MLB Player News

Atlanta optioned De La Cruz to Triple-A Gwinnett.

De La Cruz had an opportunity to stake claim to a regular role in the Atlanta outfield, but he managed just a .453 OPS and didn't drive in a single run in 16 games. He's being replaced on the roster by Alex Verdugo, who was called up from Triple-A.

Atlanta recalled Verdugo from Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday.

Verdugo played nine games at Gwinnett after signing with Atlanta in late March, slashing .207/.303/.448 with two home runs and a 2:2 K:BB over 33 plate appearances. The 28-year-old is coming off a lackluster 2024 campaign that saw him post a .647 OPS across 149 regular-season contests, but with Atlanta's injuries and lack of production in the corner-outfield spots, along with Jurickson Profar's PED suspension, Verdugo should receive something close to everyday playing time.

Flores is out of the lineup for Thursday's game versus Philadelphia, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Flores will get a chance to rest Thursday after going 2-for-11 with four RBI and three runs scored across the first three games of the series. His absence will move Willy Adames into the DH spot, opening up shortstop for Christian Koss.

Marsh will have his right knee examined by team doctors after he tweaked it on a play in center field during Wednesday's loss to the Giants, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Marsh is mired in a 0-for-31 slump, but it's evidently the knee that's keeping him out of the lineup for Thursday's series finale. It's not clear whether the 10-day injured list might be a possibility for the outfielder, but the Phillies should have more on his condition later in the day. Johan Rojas will start center field and bat ninth Thursday.

Lee isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against Philadelphia, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The Phillies will send southpaw Cristopher Sanchez out to the bump Thursday, so the lefty-hitting Lee will grab a seat on San Francisco's bench. Luis Matos will fill the resulting void in center field while batting leadoff.

Wade isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Phillies, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The lefty-hitting Wade will step out of the starting nine Thursday while southpaw Cristopher Sanchez starts on the mound for Philadelphia. Casey Schmitt will pick up a start at first base and bat fifth while Wade rests.

Bailey isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Phillies, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Bailey will get a breather during Thursday's series finale after going 2-for-12 with two RBI, two runs and seven strikeouts during the first three games against Philadelphia. Sam Huff will fill in as the Giants' catcher and bat eighth.

Marsh is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Giants, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

It's right-hander Jordan Hicks on the mound for San Francisco, but the left-handed-hitting Marsh will yield to righty-swinging Johan Rojas in center field. Marsh -- who has not picked up a base hit since March 30 -- has been out of the lineup three times over the last four games, including twice versus righties.

Cavalli (elbow) worked up to 35 pitches in a simulated game last Tuesday, and the Nationals will have him go through a normal spring training progression over the next month before determining whether he's ready to come off the injured list, Bobby Blanco of MASN Sports reports.

"We don't want to rush things and get back to the point where we're hurting. So it's just going to be a really good build up," Cavalli said Friday while visiting the team's clubhouse during a series in Miami. "Hopefully, everything keeps responding how it is. I know they have a great plan. The staff is unbelievable and they have it set up to where I can get back fully healthy, ready to go help the club." Cavalli hasn't pitched in the majors since 2022 due to Tommy John surgery performed in March 2023, but the Nats are hoping the 26-year-old right-hander can be a factor in the big-league rotation at some point in the second half this season.

Acuna went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's extra-inning loss to the Twins.

Making his fourth straight start at second base, Acuna extended his hitting streak to six games while swiping his fifth bag in five attempts. The 23-year-old is batting .381 (8-for-21) during his heater with two doubles, six runs and a 3:4 BB:K, and the Mets may be exploring ways to keep Acuna in the lineup -- Jeff McNeil (oblique) is seeing time in center field during his rehab assignment.