MLB Player News

Realmuto is batting eighth for the first time since 2022 on Tuesday against Atlanta, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports.

The veteran backstop has a .684 OPS this season and is batting .172 (5-for-29) with a 31 percent strikeout rate in his past six games, so he'll move down the lineup after primarily operating as Philadelphia's leadoff man to begin the season. Manager Rob Thomson said he wanted to "take the pressure off" Realmuto as he works on a leg kick and improving his timing.

Smith is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Guardians.

Smith started the previous two games -- and went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, an additional run and two walks Monday -- but will take a seat for Tuesday's matchup against Cleveland. Dalton Rushing will bat eighth and step in behind the plate to catch for Dustin May.

Nola (ankle) said Tuesday he will need a minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining the big-league rotation, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Nola said he felt something in his sprained right ankle after throwing off a mound and is hopeful he'll be able to throw a higher-intensity bullpen session Thursday. The Phillies have the luxury of being patient with Nola, as Taijuan Walker has a 3.24 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 16.2 innings through four appearances this month. Nola won't be able to return when first eligible, but he could potentially return in the second week of June.

Encarnacion (hand) is starting a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Encarnacion dealt with a setback the first time he had a rehab assignment at Triple-A earlier this month. Given that LaMonte Wade seems to be falling out of favor -- he sat against a righty Tuesday -- there could be playing time available for Encarnacion once he's knocked the rust off.

Verlander (pectoral) threw around 40 pitches in a bullpen session Tuesday, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Verlander said he is "trending forward," and there are a couple more boxes to check before he can determine if he'll be ready to rejoin the rotation sometime next week. He had an uncharacteristic 9:8 K:BB in 15 innings over his three most recent starts before landing on the IL.

Schmitt is starting at first base and batting seventh Tuesday against righty Jack Flaherty and the Tigers.

Schmitt typically starts only against lefties, but he's getting his second start of the season against a righty with LaMonte Wade struggling mightily at the plate. Schmitt is 3-for-7 with three walks in three games since getting activated from the injured list May 19.

Wade is not in Tuesday's lineup against the Tigers.

Wade typically sits against lefties, but he's out of the mix in this one with righty Jack Flaherty pitching for Detroit. Wade is hitting .211 with a .297 OBP and zero home runs in 20 games this month. Casey Schmitt is starting at first base and batting seventh.

Arenado (ribs) is starting at third base and batting sixth Tuesday against the Orioles.

As expected, Arenado is back in action after sitting out Monday to rest after he fell into the crowd to make a catch Sunday. Arenado has never hit lower than .253 over a full MLB season, but his average sits at .234 entering play Tuesday. The 34-year-old third baseman has provided five home runs, 23 runs, 25 RBI and one steal in 49 games.

The Rockies reinstated Vodnik (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday.

The right-hander had been sidelined by shoulder inflammation for more than a month, but he's back on the active roster after a two-outing rehab assignment with Double-A Hartford. Vodnik recorded one save with a 4.50 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 8:6 K:BB across eight innings prior to the injury and should be in the high-leverage mix for Colorado. However, Zach Agnos and Seth Halvorsen appear to be the current favorites for save opportunities.

Thielbar, who retired two batters in Monday's 3-1 win over the Rockies without allowing a run to record a hold, now has a 2.37 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through 22 appearances this season.

Thielbar has pitched well in his first year with the Cubs, and he's now gone eight straight appearances without allowing a run. The veteran lefty struggled last season in Minnesota, posting a 5.32 ERA and 1.56 WHIP across 59 games, but his 2025 figures are closer to his career marks of a 3.32 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Thielbar should remain a key member of Chicago's bullpen, particularly due to his success against left-handed hitters. Batters from the same side are only hitting .071 against Thielbar this year.