandez is working his way back from surgery on his left (non-throwing) elbow. He's on the 60-day injured list and not eligible for activation until May 24, but all signs point to him being reinstated that day. Once Hernandez rejoins the Dodgers, he'll likely be deployed primarily against left-handed pitching.

McLain is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs.

After being dropped to the ninth spot in the batting order during Sunday's 1-0 loss to the Pirates, McLain will be left out of the lineup entirely as the Reds open a four-game set in Chicago. McLain might be losing hold of a regular starting role, as he's undoubtedly failed to meet expectations for the Reds and fantasy managers alike early on this season. The 26-year-old has produced a .195/.308/.293 slash line with two home runs, five steals, nine RBI and 13 runs through 34 games.

The Cardinals optioned Saggese to Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Saggese has slashed just .170/.228/.208 in 18 games this season, and with Nathan Church sucking up most of the at-bats in left field, Saggese hadn't played in a week. He will get more regular reps at Memphis, and Cesar Prieto will take Saggese's spot on the active roster.

The Cardinals recalled Prieto from Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

St. Louis optioned infielder/outfielder Thomas Saggese to Triple-A in a corresponding move. Prieto has gotten off to a great start at Memphis this season, slashing .311/.357/.566 with six home runs over 28 contests. Slated to turn 27 on Sunday, Prieto can handle second base, third base and shortstop and will likely operate mainly as a reserve infielder.

Willits went 2-for-4 with a walk, two runs and two stolen bases Sunday for Single-A Fredericksburg.

The first overall pick in the 2025 Draft is already displaying his impressive upside despite being just 18 years old. Willits had hit safely in 15 of the last 17 games, slashing an eye-popping .348/.500/.591 over that stretch with three homers, 13 steals in 16 attempts, and more walks (21) than strikeouts (17). The Nationals won't rush their top prospect up the ladder too quickly, but Willits is already making a strong case that he needs a new challenge. If he keeps raking, a promotion to High-A is likely over the summer.

The Cubs outrighted Cowles to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

After being booted off the 40-man roster last week, Cowles has passed through waivers unclaimed. He will remain in the organization as infield depth.

Adames went 1-for-4 with a double in Sunday's 2-1 extra-inning loss to the Rays.

Adames had gone 12 appearances without an extra-base hit entering Sunday's contest, batting .078 in 52 plate appearances during that span. He snapped that drought in the seventh inning Sunday, collecting his 11th two-bagger of the season. It's been a rough start to the campaign for both the Giants and Adames, as the shortstop is now slashing .195/.236/.346 with 12 runs scored, six RBI and three home runs across 140 plate appearances.

Winn went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles in Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Dodgers.

Winn had a solid series at the plate against Los Angeles, going 5-for-11 with a double. He's now posted multiple hits in eight of his last 13 games and is 19-for-52 (.365) during that span with three doubles, a triple, eight RBI, six runs scored, two stolen bases and a 2:11 BB:K. Winn now has his average up to .273 with a .726 OPS across 125 trips to the plate this season.

Schmitt went 2-for-4 with an RBI and stolen base in Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Rays.

Schmitt was the only Giants player to log multiple hits, accounting for two of the team's six knocks. Schmitt has hits in five straight games and eight of his last nine. Seeing the vast majority of his at-bats as the designated hitter after a tumultuous start to the season as the Giants' first baseman, Schmitt is slashing .308/.354/.519 with four home runs, 15 RBI, 12 runs scored, two stolen bases and a 4:22 BB:K across 113 plate appearances.