MLB Player News

Cruz was scratched from the Pirates' starting lineup against the Cardinals on Monday due to an illness.

Cruz evidently fell ill prior to Monday's game, which prompted the Pirates to replace him with Jake Mangum in center field and shift Spencer Horwitz to the leadoff spot in the batting order. Cruz will continue to receive treatment in the hopes of being cleared to return for Tuesday's contest against St. Louis.

Ballesteros will start at catcher and bat sixth in Monday's game versus the Padres.

It's the first start and second appearance at catcher this season for Ballesteros, who is slashing .397/.446/.690 with four home runs as the Cubs' primary designated hitter. Most of Ballesteros' playing time is likely to continue to come at DH, but it would be a major boost to his fantasy prospects if he catches enough to gain eligibility at the position.

The Yankees have yet to decide whether Volpe (shoulder) will be activated from the 10-day injured list for their series this weekend against the Orioles, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reported Sunday that Volpe would rejoin the Yankees this week, and while that could still happen, the decision has yet to be made. Volpe is slashing .308/.333/.423 with one home run, two stolen bases and a 1:7 BB:K in his first eight rehab games. He's currently at Double-A Somerset and will continue his rehab with the affiliate until the Yankees choose when to activate him.

Mangum is starting in center field and batting eighth against the Cardinals on Monday.

Mangum was initially slated to open Monday's series opener on the bench, but he will get the start in center field instead after the Pirates scratched Oneil Cruz (undisclosed) from the lineup. Mangum is slashing .254/.313/.288 with three steals and two RBI over 65 plate appearances this season.

Cruz (undisclosed) has been scratched from Monday's lineup against the Cardinals.

It's unclear why Cruz was removed, but he has been replaced by Jake Mangum in center field. The Pirates should have an update on Cruz's status during or shortly after Monday's contest.

Stanton (calf) could still be placed on the 10-day injured list, pending the results of an MRI he underwent Monday, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Stanton will miss a third straight start Monday against the Rangers due to a right calf injury he suffered Friday versus the Astros. The Yankees will wait until after Monday's contest to make a decision on an IL move. Jasson Dominguez is starting at designated hitter Monday in Stanton's stead and would be in line for regular playing time if Stanton's absence is extended.

Rodon (elbow) is scheduled to make his next rehab start Thursday with Double-A Somerset, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Rodon shined in his first rehab start Friday with High-A Hudson Valley, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out four batters across 4.1 scoreless innings. The veteran southpaw should be able to build on that workload for his second of what's likely to be a three-start stint in the minors before he returns from the 15-day injured list. The Yankees placed Rodon on the shelf to begin the season while he works his way back from an October surgery to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur in his left elbow.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said thatCole (elbow) will make his next rehab appearance with Double-A Somerset on Wednesday, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Cole opened his rehab assignment with Somerset on April 17 before moving to High-A Hudson Valley for his second start this past Thursday, when he allowed two runs on five hits while striking out four batters across 4.1 innings. The 35-year-old right-hander is eligible to be activated from the injured list at any point, but because he's working his way back from March 2025 Tommy John surgery, the Yankees are likely to keep him on assignment in the minors for most, if not all, of the allotted 30-day rehab window. He'll likely make at least one more start with a minor-league affiliate following Wednesday's outing.

Twins manager Derek Shelton said Monday that Abel (elbow) has resumed playing catch and "all signs have been encouraging," Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Abel is eligible for activation from the 15-day injured list Saturday, and while he is not expected to be ready to go by that date, his absence will not extend much longer if he continues to progress at his current pace. The right-hander has missed the last couple weeks of action with right elbow inflammation. Abel's spot in the rotation is currently being filled by Connor Prielipp, who will start Monday's game versus the Mariners.

Muncy (illness) will start at third base and bat sixth in Monday's contest against the Marlins.

Muncy was under the weather over the weekend, forcing an early exit from Saturday's game versus the Cubs. He did not play Sunday, though the Dodgers said he had been scheduled for a day off, anyway. Muncy is ready to go for the series opener versus the Marlins and will carry a robust 1.028 OPS into play Monday.