Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Roki Sasaki is the scheduled starter for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Sasaki has been a focal point of betting analysis for the matchup, with expectations that he will influence the early pace of the game. He faces off against Brewers starter Robert Gasser in the contest.
Paul Skenes took his second straight loss on Saturday as the Pirates fell 5-2 to the Blue Jays. Skenes surrendered a leadoff home run to George Springer and was tagged for three additional runs in the sixth inning after the Pirates had briefly tied the game. This marks the first time this season Skenes has lost consecutive starts. Additionally, social media captured a reaction from Olivia Dunne regarding the leadoff home run pitch he surrendered during the contest.
George Springer hit his 65th career leadoff home run to spark the Toronto Blue Jays to a 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. Springer's early blast set the tone, and he helped hand Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes his second consecutive loss.
Logan O'Hoppe is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Texas Rangers. The catcher is being held out of action as a precaution, according to Erica Weston of Bally Sports West.
Jackson Merrill is back in action for the San Diego Padres on Saturday against the Oakland Athletics. Merrill, who has been dealing with a rib issue, will start in center field and bat sixth for the team.
Xander Bogaerts is not in the starting lineup for the San Diego Padres' contest against the Oakland Athletics on Saturday.
Despite the Seattle Mariners' 5-0 loss to the Kansas City Royals, Luke Raley managed a positive WPA of +.07. The Mariners struggled offensively throughout the game, failing to score against Stephen Kolek, who pitched a complete game shutout.
George Kirby was featured in MLB player props and best bets analysis for Saturday, May 23. In the subsequent 5-0 loss to the Kansas City Royals, Kirby recorded a -0.22 WPA, reflecting a difficult outing as the Mariners' offense failed to provide support against Stephen Kolek's complete game shutout.
Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez left Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs in the sixth inning due to back spasms. Alvarez, a three-time All-Star batting .300 with 15 home runs and 31 RBIs, was removed for precautionary reasons. It has been confirmed that he will not play in Sunday's series finale against the Cubs. His status remains a key development for the Astros' lineup as he manages the injury.
Astros RHP Kai-Wei Teng moved to 3-3 on the season after a dominant performance against the Cubs on Saturday. Teng secured the victory by tossing six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and three walks while striking out six batters. This outing followed his scheduled start at Wrigley Field, marking a successful bounce-back effort for the right-hander as he continues to anchor the Houston rotation. He was backed by Christian Walker's two home runs in the 3-0 win.
The New York Yankees have signed right-handed pitcher Peter Strzelecki to a minor league contract. Following the signing, the organization has assigned him to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre roster.
Garrett Mitchell is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The outfielder continues to deal with a back injury that has kept him sidelined. The Brewers have not provided a specific return timeline, but his absence persists as the team navigates their current series against Los Angeles.
The New York Mets have designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment as of Friday. The move puts the future of the decorated closer in question, sparking discussions regarding his potential Hall of Fame candidacy. Kimbrel, who has had an impressive career, now faces an uncertain path as the Mets move on from the veteran arm.
William Contreras is out of the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Brewers are giving the catcher a day of rest. Contreras remains a central part of the Milwaukee offense, and his absence is purely for maintenance purposes during the team's current series.
Max Muncy is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The infielder is currently dealing with a wrist injury that has forced him to the bench. The team is monitoring his condition, and his availability for upcoming games remains day-to-day as he recovers from the ailment.
Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner executed a highlight-reel putout, tossing the ball between his legs during Saturday's game against the Houston Astros. Despite his defensive prowess, the Cubs fell 3-0, extending their losing skid to seven games. Hoerner, a two-time Gold Glove Award winner, continues to make a strong case for defensive recognition in 2026.
Framber Valdez's scheduled start for the Detroit Tigers against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday at Camden Yards has been postponed due to rain. Valdez, who holds a 2-3 record with a 4.58 ERA, was slated to face RHP Brandon Young in the contest.
Brandon Young's scheduled start for the Baltimore Orioles against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday at Camden Yards has been postponed due to inclement weather. Young, who holds a 3-1 record with a 4.25 ERA, was slated to face LHP Framber Valdez in the game.
Following a rainout on Friday, Andre Pallante started the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds. Pallante delivered a sharp performance, helping the St. Louis Cardinals secure an 8-1 victory. The win featured a strong team effort, including a home run from MLB debutant Bryan Torres and a home run from Jordan Walker at Great American Ball Park.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke with reporters before Saturday's game against the Marlins. He addressed various topics, including the team's upcoming pitching plan and the status of Jared Young, stating there is a 'good chance' Young will rejoin the team on the next homestand.
