MLB Player News

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

After starting at third base in the first two games of the season, Hamilton will retreat to the bench against southpaw Anthony Kay. Luis Rengifo will cover the hot corner in his place. Hamilton has helped fantasy managers early on by going 1-for-4 with four walks, three stolen bases and three runs.

Abrams (personal) will start at shortstop and bat sixth Sunday against the Cubs, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

The 25-year-old shortstop was away from the team for Saturday's contest due to a death in his family, but he's rejoined the club in Chicago for Sunday's series finale. Abrams went 1-for-4 with two RBI in the season opener Thursday.

Smith is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

Smith served as a super-utility player in 2025, but he'll have a more permanent home at second base this season after the Rangers traded Marcus Semien to the Mets over the winter. The left-handed-hitting Smith will still be shielded from southpaws after he produced a lowly 47 wRC+ in 121 plate appearances in that split last year. Ezequiel Duran will get the nod at second base Sunday while southpaw Jesus Luzardo toes the rubber.

Martin is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

After manning left field and occupying the leadoff spot in the season opener Thursday against southpaw Trevor Rogers, Martin has dropped out of the lineup for two straight games against right-handed starters. At least in the early stages of the campaign, Martin looks like he may have to settle for the short side of a platoon in left with Trevor Larnach.

Lee is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Lee has gone 0-for-6 with three strikeouts in the first two games of the season and will head to the bench for the series finale in Baltimore. Tristan Gray will take over at shortstop Sunday for the Twins.

Alexander is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins.

Alexander received the Opening Day start at second base, but he'll end up hitting the bench in favor of Jeremiah Jackson for a second straight game. Alexander and Jackson appear to be in a timeshare at the keystone until Jackson Holliday (hand) -- who began a minor-league rehab assignment Friday -- is ready to return.

Story went 1-for-6 with a solo home run in Saturday's 6-5 extra-innings loss to the Reds.

Story's third-inning homer was his first of the season, but the at-bat with more impact occurred in the eighth inning with two outs, two runners on and Boston trailing by one. Home plate umpire CB Bucknor, who had six ball/strike calls overturned by ABS overturned and potentially would have had more had Boston not used up all of its challenges early in the game, rung up Story on what appeared to be a check swing. Without a challenge to use, Story went old school and threw a tantrum at home plate; Red Sox manager Alex Cora came out to protect his player and was eventually ejected. Story is 2-for-11 through two games with an RBI in each contest.

De La Cruz went 1-for-4 with two walks and a solo home run in Saturday's 6-5 extra-innings win over the Red Sox.

De La Cruz clubbed his first home run of the season in the fifth inning to give Cincinnati a 5-3 lead. The shortstop, who clouted 20-plus home runs in each of his first two full MLB seasons, is looking to rebound from a second-half dip in production in 2025. To that end, Reds manager Terry Francona stated it was an organizational goal to keep De La Cruz fresh, so he may get more rest this season.

Martinez started in left field and went 1-for-4 with a double in Saturday's 6-5 extra-inning win over Seattle.

Martinez parlayed a productive spring (1.196 OPS) into an Opening Day roster spot but not a role as a lineup regular. The Guardians have a few outfield prospects on the roster, including the red-hot Chase DeLauter (four HR), so Martinez may be limited to one or two starts per week. When George Valera (calf) is ready to rejoin the team, that could further cap opportunities for Martinez, or even lead to a demotion to the minors.

Tovar went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run Saturday against the Marlins.

Tovar pulled an offering from Eury Perez over the left-field fence in the fourth inning for his first home run of the season. He's hit cleanup in each of Colorado's first two games, collecting two hits in eight plate appearances.