MLB Player News

McClanahan (1-2) took the loss Sunday against the Pirates, allowing four runs on eight hits and no walks in 4.1 innings. He struck out five.

While he did keep the ball in the yard Sunday, McClanahan was touched up for a season-high eight knocks and a season-worst four runs allowed. It was encouraging to see the left-hander throw a season-high 90 pitches, but he's still yet to work past the fifth inning in any of his first four starts of 2026. Although he boasts an excellent .191 opponent batting average over 18 frames so far this year, McClanahan will be looking to improve upon his 5.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 18:11 K:BB his next time out versus the Twins.

Sandoval (elbow) returned to Boston on Sunday to be re-evaluated after experiencing left biceps tightness coming out of his most recent rehab start, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Sandoval had been lined up to make his third rehab start with Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, but he instead ended up being scratched after the biceps discomfort surfaced. The Red Sox are still gathering more information about the severity of Sandoval's setback, but even if the biceps injury proves to be a minor concern, it likely ends any chance the southpaw might have had at returning from the 15-day injured list before the end of April. After undergoing an internal brace surgery on his left elbow in June 2024, Sandoval was shaky for Worcester in his first game action in just under two years. Between his two rehab starts, Sandoval turned in a 8.44 ERA, 2.55 WHIP and 4:7 K:BB while also hitting three batters over 5.1 innings.

Keller (2-1) notched the win Sunday against the Rays, allowing two runs on five hits and no walks in seven innings. He struck out five.

It was perhaps a season-best performance by the right-hander, who recorded season-high figures in innings and strikeouts. Keller has done a fine job of providing length for the Pirates so far in 2026, tossing at least six innings in four of his five starts. He'll bring a strong 2.79 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 19:9 K:BB over his first 29 frames into his next outing, which is currently projected to come against the division-rival Brewers.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that Javier (shoulder) isn't expected to return from the 15-day injured list until late May or early June, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. "Hopefully it could be a little sooner."

Hunter Brown is facing a similar timeline for a return after he was diagnosed with a Grade 2 right shoulder strain April 5 before Javier went down with the exact same injury in his start three days later. Javier remains in the midst of a no-throw program and is expected to be re-evaluated later on during the upcoming week before the Astros decide on his next steps. Even if Javier gets the green light to start playing catch following his re-evaluation, he looks like he'll require at least a month to get fully stretched back out. A more definitive target date for Javier's return won't become clear until he's ready to head out on what will likely be a multi-start minor-league rehab assignment.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that Brown (shoulder) isn't expected to return from the 15-day injured list until late May or early June, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. "Hopefully it could be a little sooner."

Cristian Javier is facing a similar timeline for a return after both he and Brown sustained Grade 2 right shoulder strains within less than a week of one another. Shortly after Brown was diagnosed with the injury April 5, the Astros indicated that the right-hander would be shut down from throwing for two weeks before being re-evaluated, so he could be cleared to start playing light catch at some point in the coming days. Even so, Brown will be in line for a lengthy buildup, and a more definitive target date for his return won't become clear until he's ready to head out on what will likely be a multi-start minor-league rehab assignment.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said Sunday that Rookier (oblique) has resumed taking part in light baseball activities, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The veteran slugger landed on the shelf April 10 due to an oblique strain, and he was shut down from baseball activities for a little more than a week. Rooker will travel with the Athletics on their road trip this week as he continues to ramp up his activity level.

Wong is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers.

Though he'll give way to Carlos Narvaez behind the dish Sunday, Wong may have supplanted the former atop the Red Sox's catching depth chart. Wong started each of the previous three games and owns an .885 OPS for the season, more than doubling up Narvaez's mark (.409). At least while he's dramatically outperforming Narvaez at the dish, Wong could be in line for the lion's share of the starts.

Mayer is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers.

Mayer will hit the bench for the second game in a row while the Tigers send another lefty (Framber Valdez) to the mound for the series finale, after two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal took the hill for Detroit on Saturday. Isiah Kiner-Falefa will cover second base Sunday in Mayer's absence.

Keith is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

Keith will hit the bench for the third time in four games, with each of his absences coming while the Tigers have faced a left-handed starting pitcher. Jahmai Jones will take Keith's spot in the starting nine at designated hitter while Boston sends southpaw Garrett Crochet to the hill.

Heineman is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

After a recent bout with back spasms, Heineman returned to the lineup Thursday and started three straight games, going 1-for-9 with an RBI and a run scored. Though Brandon Valenzuela will get the nod behind the plate Sunday, Heineman could be the Blue Jays' preferred option at catcher until Alejandro Kirk (thumb) is ready to return from the injured list.