MLB Player News

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.

Stott is absent from the lineup for Monday's game against the Nationals.

The left-handed-hitting Stott started Saturday's game against lefty spot starter Jacob Latz, but he's now been on the bench two days in a row as the Phillies face a third straight lefty. Edmundo Sosa is handling second base again Monday and looks to be the short-side platoon partner with Stott.

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.

Crawford is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Nationals.

The left-handed-hitting Crawford was in the lineup for each of the previous two games versus lefties but will begin Monday's series opener on the bench in what appears to be simply a routine day off. Brandon Marsh will shift over to center field and Otto Kemp will play left field Monday.

Smith is not in the lineup for Monday's contest against the Guardians.

Smith will receive a day off after starting at catcher in each of the Dodgers' first three games of the season. It will be Dalton Rushing behind the dish and batting ninth in Monday's series opener versus Cleveland.

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.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Monday that Polanco is dealing with a sore Achilles but feels well enough to serve as a designated hitter, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Polanco is in the Mets' lineup at DH on Monday in St. Louis and could remain in that slot for a bit as a precaution. Jared Young is getting a start at first base Monday in Polanco's place, but it should be Brett Baty getting the bulk of the reps there until Polanco is able to play the field. Baty is starting in right field Monday.

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.