MLB Player News

Manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that Cruz hasn't been available for the past few days due to a shoulder injury, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Boone didn't go into specifics about the injury, but he noted that imaging on the reliever's shoulder came back negative. With a 2.66 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP over 23.2 innings on the season, the 35-year-old righty has been a reliable high-leverage arm for New York, though it's unclear when he might be cleared to pitch in a game again.

Gausman (4-4) recorded the win Wednesday against the Padres after allowing three hits and no walks in seven scoreless innings. He struck out nine.

Gausman was dominant, tallying 19 whiffs and coming just one punchout shy of tying his season high. It was also the veteran right-hander's longest outing since his third start of the season, and he hasn't issued a walk over his last three starts (13 innings). Gausman has still been inconsistent overall, as evidenced by his 4.03 ERA over 58 frames in 2025, but his 0.98 WHIP and 55:12 K:BB are perhaps more in line with the quality of his pitching. His ability to limit free passes also figures to work to his advantage in his next scheduled matchup against the Rangers, who entered Wednesday ranked 27th in MLB in on-base percentage (.288).

Santander was removed from Wednesday's game against the Padres due to left hip inflammation.

Santander's hip has been giving him problems for about a week, and he seemingly aggravated the injury during Wednesday's contest. The Jays will take a closer look at him to determine the severity of his latest flare-up, but the team could consider placing him on the IL at this point to give him the time he needs to fully move past the hip issue. For now, however, Santander should be considered day-to-day.

Heim was removed from Wednesday's game against the Yankees due to a compressed nerve in his right hand, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Heim's hand began bothering him after he hit a ball off the end of his bat in the second inning, and he was replaced behind the dish when the Rangers went back out on defense. The severity of the backstop's injury remains unclear, but Kyle Higashioka and Tucker Barnhart could pick up some starts if Heim needs to miss some time.

Soto threw a clean eighth inning Wednesday against the Brewers. He struck out one.

Soto continues to work as a setup man for closer Felix Bautista, picking up his ninth hold of the season Wednesday. Through his first 16.2 innings of the year, Soto owns a 3.78 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 17:7 K:BB. The hard-throwing 30-year-old remains one of Baltimore's top left-handed relievers, but he's without a single save opportunity over 19 appearances on the campaign.

Mead went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Astros.

Making a rare start against a right-hander, Mead responded with his first home run of the year, a solo shot off Hunter Brown that put the Rays ahead 3-2 in the fourth inning. While Mead's playing time has been limited, he's now recorded at least one hit in five straight games -- he's gone 6-for-15 (.400) in that span. Overall, the 24-year-old Mead is slashing .206/.286/.279 with four RBI, three runs scored and two stolen bases through 77 plate appearances this season.

Moncada isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Athletics, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Moncada will get a breather after going 2-for-5 with a three-run homer during Tuesday's victory. While he sits, Luis Rengifo will fill in at third base with Tim Anderson at the keystone.

Tavares went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and a stolen base in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the White Sox.

Taveras singled and stole a base in the sixth inning before smacking a two-run homer off Mike Vasil in the eighth that put Seattle ahead for good. The homer is Taveras' first in 13 games with the Mariners -- his last long ball came on April 24 with the Rangers. Overall, the 26-year-old Taveras is slashing .220/.242/.333 with 14 RBI, 11 runs scored and eight stolen bases across 130 plate appearances between Texas and Seattle this year.

Smith did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Mariners, allowing three runs on two hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out six.

Things looked bleak for Smith early -- he walked the first two batters of the game before giving up a three-run homer to Julio Rodriguez. However, the 25-year-old Smith managed to settle in and blank Seattle over his final four frames, allowing just one additional hit. Smith has been a bright spot for the White Sox early this season -- the rookie right-hander has posted a 2.36 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP and 49:18 K:BB through his first 10 starts (53.1 innings). Smith is currently slated to face the Mets on the road in his next start.

Munoz earned the save in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the White Sox, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning.

Munoz allowed a leadoff single to Andrew Vaughn before setting down the next three White Sox in order, locking down his league-leading 16th save this season. Munoz has now gone 21.2 innings without allowing an earned run to open the year, posting a 0.74 WHIP and 28:8 K:BB.