MLB Player News
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Samuel Basallo C | BAL
Orioles' Samuel Basallo: Idle Saturday
Basallo isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Pittsburgh.
Basallo will get a day off to regroup after going just 4-for-23 (.174) through his first six games. His absence will put Taylor Ward in the DH spot while Dylan Beavers, Leody Taveras and Colton Cowser form Baltimore's outfield trio.
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Cam Smith 3B | HOU
Astros' Cam Smith: Day off Saturday
Smith isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Athletics, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Smith will head to the bench for the first time this season after collecting hits in five of his last six games. Joey Loperfido will replace him in right field and bat sixth.
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Triston Casas 1B | BOS
Red Sox's Triston Casas: Nearing swinging progression
Manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Casas (knee) will begin a swinging progression Monday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.
Cora added that Casas' intercostal strain isn't as significant as the team initially believed, so it shouldn't have too much of an impact on his return timeline while he recovers from patellar tendon surgery. The Red Sox haven't moved him to the 60-day injured list yet, so the door remains open for Casas to return sometime before late May.
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Keider Montero SP | DET
Tigers' Keider Montero: Recalled from Toledo
The Tigers recalled Montero from Triple-A Toledo on Saturday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.
The 25-year-old righty will join the big-league rotation as a replacement for Justin Verlander, who landed on the injured list Saturday with a hip injury. Montero made 20 appearances (12 starts) with the Tigers last season, posting a 4.37 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over 90.2 innings. He began the 2026 campaign by throwing four shutout frames in Triple-A while allowing just one hit and one walk. He'll make his MLB season debut Sunday against the Cardinals.
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Justin Verlander SP | DET
Tigers' Justin Verlander: Placed on IL
The Tigers placed Verlander on the 15-day injured list Saturday due to left hip inflammation, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.
Verlander was lit up for five earned runs in just 3.2 innings during his first start of the season Monday, and he seems to have come out of that appearance with the hip injury. He'll be eligible to return from the IL on April 16, though it's unknown if he'll be ready by then. In the meantime, Keider Montero will come up from Triple-A Toledo to fill the opening in Detroit's rotation.
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David Festa P | MIN
Twins' David Festa: Moved to 60-day IL
The Twins transferred Festa (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list Saturday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.
Festa was shut down early in spring training due to a shoulder impingement and still has yet to begin throwing off a mound. His move to the 60-day IL will ensure he remains sidelined until at least late May and opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for Garrett Acton, whom the Twins acquired Thursday in a trade with Miami.
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Jedixson Paez SP | CHW
Red Sox's Jedixson Paez: Returned to Red Sox
Paez cleared waivers Saturday and was returned to the Red Sox, Chris Henrique of BostonSportsJournal.com reports.
The White Sox selected Paez during the Rule 5 Draft over the winter, but after making the Opening Day roster, he was designated for assignment by the club after giving up six earned runs on four hits and three walks in just three innings over three appearances. The 22-year-old had never pitched an inning above the High-A level before debuting for Chicago, but now that he's being returned to his original organization, the Red Sox will have him report to Double-A Portland, per Christopher Smith of MassLive.com.
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Carter Jensen C | KC
Royals' Carter Jensen: Sitting to begin twin bill
Jensen isn't in the lineup for the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Brewers.
Jensen has gone 2-for-16 with a home run and eight strikeouts to begin the season, and he'll now begin Saturday's festivities on the bench. Starling Marte will occupy the DH spot instead and bat sixth.
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Jonathan India 2B | KC
Royals' Jonathan India: Sitting out Game 1
India isn't in the lineup for the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Brewers.
India will take a seat in the dugout to begin Saturday's twin bill after going 3-for-12 with a homer, five RBI and two runs scored during Kansas City's previous series against the Twins. Nick Loftin will start at the keystone and bat eighth.
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Brandon Valenzuela C | TOR
Blue Jays' Brandon Valenzuela: Officially promoted
The Blue Jays recalled Valenzuela from Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.
The 25-year-old will join the big club for the first time in his career to provide depth at catcher while Alejandro Kirk (thumb) is on the injured list. Valenzuela has slashed .206/.295/.374 with four homers, 16 RBI and 11 runs scored across 122 plate appearances in Triple-A since joining the Blue Jays organization at last year's trade deadline.