MLB Player News

Sanchez went 3-for-5 in Sunday's win over the Twins.

All three hits were singles and none of them led directly to any run production, but it was still Sanchez's first multi-hit performance since April 14. The 28-year-old outfielder has delivered his usual numbers through his first 33 games as a Blue Jay, slashing .250/.289/.404 with four homers, a steal, 11 runs and 15 RBI, but there are signs he could find another level over the summer -- his 93.2 mph average exit velocity and 11.3 degree launch angle are both career bests, as is his 17.5 percent strikeout rate.

Albies went 2-for-3 with two walks, three runs scored and an RBI in Sunday's win over the Rockies.

The switch-hitting second baseman extended his hitting streak to 15 games, tying his career high, with another dazzling performance. Albies is slashing .421/.470/.702 during his streak with seven doubles, three homers, 13 RBI and 14 runs, as well as a stellar 7:4 BB:K.

The Reds released Chafin on Monday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Chafin exercised the opt-out clause in his minor-league contract after being told he would not be receiving a promotion in the immediate future. The veteran southpaw has permitted five runs (one earned) with an 8:6 K:BB over 9.1 innings with Triple-A Louisville this season. Chafin shouldn't have trouble latching on with a new organization, but he might have to settle for another minor-league contract.

Criswell (elbow) made the second appearance of his rehab assignment with High-A Spokane on Sunday, striking out two over a perfect inning.

Criswell missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery March 14, 2025, but the right-hander appears to be nearing the finish line in his long recovery process. Because the Rockies placed him on the 60-day injured list prior to Opening Day, Criswell won't be eligible for activation until late May, so he'll likely use most of his 30-day rehab window in the minors to knock off rust. Expect Criswell to eventually move his assignment to Double-A Hartford and/or Triple-A Albuquerque.

Feltner (elbow) is slated to throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Feltner received the green light to move on to the next step in his recovery process from right ulnar nerve inflammation after he experienced no discomfort while playing catch out to 175 feet Saturday. According to MLB.com, Feltner said that he doesn't believe he'll require a rehab assignment prior to returning rom the injured list, but the right-hander will still likely need to complete multiple bullpen and live batting practice sessions before the Rockies activate him.

Verlander (hip) threw a bullpen session Sunday at close to full intensity, MLB.com reports.

Verlander maxed out at 94 miles per hour with his fastball during the throwing session and seemingly checked out well following the workout, which potentially sets him up to face hitters later on this week. Once Verlander reaches that step in the recovery process, the Tigers could have more details regarding when the veteran right-hander might be ready to return from the 15-day injured list. Verlander has been on the shelf since April 4 after experiencing left hip inflammation coming out of his 2026 debut.

Brieske (adductor) faced live hitters Friday for the second time during his throwing program, MLB.com reports.

After suffering a left adductor strain during spring training, Brieske was placed on the 60-day injured list prior to Opening Day and won't be eligible to make his season debut for Detroit until late May. Brieske looks like he could have a shot at being ready to go by that time, as he already has two live BP sessions under his belt and may soon be ready to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment. Whenever he returns from the shelf, Brieske is likely to serve in a middle-relief role for Detroit.

Melton (elbow) yielded two runs (one earned) on two hits and no walks while striking out two batters over 1.2 innings in his rehab start Sunday with Single-A Lakeland.

Melton missed nearly all of spring training after straining his right elbow in late February, but he reached the final phase of the recovery process by kicking off a minor-league assignment this past weekend. Since Melton resides on Detroit's 60-day injured list and won't be eligible for activation until late May, he'll likely use close to the entire 30-day rehab window in the minors to get stretched back out. He tossed just 32 pitches in Sunday's outing, and while the results weren't flashy, Melton sported a fastball that sat around 95-to-97 miles per hour and topped out in the 98-to-99 mph range. Melton could stick around in Lakeland for another start or two before eventually moving on to one of the Tigers' higher-level affiliates during his rehab assignment.

Cortez has been promoted to Double-A Rocket City and will be used in a relief role moving forward, Taylor Blake Ward of TheSportingTribune.com reports.

A second-round pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, Cortez was used primarily as a reliever in college, but the Angels had attempted to develop him as a starting pitcher. However, while Cortez has shown good stuff in the minors, an 18.4 percent walk rate left the Angels little choice but to shift the righty to the bullen. Cortez could move quickly as a reliever, and he's in an organization known for aggressively promoting its prospects.

Berrios (elbow) surrendered seven earned runs on six hits and four walks while striking out one batter across 3.2 innings in his rehab start Sunday with Triple-A Buffalo.

Berrios tossed exactly 70 pitches for the second straight rehab appearance, but he lacked both command and control once again. After beginning his rehab assignment with a pair of starts in the Florida State League, Berrios has posted a 14.09 ERA, 2.22 WHIP and 3:6 K:BB while serving up five home runs over 7.2 innings since shifting to Triple-A. At this point, Berrios looks to be fully stretched out for a starting role, but his poor results in his last two outings with Buffalo don't offer much confidence that he would represent an upgrade over Eric Lauer at the back end of the rotation. The Blue Jays may wait and see how Lauer fares during his upcoming start Monday at Tampa Bay before determining Berrios's next steps.