MLB Player News

  • Josh H. Smith SS | TEX

    Rangers' Josh Smith: Idle against southpaw

    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.

  • Danny Jansen C | TEX

    Rangers' Danny Jansen: Sitting Sunday

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

    Jansen drew starts in the first two contests of the season, but he'll get a chance to catch his breath while Texas closes out its series in Philadelphia with a day game. Though Kyle Higashioka will receive the nod at catcher Sunday, Jansen looks to be the preferred option behind the plate.

  • Royals' Isaac Collins: Exiting lineup Sunday

    Collins is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against Atlanta.

    After starting the first two contests of the season and going 0-for-6 with a walk and two strikeouts, Collins will hit the bench for the series finale in Atlanta. Lane Thomas will step in for Collins in left field.

  • Royals' Jonathan India: Taking seat Sunday

    India is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against Atlanta.

    Nick Loftin will step in at the keystone in place of India, who will rest after going 0-for-7 with a walk and three strikeouts while starting in both of the Royals' first two games of the season.

  • Austin Martin SS | MIN

    Twins' Austin Martin: Out against righty again

    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.

  • Kody Clemens 1B | MIN

    Twins' Kody Clemens: Second straight start vs. RHP

    Clemens will start at first base and bat leadoff in Sunday's game against the Orioles, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

    After taking a seat against lefty Trevor Rogers in Thursday's season opener, Clemens has now handled the leadoff role in two straight contests against righties. At least for the early part of the season, Clemens looks set to occupy the strong side of a platoon at first base, with Victor Caratini having received the nod at the position in the Twins' lone matchup with a lefty thus far.

  • Reed Trimble LF | BAL

    Orioles' Reed Trimble: Shelved at Triple-A

    Triple-A Norfolk placed Trimble on its 7-day injured list Saturday after he exited Friday's 6-4 win over Nashville due to right hamstring discomfort, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

    Trimble went 0-for-2 with a walk in Norfolk's opening game before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the bottom of the seventh. The 25-year-old was awarded a spot on the Orioles' 40-man roster this offseason and could make his MLB debut at some point later on in 2026, but it may take injuries to multiple outfielders before he receives his first call-up.

  • Jacob deGrom SP | TEX

    Rangers' Jacob deGrom: Improving but iffy for next start

    DeGrom said Sunday that his stiff neck is feeling "much better" and he remains optimistic he'll be able to make his first start of the season Tuesday or Wednesday in Baltimore, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

    The veteran righty had been scheduled to start Saturday's game in Philadelphia, but he ended up being scratched just hours before the contest after his neck acted up. DeGrom seems to have responded well to the extra rest and he was able to play catch out to 120 feet Sunday. The Rangers may want to see deGrom complete a bullpen session Monday before clearing him to make his 2026 debut.

  • Joc Pederson DH | TEX

    Rangers' Joc Pederson: In lineup against righty

    Pederson served as the designated hitter and went 0-for-1 with a walk in Saturday's 5-4 extra-inning win over Philadelphia.

    Pederson, who was held out of the first game of the series with left-hander Cristopher Sanchez on the mound, got the start against righty Aaron Nola. As soon as lefty reliever Tanner Banks entered the contest, Texas manager Skip Schumaker sent Andrew McCutchen out to pinch hit for Pederson. It looks like DH will be strict platoon between the two.

  • Ryan Jeffers C | MIN

    Twins' Ryan Jeffers: Receiving breather Sunday

    Jeffers is out of the lineup for Sunday's game at Baltimore, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

    Jeffers started behind the plate in the first two games of the year and went 1-for-7 with a walk and three strikeouts. He'll get some rest in the series finale while Victor Caratini serves as the catcher for Bailey Ober on Sunday.

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