MLB Player News

The Cubs optioned Assad to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

Assad has been working out of the bullpen for Chicago and appeared in three games so far in May, allowing just one run with a 3:1 K:BB over seven innings. Despite his recent effectiveness, he'll head to Iowa in favor of a fresh arm. Ty Blach had his contract selected from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Paredes isn't starting Sunday versus Texas.

Paredes has been a regular at third base for the Astros since Carlos Correa (ankle) was lost for the season, but he'll get at least a partial day off after going just 2-for-19 over his past five contests. Braden Shewmake is starting at the hot corner Sunday.

Marte is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockies.

There's been no indication he's injured, so it's likely just a maintenance day for Marte after he started the previous seven games. Ildemaro Vargas will shift to the keystone while Jose Fernandez picks up a start at first base.

Anthony (wrist) is slated to starting swinging a bat by hitting flips Monday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

This is a big step for Anthony, as it will be his first time swinging a bat since landing on the IL with a right wrist injury in early May. The talented young outfielder will presumably still have several obstacles to clear -- including hitting off a machine and facing live pitching -- but he appears to at least be making progress in his recovery. A timeline for his return to the Red Sox should become clearer as he moves along in his hitting progression.

Ozuna is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

Ozuna started the previous eight games but went 5-for-30 (.167) with two homers and 13 strikeouts during that stretch. Oneil Cruz will rest his legs as the designated hitter Sunday while Jake Mangum (hamstring) mans center field in his return from the IL.

Rutschman is absent from Baltimore's starting lineup Sunday versus the Rangers.

Rutschman will get a well-deserved breather after starting the previous eight games, including five consecutive starts behind the plate. Samuel Basallo, who has frequently served as the DH, will get a turn at catcher Sunday.

Bell isn't in the Twins' starting lineup Sunday against Milwaukee.

Bell had started eight straight games but went just 6-for-33 with a whopping 17 strikeouts and no walks during that stretch. He'll get at least a partial day off Sunday while Ryan Jeffers gets a day off his feet as the Twins' DH.

Dubon is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

The trip to the bench ends a run of 23 straight starts for Dubon, who struggled to a .599 OPS during that stretch and is currently in the midst of a 1-for-19 slump. The super-utility man's path to playing time took a hit when Ha-Seong Kim made his season debut last week, and it could get squeezed further Monday with Eli White (concussion) expected to come off the IL, though the continued absence of Ronald Acuna (hamstring) should still provide at least semi-regular opportunities in the outfield.

Baez is slashing .233/.307/.487 with 10 home runs, seven stolen bases and a 34.3 percent strikeout rate at Triple-A Memphis this season.

Baez homered for the third time in four games Friday and then wore the golden sombrero Saturday with strikeouts in all four of his plate appearances. It's a perfect microcosm of his season, as Baez is hitting for plenty of power but also swinging and missing a lot during his first stint in the Pacific Coast League. Cutting his strikeout rate to 20.6 percent between High-A and Double-A in 2025 was a major reason why Baez was able to break out, but his strikeout rate has regressed early on in 2026. Baez still has a chance to debut for the Cardinals at some point this season, but the club likely wants to see him get his whiffs under control first.

Altuve (side) isn't in Houston's starting lineup Sunday against Texas.

It's not a surprise that Altuve isn't starting after he exited Saturday's matchup in the ninth inning with a left side injury. The star second baseman is slated to have an MRI taken Sunday, but GM Dana Brown said the "early signs" are that Altuve is dealing with an oblique injury, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Brice Matthews is starting at second base for the Astros on Sunday.