MLB Player News

Crawford went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer and a pair of walks in Monday's 5-4 win over Atlanta.

Crawford put the Mariners ahead for good Monday with his two-run blast off Tyler Kinley in the sixth inning, his third homer of the year. The long ball extended Crawford's hitting streak to six games -- he's gone 7-for-23 (.304) with a pair of home runs and a 1.013 OPS in that span, boosting his slash line to .208/.367/.333 across 120 plate appearances this season.

Freeland went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, an additional run scored and a walk in Monday's 8-3 win over Houston.

Freeland took advantage of Houston's short porch in left field, swatting an opposite-field solo homer in the second inning. It marked his second long ball and second three-hit effort of the campaign. The 24-year-old has seen increased opportunities due to Mookie Betts (oblique) and Tommy Edman (ankle) being sidelined, producing at a .256/.316/.372 clip with two homers, four doubles, seven RBI and 10 runs across 29 appearances.

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.

Whitcomb was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The Astros needed to promote a catcher ahead of Monday's game against the Dodgers after Yainer Diaz (abdomen) was a late scratch, and Whitcomb will end up being the roster casualty. Whitcomb has struggled to a .077 average with one home run, three RBI and one run scored through 10 games this season.

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.

Pena (hamstring) could begin a rehab assignment this weekend, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Pena has been shelved since mid-April with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain but appears nearly ready to test himself in a game setting. Since his absence has been relatively brief, Pena shouldn't require an extended rehab assignment before returning to the Astros' active roster.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Monday that Barger (ankles) being activated from the 10-day injured list on Friday would be a "worst-case scenario,"Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Barger slugged a home run in his first rehab game with Single-A Dunedin on Sunday and will suit up for the affiliate once again Tuesday. He could rejoin the Blue Jays after that and be activated as soon as Wednesday, but a return Friday for the start of a homestand seems likelier. Barger has been sidelined since early April after spraining both of his ankles.

The Astros activated Dezenzo (elbow) from the 10-day injured list Monday and optioned him to Triple-A Sugar Land.

Dezenzo got a late start to the season after suffering a right elbow sprain during the World Baseball Classic while playing for Team Italy. He's gone 8-for-27 with one home run and a 7:7: BB:K in eight rehab games, and the Astros have elected to keep him in the minors rather than put him back on the major-league roster.

Alexander will start at third base and bat ninth in Monday's game against the Yankees.

Alexander will stick in the lineup for the fourth straight game at his fourth different position, after previously making starts at second base, center field and shortstop. The Orioles will likely continue to make room for Alexander in the lineup versus left-handed pitching, but his opportunities to start against righties may be more sporadic while he maintains a weak .472 OPS over 80 plate appearances on the season.

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.