MLB Player News

Manger Tony Vitello stated Monday that Eldridge will receive a chance to pinch hit in every game that he isn't listed in the starting lineup, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Eldridge isn't in the starting nine for a second straight game, as San Francisco is electing to deploy Casey Schmitt at first base and Rafael Devers in the designated hitter slot for Monday's series opener against the Dodgers. However, Vitello acknowledged that Eldridge will remain in contention for starts, and the club will also utilize his power bat off the bench in late-game situations as needed in an effort to continue his development.

Foley (shoulder) will make his next rehab appearance for Triple-A Sacramento, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Foley kicked off his rehab appearance at Single-A San Jose on Sunday, surrendering four runs on two hits and one walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning. Despite his struggles, the club has elected to move his rehab to Triple-A. Foley is likely to notch at least a few more appearances before being activated later in the month.

The Dodgers activated Betts (oblique) from the 10-day injured list Monday.

Betts has been sidelined since early April with a right oblique strain, but he's been cleared to return to action after going 2-for-5 over a couple rehab contests with Triple-A Oklahoma City. The eight-time All-Star did not complete either of his rehab games, so it would not be a surprise if the Dodgers initially give him less than a full workload as he breaks back into the lineup. Betts is starting at shortstop and batting second Monday versus the Giants in his first game back with the big club.

The Orioles selected Walker's contract from Triple-A Norfolk on Monday.

Walker has operated out of Norfolk's bullpen this season, where he has a 4.40 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, one save and a 16:5 K:BB across 14.1 innings. His next outing out of the Orioles' bullpen will mark his first major-league game since May 4, 2025 as a member of the Blue Jays. To make room on the roster for Walker, Trey Gibson was optioned to Triple-A and Heston Kjerstad (hamstring) was transferred to the 60-day IL.

The Orioles transferred Kjerstad (hamstring) to the 60-day injured list Monday.

Kjerstad was cleared to embark on a rehab assignment with Double-A Chesapeake on Saturday. His move to the 60-day IL means that he won't be available to make his 2026 season debut until late May, but Kjerstad's rehab stint will likely be lengthy given that he's recovering from a strained right hamstring that he suffered during spring training.

The Giants optioned Smith to Triple-A Sacramento on Monday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Smith had just been recalled Sunday and turned in a scoreless relief outing. He'll return to Sacramento, where he's given up just three earned runs with 15 strikeouts across 12.2 innings.

The Giants optioned Porter to Triple-A Sacramento on Monday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Porter served as a third catcher for a couple days and did not receive a plate appearance for the Giants.

The Orioles optioned Gibson to Triple-A Norfolk on Monday.

The move corresponds with the Orioles selecting Josh Walker's contract from Norfolk and the team transferring Heston Kjerstad (hamstring) to the 60-day injured list. Gibson made his major-league debut May 3 in a spot start against the Yankees and was used in long relief against the Athletics on Friday. Across those two outings, he has allowed four runs on seven hits (including two homers) and three walks while striking out four across 6.2 frames.

The Giants recalled Beck from Triple-A Sacramento on Monday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Beck has spent all of this season with Sacramento, collecting a 5.40 ERA and 18:7 K:BB over 16.2 innings of work. The 29-year-old is capable of pitching multiple innings at a time and will likely fill a middle relief role.

The Giants activated Bader (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list Monday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Bader missed a month of action with a left hamstring strain that first began bothering him late in spring training. He went 4-for-18 with two home runs, one stolen base and a 3:5 BB:K over six rehab games with Triple-A Sacramento. Bader should be in line to serve as the Giants' primary center fielder moving forward.