MLB Player News

Manzardo started at first base and went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 6-1 win over the White Sox.

Manzardo, who was recently moved into the cleanup spot, went yard in the first inning for what proved to be the game-winning hit. It was his fourth home run through 12 games, and Manzardo's 11 RBI leads the club. He made only six starts at first base in 2024 compared to 40 at DH, denying him 1B eligibility in more restrictive fantasy formats, and Thursday's game was his third start at the position in 2025. The Guardians' desire to manage the workload of 39-year-old Carlos Santana, Cleveland's primary first baseman, should result in Manzardo gaining some extra positional flexibility later this season.

Through five outings this season, Cruz has a 10:1 K:BB over 5.2 innings while pitching to a 4.76 ERA and 0.71 WHIP and notching one hold.

Cruz's mediocre ERA so far can be attributed to one outing -- he gave up three runs over two-thirds of an inning against Pittsburgh on April 4. In the right-hander's other four appearances, he's held the opponent hitless and scoreless over five frames. Cruz posted a K/9 of 12.9 or better in each of his first three big-league campaigns with the Reds, and he's topping even that impressive mark so far this season with a 15.9 K/9 in the early going of his first year with New York. Cruz has just one hold so far, but he's seen most of his work in the seventh and eighth frames, suggesting that manager Aaron Boone trusts him in high-leverage situations. For fantasy managers in leagues that count holds, Cruz could be worth considering as a waiver-wire target considering his ability to rack up punchouts.

Joyce said Wednesday that he's not concerned about the drop in velocity he experienced in his most recent outing Tuesday versus Tampa Bay, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Joyce displayed the lowest in-game velocity of his big-league career on both his sinker and four-seamer in the outing, during which he gave up three runs on four hits in one-third of an inning. However, the right-hander stated one day later that his location was the issue rather than his velocity. Angels manager Ron Washington seemed similarly unconcerned following Joyce's appearance, stating, "He was fine. He's human. Tonight he just didn't have it," per Fletcher. Fantasy managers who roster Joyce certainly hope that the right-hander's velocity is back to normal the next time he takes the mound, but for the time being, it appears the fireballer isn't dealing with any sort of injury.

Julien started at DH and went 1-for-3 with a double and walk in Thursday's 3-2 loss against Kansas City.

Julien is starting to show some life at the plate, as he's 3-for-10 with a walk in his last three games. He's hitting just .214 with a .576 OPS in 11 games. He has a chance to win regular playing time at DH and 2B with the rest of the lineup struggling, but his window of opportunity may be small with Brooks Lee (back) likely to return from the injured list soon.

Martin left Thursday's game for Triple-A St. Paul with an apparent hamstring injury, Marissa Voss of TwinsDaily.com reports.

Martin was running to chase down a flyball and pulled up in pain before later being assisted off the field with a trainer. He was off to a strong start at Triple-A by hitting .370 with an .870 OPS in seven games before Thursday.

Varland allowed one walk while striking out one over a scoreless inning Thursday against the Royals.

Varland moved to the bullpen this spring, and the returns have been encouraging so far, as he has a 3.86 ERA and 10:3 K:BB in seven innings. He could be used in higher-leverage spots if he continues his early success. The right-hander struggled last season as a starter in Triple-A with a 4.75 ERA, but he showed promise as a reliever in the majors in 2023 with a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings and a 17:1 K:BB.

Heineman went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base in Thursday's 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Red Sox.

Starting at catcher for the resting Alejandro Kirk, Heineman drove in Toronto's first run on a seventh-inning single as he extended his hitting streak to five games. Although Heineman has gone 9-for-18 with one home run, one double, two RBI and one stolen base through five outings this season, he'll likely remain Kirk's backup behind the plate.

Duran went 2-for-3 with an RBI, a run scored, a stolen base and two walks in Thursday's 4-3 extra-inning victory over the Blue Jays.

Duran walked and subsequently stole second base before scoring Boston's first run of the game in the sixth inning, but he was caught stealing in the 10th frame after driving in a game-tying run on a single. The speedy outfielder is still searching for a rhythm in 2025, as he's batting an ordinary .250 with zero homers and six runs scored through 67 plate appearances, but Duran does have eight RBI and five thefts over 14 outings.

Montgomery was scratched from Triple-A Charlotte's lineup Thursday.

The reason for Montgomery's removal from the lineup is unclear, but no injury has been announced. Montgomery has struggled to start the season with Charlotte, collecting only three hits across 37 at-bats while striking out at a 50 percent clip.

Story went 2-for-5 with an RBI and two stolen bases in Thursday's 4-3 extra-inning victory over the Blue Jays.

After stealing two bases earlier in the outing, Story grounded out with the bases loaded to bring home the winning run in the ninth inning and walk it off for the Red Sox. The oft-injured shortstop went just 2-for-15 to open the season, but Story is picking it up in April, batting .316 with two home runs, one double and five RBI over 38 at-bats this month.