MLB Player News

Rodon (elbow) threw a 50-pitch batting practice session Sunday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Rodon appears to be ramping up well as he continues his rehab from surgery to remove a bone spur in his left elbow. The Yankees have yet to disclose a concrete timetable for his return, but he'll presumably need to make a few rehab appearances before being activated for his 2026 debut.

Ponce was carted off the field during the third inning of Monday's game against the Rockies due to an apparent right leg injury, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Ponce collapsed to the ground in visible pain after injuring his right leg while attempting to field a dribbling ground ball. The injury was severe enough for him that the medical cart was brought out, and he'll end his outing having allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out three across 2.1 innings. Monday was Ponce's first major-league start since 2021 after spending three years in Japan, and he earned a spot in the Blue Jays' rotation due to the trio of Shane Bieber (elbow), Trey Yesavage (shoulder) and Jose Berrios (elbow) all opening the season on the 15-day injured list. The Blue Jays should have an update on Ponce's injury once he undergoes more tests on his leg.

Bibee (shoulder) will start Tuesday's game against the Dodgers, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Bibee gave the Guardians a scare after he exited his first start of the campaign Thursday against Seattle with right shoulder inflammation, but the injury turned out to be a minor setback. The 27-year-old made it through a 26-pitch side session Saturday without issue, and the club has officially given him the green light to toe the rubber for Tuesday's matchup.

The Guardians optioned Holderman to Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

Holderman made the Guardians' Opening Day roster but struggled across his first two outings, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and two walks while striking out three across three innings. He'll move down to Triple-A to work on his control but would be a top candidate to return to the majors if Cleveland needs an additional right-hander out of the bullpen. In corresponding moves, Doug Nikhazy was designated for assignment and Kolby Allard had his contract selected by the Guardians from Triple-A Columbus.

The Guardians designated Nikhazy for assignment Monday.

The move opens a spot on the 40-man roster for Kolby Allard, whose contract was selected by the Guardians from Triple-A Columbus. Nikhazy opened the season in Triple-A after being optioned in early March, but he'll likely stay in the organization given that he has two minor-league options left, assuming he clears waivers.

The Guardians selected Allard's contract from Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

Allard inked a minor-league deal with the Guardians in early February and opened the regular season in Triple-A, but the 28-year-old southpaw will get an early call up to the majors. He appeared in 33 regular-season games for the Guardians (two starts) in 2025 and postd a 2.63 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, three holds and a 42:14 K:BB across 65 innings. To make room on the roster for Allard, Cleveland optioned Colin Holderman to Columbus and designated Doug Nikhazy for assignment.

Kayfus is not in the Guardians' starting lineup against the Dodgers on Monday.

Kayfus will take a seat for Monday's series opener while the Guardians roll with Steven Kwan, Daniel Schneemann and Angel Martinez in the outfield from left to right. Kayfus went 0-for-8 with two walks, one run and four strikeouts across three games against the Mariners this past week. He also struggled in his start in left field Sunday, which could limit the amount of at-bats he sees until he shores up that part of his game.

Hoskins is not in the Guardians' starting lineup against the Dodgers on Monday.

Hoskins opened the regular season strongly, going 3-for-3 with one double and one run scored against the Mariners on Thursday before following that up with an 0-for-3 performance with two strikeouts Friday. He will not be in the Guardians' lineup for a third consecutive game, with Kyle Manzardo starting at first base while Chase DeLauter serves as the designated hitter for Monday's series opener.

Naylor is not in the Guardians' starting lineup against the Dodgers on Monday.

Naylor will sit for the series opener while Austin Hedges (hand) serves as the Guardians' backstop and bats eighth. Naylor started in three of four games against Seattle and went 1-for-11 with one walk and four strikeouts.

Hedges (hand) will start at catcher and bat eighth against the Dodgers on Monday.

Hedges sustained a hand injury toward the tail end of spring training, though X-rays came back negative. He's been cleared to make his 2026 regular-season debut Monday, allowing Bo Naylor to take a breather after the former started in three of four games in the Guardians' opening series against the Mariners. Hedges appeared in 70 regular-season games for Cleveland in 2025 and slashed .161/.250/.277 with one steal, five home runs and 10 RBI in 180 plate appearances.