MLB Player News

Robert is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Rockies.

Robert started in center field in Sunday's matinee, per usual, and went 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout. He'll take a seat for the second time in the series in Game 2. Tyrone Taylor will start in center field and bat ninth in the nightcap.

Castro (knee) is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Mets.

Castro won't start either contest of Sunday's twin bill, marking a third straight absence after departing Thursday's game against the Padres due to right knee soreness. Tyler Freeman will replace him in the lineup while Edouard Julien mans the keystone.

Diaz went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run during the Rays' 4-2 win over the Twins on Sunday.

The Rays did all of their scoring damage off Simeon Woods Richardson in the fourth, with Diaz's two-run shot serving as the exclamation point in the frame. It was Diaz's fourth home run of the season and first since April 10 against the Yankees. The veteran slugger is off to a strong start to the 2026 season, slashing .337/.425/.500 with 20 RBI and 16 runs scored across 120 plate appearances.

Dollander is starting Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Mets, Kevin Henry of The Denver Gazette reports.

Dollander has been effective pitching behind an opener early this season, but he'll make his first start of the campaign to close out Sunday's doubleheader. After posting a 6.52 ERA in 21 starts as a rookie last year, the right-hander has showcased his potential across his first six outings of 2026 with a 2.88 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 32:7 K:BB over 25 innings.

Leiter (ankle) is scheduled to start Monday's game against the Yankees.

The right-hander suffered an ankle injury during his previous start against the Pirates on Wednesday, but he's ready to go for his next turn through the rotation. After giving up just three earned runs across his first two starts of the campaign, Leiter has labored to a 6.91 ERA, 1.81 WHIP and 12:9 K:BB over his past three outings.

The Cubs designated Velasquez for assignment Sunday.

The veteran right-hander was added to the big-league roster Friday but won't retain his roster spot despite firing 2.1 scoreless frames Saturday versus the Dodgers. Velasquez will now go through the waiver process, after which he could elect to become a free agent, assuming he goes unclaimed.

Estevez (foot) threw a two-up bullpen Saturday and is going to Arizona to face hitters Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Estevez has been shelved since April 1 due to a left foot contusion and has progressed slowly in recovery, though he is now making strides on the mound. In his lone outing of 2026, the right-hander blew a save, allowing six runs on four hits and two walks while recording just one out against Atlanta on March 28. Manager Matt Quatraro did not provide a specific figure but noted Estevez's fastball was in the 90-plus mph range, a detail worth monitoring after his velocity dipped during spring training and in his one regular-season appearance following a 95.9 mph average last season. Depending on how Tuesday's session goes, the 33-year-old could begin a rehab assignment in the near future. Lucas Erceg has handled closing duties in Estevez's absence, converting six of eight save opportunities with a 5.23 ERA and 1.65 WHIP.

Baker logged his sixth save of the season Sunday in the Rays' 4-2 win over the Twins, striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning.

Baker got two of the three batters he faced in the ninth to ground out, and sandwiched between was a punchout of Royce Lewis. Baker has logged saves in back-to-back outings and is up to six on the season, which is tied for second most in the American League behind David Bednar (seven). Baker has a 3.48 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 11:3 K:BB across 10.1 innings this season.

The Cubs selected Rios' contract from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

Rios joined Chicago on a minor-league contract in January and will get a look in the majors after posting a 5.06 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 8:6 K:BB over 10.2 frames with Iowa to begin the season. The right-hander last pitched in the majors in 2023 and has a 6.23 ERA in 92 career MLB appearances.

Scholtens (2-1) earned the win against the Twins on Sunday, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out one batter across 4.1 innings.

Griffin Jax served as the Rays' opener for Sunday's game, tossing 2.1 scoreless innings before handing the reins over to Scholtens. The latter kept the Twins off the board from the third to the sixth inning before yielding a two-run home run to Brooks Lee, but those were the only runs that Scholtens and the rest of the Rays' pitching staff yielded in the win. Scholtens now sits at a 3.20 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB across 19.2 innings this season. He's tentatively lined up to face the Giants next weekend, though it's unclear whether he'll get the start or follow Jax.