MLB Player News

Messick will pitch the second game of Sunday's doubleheader against the Cubs, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

The Guardians and Cubs were rained out Saturday, forcing the two teams to double up Sunday. Saturday's scheduled starter, Slade Cecconi, will work the first game of the twin bill.

Baltimore placed Hiraldo on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to right shoulder inflammation, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Hiraldo last pitched Tuesday, when he gave up three runs on two hits and a walk over one inning against Texas. Lefty hurler Cade Povich was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move.

Valera (calf) is building up to physically handle playing multiple days per week, MLB.com reports.

Valera made his third appearance for Triple-A Columbus on Saturday, playing on back-to-back days for the first time on his rehab stint. That makes three games over four days for the outfielder. Valera is 4-for-13 (.308) with a double, a home run, two walks and three RBI since beginning the assignment, and he appears close to making his season debut for Cleveland.

Montgomery isn't in the White Sox's starting lineup Sunday versus Toronto.

Montgomery started each of Chicago's first eight games this season, posting a .207/.303/.414 slash line with two home runs, six RBI and a stolen base. Of his starts, six came at shortstop and two at third base. Miguel Vargas is at the hot corner for the White Sox on Sunday, while Tanner Murray -- who was called up prior to the contest -- will be making his major-league debut at shortstop against southpaw Eric Lauer.

Smith started at second base and went 0-for-3 with a walk in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Cincinnati.

Smith is finally getting a stable position to play after serving as a super-utility player the last few seasons with Texas. Unfortunately, his impressive spring training (1.127 OPS, four HR) has not yet carried over into the regular season. Smith is 3-for-24 (.125) with one RBI and one steal over seven starts.

The Cubs recalled Roberts from Triple-A Iowa to serve as the 27th man for Sunday's doubleheader against the Guardians, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

The right-hander failed to make Chicago's Opening Day roster, but he will receive a look in the majors during Sunday's twin bill. Roberts allowed six earned runs with a 6:2 K:BB over 10 big-league appearances last regular season.

Smith went 1-for-1 with a solo home run in Saturday's 11-0 win over the A's.

Despite starting the game on the bench for the first time this season, Smith put the finishing touches on Houston's blowout victory, launching his second homer of the year off Luis Medina in the eighth after entering the game as a defensive replacement the inning prior. The 23-year-old Smith has been swinging the bat well, logging at least one hit in his last five games. He's gone 6-for-15 with three extra-base hits in that span.

The Twins recalled Acton from Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday.

Minnesota acquired Acton in a trade with Miami on Thursday, and the right-hander will quickly get a chance to show the Twins what he can do. Acton worked just one MLB game last year while with the Rays, walking two batters in a hitless and scoreless inning, and he posted a 4:1 K:BB over two outings spanning 2.1 frames this season in the minors before being called up. In a corresponding roster move. Zak Kent was optioned to St. Paul.

Alvarez went 1-for-1 with an RBI, a run scored and four walks in Saturday's 11-0 rout over the A's.

Alvarez's four walks matched a career high, as the slugger continues to reach base at a prolific rate in the early going -- his OBP is up to .590 through his first nine games. Through 39 plate appearances, Alvarez is 11-for-26 with three home runs, eight RBI and an eye-popping 1.475 OPS.

The Cubs recalled Martin from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

The left-hander is taking the roster spot of Cade Horton (forearm), who was placed on the 15-day injured list. Martin has yet to make his MLB debut but pitched well at Triple-A Iowa last year with a 2.71 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 80:35 K:BB across 63 innings (46 appearances).