Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza is under increasing pressure as the team's losing streak reached 10 games, leaving them with a 7-14 record—the worst start in 43 years. Mendoza has been adjusting his lineup, including moving Carson Benge to the leadoff spot, as the organization looks to break the slide.
Yankees slugger Ben Rice continues to impress, solidifying his reputation as one of the outstanding hitters in the league regardless of whether he is facing left-handed or right-handed pitching.
Mason Miller has emerged as a dominant force out of the bullpen for the Kansas City Royals to open the 2026 campaign. Through his first 10 innings of work, Miller has yet to surrender a hit, showcasing elite command and stuff. While other relievers have garnered significant attention, Miller's flawless performance has established him as a key contributor in the Royals' pitching staff, providing crucial, hitless relief appearances early in the season.
Daulton Varsho is out of the Toronto Blue Jays' starting lineup for Saturday's contest against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The outfielder is currently dealing with a knee issue that has forced him to the bench. His status remains a point of concern for the Blue Jays as they navigate his recovery. Further updates regarding his availability for upcoming games are expected as he continues to be evaluated by the team's medical staff.
Will Smith is not in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers' game against the Rockies on Saturday. The update was confirmed by Kirsten Watson of Spectrum SportsNet LA. No further details regarding the reason for his absence were provided in the report.
Boston Red Sox right-hander Brayan Bello (1-1, 6.14 ERA) is set to start against the Detroit Tigers and left-hander Tarik Skubal on April 18, 2026, at Fenway Park.
Brendan Donovan is currently considered day-to-day due to left hip discomfort, according to a report from Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. The Mariners will continue to monitor his status as he manages the injury.
Isaac Paredes is back in the Houston Astros' lineup for Saturday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Dealing with a leg issue, Paredes will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth in the order. This move signals his return to active duty as he looks to contribute to the Astros' offense.
Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers is set to make his season debut on Sunday after completing his recovery from a hamstring strain. Manager Clayton McCullough confirmed the activation, noting that Stowers' return provides a significant boost to the team's roster depth. The All-Star outfielder is expected to rejoin active play immediately following his stint on the injured list.
The New York Mets placed infielder Jorge Polanco on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to April 15, due to a right wrist contusion. Polanco has struggled to start the season, batting .179 with a .532 OPS, compounded by a lingering lower leg injury. He will focus on recovery before returning to the active lineup. The team confirmed the transaction on Friday as they manage his injury status.
Following the placement of Jhoan Duran on the 15-day injured list, the Philadelphia Phillies optioned Otto Kemp to Triple-A Lehigh Valley as part of a series of roster moves.
San Francisco Giants pitcher Adrian Houser is set to start against the Washington Nationals and opposing pitcher Cade Cavalli on April 18, 2026.
Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli is scheduled to start against the San Francisco Giants and opposing pitcher Adrian Houser on April 18, 2026.
Eli White is in the starting lineup for the Atlanta Braves as they stack right-handed bats against Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez on April 18, 2026.
Jorge Mateo is in the starting lineup for the Atlanta Braves as they stack right-handed bats against Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez on April 18, 2026.
Garrett Crochet's recent outing, in which he was rocked earlier in the week, has provided an early boost to Tarik Skubal's standing in the American League Cy Young race.
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn is being evaluated for his offensive production in relation to his elite defensive skills. Analysts are comparing his development to Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, noting that Winn's defensive prowess is already established, but his offensive output will determine his role as a core member of the Cardinals.
Clayton Kershaw is noted for his appearance in Game 3 of the 2026 Division Series, where the Dodgers suffered a blowout loss against a National League opponent.
Tanner Scott is mentioned in the context of the Los Angeles Dodgers' recent history, specifically regarding a 2026 Division Series game where he was unavailable, leading to a blowout loss.
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole successfully completed his first rehab start on April 17th, reporting no setbacks and describing the outing as solid. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that the veteran right-hander will require several more rehab appearances to build up his arm strength and pitch count before being cleared to rejoin the major league rotation. The organization continues to monitor his progress closely.
