MLB Player News

Alvarez is out of the lineup for the first game of Sunday's doubleheader against the Rockies.

Alvarez was never likely to be behind the plate for both games of Sunday's twin bill, and he'll sit for the matinee after a run of four straight starts. Luis Torrens is doing the catching for Nolan McLean in the opener.

The Reds optioned Higgins to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.

The 32-year-old has been up in the big leagues the past few weeks, but he'll return to Triple-A with Jose Trevino (back) coming off the IL on Sunday. Higgins played six games and went 2-for-10 with one walk and one RBI.

Pinango is starting in left field and batting seventh against Cleveland on Sunday.

Pinango got off to a nice start with Triple-A Buffalo this season, posting an .858 OPS with three homers, 13 RBI and two stolen bases over his first 22 games. He was summoned to the big-league club for the first time Saturday after Nathan Lukes (hamstring) was placed on the injured list. Pinango will get his first chance to show off his skill set with the Blue Jays against Cleveland starter Slade Cecconi.

Torkelson went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 9-2 loss to the Reds.

Torkelson extended his home-run streak to four games, which is the slugger's longest at the MLB level. He last went deep in four straight games during his sophomore season at Arizona State in 2019, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. This is also the first time any Detroit player has accomplished the feat since Ian Kinsler in 2016. Torkelson's surge has quieted some concerns over his slow start, as he didn't go deep once in the first 23 games of the year.

Stephenson is out of the lineup for Sunday's game versus the Tigers.

Stephenson started the first two games of the series against Detroit and will receive Sunday off after going 1-for-6 with two walks, a double, an RBI and four strikeouts. Jose Trevino (back) will start behind the plate in his return from the injured list.

Jimenez (hand) started at designated hitter and went 0-for-2 with a walk in Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Giants.

Jimenez was lifted from Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Cardinals shortly after being hit on the left hand by a pitch in the second inning, but X-rays came back negative. The 25-year-old felt well enough to enter the lineup Saturday against southpaw Robbie Ray. Jimenez is likely to see limited action while the Marlins' infield is mostly healthy.

Gimenez isn't in the starting lineup Sunday versus the Guardians.

Gimenez started Toronto's previous four contests, going 6-for-16 with three doubles and four RBI during that span. However, he'll begin Sunday on the bench. Ernie Clement is sliding over to start at shortstop, while Davis Schneider is starting at second base for Toronto.

Ballesteros went 1-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run in Saturday's 12-4 loss to the Dodgers.

Ballesteros continued his strong start to the season, as he's now batting .397 with a 1.136 OPS and four home runs through 24 games. The 22-year-old has emerged as Chicago's top DH option due to his strong offensive production, though the team is still rotating other players into that spot, particularly when facing left-handed starters.

Amaya went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Saturday's 12-4 loss to the Dodgers.

Amaya lifted his second home run of the season in the fifth inning against Roki Sasaki. This was the catcher's 18th appearance of the year through 27 team games, while Carson Kelly has played in 21 contests so far. Kelly has also been a bit better offensively with a .900 OPS compared to a .728 OPS for Amaya, so it doesn't appear as if their playing time split will change any time soon.

The Orioles reinstated Helsley (personal) from the bereavement/family medical emergency list Sunday.

Helsley was away from the team for four days to deal with a personal matter. He'll now return to the squad and should immediately reclaim Baltimore's closer role. The Orioles designated pitcher Albert Suarez for assignment in a corresponding move.