MLB Player News

Torres went 2-for-4 with a walk, a solo home run and an additional run scored in Saturday's 11-6 win over St. Louis.

Torres was one of four Detroit players to go deep in the offensive outburst, and it was the first of the season for the second baseman. He batted third in this contest, down from his typical No. 2 spot, which was occupied by rookie Kevin McGonigle. Whether Torres bats second or third, he should remain a key piece of the Tigers' lineup, capable of producing solid fantasy stats all season.

With Cade Horton (forearm) set to land on the injured list, Assad is an option to get promoted from the minors and fill his rotation spot, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Horton departed Friday's contest after only an inning of work due to right forearm discomfort, and he will be examined more fully to determine the extent of the injury. Following a rainout Saturday, the Cubs don't have to worry about Horton's spot in the rotation again until Wednesday. Assad is a candidate to get the call from Triple-A Iowa, though it appears to be more likely that Ben Brown or Colin Rea moves over from the bullpen and into the rotation. Even if Assad isn't needed right away, he could be next in line if any other Chicago pitchers go down.

Barrosa started in left field and went 0-for-3 in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Atlanta.

With Jordan Lawlar (wrist) out for the next six-to-eight weeks, Barrosa is likely to share left field with Tim Tawa, who started there Friday. That arrangement should continue until Lourdes Gurriel (knee) is ready to return and play defense. Barrosa has made three starts so far and is 2-for-9 with two doubles and a run scored.

Martin is expected to be called up from Triple-A Iowa to take the roster spot of Cade Horton (forearm), who is set to land on the injured list, Jordan Bastian and Jason Foster of MLB.com report.

After Horton departed Friday's contest with right forearm discomfort, Martin joined the Cubs at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Saturday, but the game was rained out and Chicago didn't have to make any roster moves. The Cubs get a 27th man for Sunday's doubleheader, but Martin may stick around into next week. The lefty reliever has been in the organization since 2021 but has yet to make his MLB debut. He would likely fill a middle relief role, with one of Ben Brown or Colin Rea expected to move from the bullpen into the rotation with Horton out.

Del Castillo served as the designated hitter and went 0-for-3 in Saturday's 2-1 win over Atlanta.

Del Castillo made his season debut after the Diamondbacks activated him off the IL on Friday. He batted fifth in the order, which could provide RBI opportunities if he sticks in that spot when he's in the lineup. Del Castillo is expected to get regular turns at DH against right-handers, as was the case Saturday, until Pavin Smith (elbow) is healthy.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Saturday that a decision whether to activate Kelly (back) when eligible will be announced Sunday, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports. The right-hander can be activated April 8.

Kelly is fresh off a 72-pitch outing at Triple-Reno on Friday and responded well the following day. His activation would force an adjustment to the existing five-man rotation. The Diamondbacks could move a current starter with relief experience to the bullpen -- Michael Soroka or Ryne Nelson -- or option Brandon Pfaadt to the minors.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Saturday that Wheeler (shoulder) will continue his rehab assignment Wednesday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will make another minor-league start after that, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Wheeler struggled in his second rehab start with Lehigh Valley on Friday, allowing five runs on four hits and two walks while striking one batter over three innings. His four-seamer averaged 92.7 mph, and Philadelphia will give him at least two more starts to build up in the minors after he threw 49 pitches Friday. That puts a possible return to the major leagues around April 18 or 19, depending on how Wheeler fares as he completes his recovery from venous thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.

Neto went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 1-0 win against Seattle.

Neto led off the game with a solo blast off Emerson Hancock, and that proved to the only run scored by either team in the contest. The talented young shortstop has gone deep three times through nine games to begin the campaign, though he's tallied just four RBI. Nonetheless, Neto is looking like one of fantasy's top shortstops again this season after posting a .793 OPS with 26 homers and 26 steals over 128 contests last year.

Hancock (1-1) took the loss against the Angels on Saturday, allowing one run on six hits and no walks while striking out five batters over 6.2 innings.

Hancock served up a leadoff home run to Zach Neto but bounced back by keeping the Angels off the scoreboard over the remainder of his outing. He tossed 58 of 82 pitches for strikes and induced 13 whiffs, but the Mariners' offense couldn't produce any runs -- largely due to Angels right fielder Jo Adell, who robbed Seattle of a homer on three different occasions. Despite the loss, this was another promising start for Hancock, who has now given up just one run across 12.2 frames while posting a 14:1 K:BB through two starts. He began the season in the rotation because of Bryce Miller's oblique strain and placement on the 15-day IL, but it's hard to see Hancock giving up his starting role if he continues to pitch anywhere near this well.

Romano earned a save against the Mariners on Saturday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning of work.

Romano entered in the ninth frame with the task of protecting a 1-0 lead. He got through the inning unscathed thanks in part to right fielder Jo Adell, who robbed J.P. Crawford of what had appeared to be a game-tying leadoff homer. Romano retired the next two batters on a popout and a punchout, giving him three saves in three chances to begin the campaign. He's putting a stranglehold on the Angels' closer role with 4.2 scoreless frames and a 7:2 K:BB through five appearances.