MLB Player News

Rea is slated to start Wednesday's game against the Rays at Tropicana Field.

After making his first two appearances of 2026 out of the bullpen, Rea will move into the rotation spot vacated by Cade Horton (elbow), who is slated to undergo season-ending surgery in the near future. Rea came on in relief of the injured Horton in the latter's final start Friday against the Guardians, striking out four while allowing one earned run on four hits and one walk across 3.1 innings. The right-handed Rea tossed 57 pitches in that appearance and may have a slight restriction with his workload Wednesday as he gets himself stretched back out.

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said Wednesday that Stowers (hamstring) should be ready to begin a rehab assignment "soon," Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

Stowers went through a workout Wednesday -- which included some live at-bats -- and the Marlins will see how he bounces back before mulling next steps. McCullough also noted that Stowers could play some first base while on his rehab assignment and if he takes well to the position, he could be an option at that spot once he's activated from the injured list. Stowers has never played first base in professional ball but did handle the position a bit in the Cape Cod League and summer ball several years ago. The 28-year-old is working his way back from a right hamstring strain.

Amaya is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays.

Moises Ballesteros will enter the starting nine at designated hitter in place of Amaya, who had been included in the lineup as the Cubs' DH or catcher in six of the previous seven games. Amaya has compiled a .929 OPS through 20 plate appearances on the season and should continue to see fairly steady playing time while he's swinging a hot bat.

Happ is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays due to a bruised left heel, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Though the injury will keep Happ out of the starting nine for a second straight day, manager Craig Counsell said that the 31-year-old outfielder will be available off the bench Wednesday and should rejoin the lineup Friday against the Pirates, per Brian Murphy of MLB.com. Michael Conforto will pick up another start in left field in Happ's stead.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that Volpe (shoulder) will "potentially" begin a rehab assignment next week, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Volpe is currently at extended spring training in Florida but could travel back with the Yankees after their series in Tampa Bay this weekend. The shortstop hasn't played in a game setting since last October's left shoulder labrum surgery, so his rehab assignment won't be brief. Still, if all goes well, Volpe could be ready for his season debut around the start of May.

Ragans said after being removed from Wednesday's start against the Guardians with a left thumb contusion that he "should be good" to make his next start, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Ragans' thumb was struck by a comebacker in the first inning. He initially remained in the game but was unable to continue after the thumb stiffened up on him and affected his command. Ragans will need to show during his between-starts bullpen session that his thumb is no longer an issue, but for now he's tentatively on track to take the ball next week in Detroit.

Lopez was issued a seven-game suspension for his role in a benches-clearing incident during Tuesday's 7-2 win over the Angels, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. Lopez will appeal the suspension.

Making his third start of the season Tuesday, Lopez was tossed from the game in the fifth inning shortly following a wild pitch near the head of batter Jorge Soler. Soler took exception to the inside pitch -- the slugger clubbed a homer and was also hit by a pitch earlier in the game -- and then charged the mound, with both he and Lopez exchanging punches in the ensuing fracas. Both players have chosen to appeal their respective seven-game bans and will be eligible to play until the appeal process is completed. For the time being, Lopez tentatively lines up to make his next start Monday versus the Marlins.

Soler was suspended seven games by Major League Baseball on Wednesday for his involvement in a brawl during Tuesday's game with Atlanta, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. Soler is appealing the suspension.

Soler charged the mound and traded punches with Atlanta pitcher Reynaldo Lopez after high inside pitch from Lopez in the fifth inning. Earlier in the game, Soler homered in his first plate appearance and was hit by a pitch by Lopez his second time up. The 34-year-old Soler will continue to be available to play for the Angels as the appeals process plays out.

Vientos will start at first base and bat sixth in Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Vientos will remain in the starting nine for an eighth straight contest after going 9-for-23 with a home run, two doubles, five runs and two RBI over the previous seven games. Though he had been limited to a short-side platoon role to begin the season, Vientos should be in line for a regular spot in the lineup versus both left- and right-handed pitching while Juan Soto (calf) is on the injured list.

Barrosa will start in center field and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Mets.

Barrosa will stick in the lineup for a fourth straight game, with the switch-hitting outfielder making two starts versus lefties and two versus righties during that stretch. With all of Pavin Smith (elbow), Carlos Santana (adductor), Jordan Lawlar (wrist) and Lourdes Gurriel (knee) on the injured list, Barrosa could have fairly clear path to regular playing time until the Diamondbacks reclaim some health. Barrosa has gone 3-for-16 with three doubles and three runs through his first five games of the season.