MLB Player News

DeJong went 3-for-3 with two doubles in Sunday's win over the Phillies.

After an 0-for-6 start to his Nationals tenure with five strikeouts, DeJong broke out with two-baggers off Aaron Nola and Jose Ruiz. The veteran infielder is just a placeholder at third base for Washington, but he slugged 24 homers in 139 games last year between the White Sox and Royals and he could provide some thump from the bottom half of the order. DeJong isn't likely to do much more than that, however -- he's posted a strikeout rate north of 30 percent in each of the last three seasons, leading to a .205/.263/.372 slash line in 1,119 plate appearances.

Turner reported improvement with his lower-back spasms Monday and is aiming to return to the Phillies' lineup for Wednesday's contest versus the Rockies, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Turner is missing a third straight game Monday, but he fielded grounders pregame and is feeling better. He'll get a fourth day of rest Tuesday on the Phillies' off day before shooting to return to action Wednesday for the second game of the series against Colorado.

Dunn is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Royals.

Milwaukee will face a left-handed starting pitcher (Kris Bubic) for the third time in four games, and the left-handed-hitting Dunn has found himself on the bench for each of those contests. Vinny Capra will get another start at third base, but Dunn still looks to be in line for the bulk of the playing time at the position as the strong-side platoon option.

Atlanta selected Chavez's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

Chavez has seen action with nine different teams over parts of 17 seasons in the big leagues, but Atlanta has been a familiar stop for the 41-year-old. Currently in the midst of his fourth stint in the Atlanta organization, Chavez didn't break camp with the big club but didn't have to wait long for an opening in the bullpen to emerge after right-hander Hector Neris was designated for assignment Monday. Chavez is likely to work in middle relief after he turned in a 3.13 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 55:19 K:BB across 63.1 innings with Atlanta in 2024.

Atlanta designated Neris for assignment Monday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Neris had a disastrous first series of the season in San Diego, giving up five runs over two appearances while recording just three outs. The 35-year-old should get an opportunity in another organization, but he might have to go to the minor leagues first to get straightened out.

Bender (1-0) walked one and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Sunday to secure the win in a 3-2 victory over the Pirates.

The right-hander entered the game with the score tied 2-2, putting him in the right place at the right time when a David Bednar wild pitch brought home Derek Hill in the bottom of the frame. Calvin Faucher worked the eighth and is still the presumed favorite for saves, but Miami hasn't actually had a ninth-inning lead to protect yet this season -- all three of their wins have been walkoffs. With Jesus Tinoco (back) on the shelf until at least mid-April, there should at least be more high-leverage work available for Bender after he recorded five wins and 15 holds, both career highs, in 2024.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said the team is hoping to get 80 pitches out of Rodriguez during Monday's start against the Royals, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez got stretched out to 3.2 innings and 62 pitches during spring training and did not make an appearance during the Brewers' season-opening series against the Yankees, so around 80 pitches would seem to be attainable. He could be needed for additional starts as Milwaukee navigates a multitude of pitching injuries.

Edwards went 0-for-4 with a stolen base in Sunday's win over the Pirates.

The shortstop reached base on a fielder's choice in the fifth inning and promptly stole second, giving Edwards his first steal of 2025. After swiping 31 in only 70 big-league games last season, the 25-year-old set his sights high this year and said this spring he believes he can steal 60. Through the Marlins' first four games, Edwards is batting .200 (3-for-15) with three walks, a double, two runs and two RBI as the club's everyday leadoff hitter.

The Brewers recalled Anderson from Triple-A Nashville on Monday.

The Brewers are deploying Elvin Rodriguez as an opening pitcher in Monday's game against the Royals and aren't counting on him working deep into the contest, so Anderson will provide an extra option out of a bullpen that was worked heavily in the three-game series with the Yankees over the weekend. With the Rangers a season ago, Anderson made 23 appearances and turned in an 8.10 ERA and 1.61 WHIP over 26.2 innings.

The Brewers placed Civale on the 15-day injured list Monday with a strained left hamstring, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Civale was pulled from Sunday's start against the Yankees after three innings due to what the team referred to as a hamstring cramp, but evidently testing revealed a strain. He will be eligible to return in mid-April but it's uncertain whether he'll be ready to return at that time. The Brewers are dealing with numerous pitching injuries and it's unclear who might take Civale's spot in the rotation.