MLB Player News

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.

McGonigle is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Red Sox.

The Tigers typically include the left-handed-hitting McGonigle in the lineup against southpaws, but he'll be given a day off for just the third time all season while lefty Payton Tolle toes the rubber for Boston. With McGonigle on the bench, the Tigers will go with Zack Short and Colt Keith as their starters on the left side of the infield.

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.

Barger (ankles) went 1-for-2 with a walk and a two-run home run while serving as the designated hitter in his first rehab game with Single-A Dunedin on Sunday.

The Blue Jays have not revealed their plans for Barger's rehab assignment, but Keegan Matheson of MLB.com suggests the likely plan is for Barger to fly north with the major-league club from Tampa on Wednesday night after he plays in a couple more games with Dunedin. Further, Matheson says Barger should be expected to slide right back into five starts per week for Toronto upon his return from the IL, despite the 26-year-old's 1-for-19 start before the injury.

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.