Player news from trusted outlets

MLB News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Monday, May 18

Brandon Woodruff Slated to Face Hitters Friday in Recovery

AutoDraft Pro AI

Milwaukee Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff is making steady progress in his recovery from shoulder surgery. The veteran right-hander is tentatively scheduled to face live hitters this coming Friday, marking a significant step forward in his throwing program. While Woodruff remains on the long-term injured list, his ability to progress to facing batters indicates he is meeting the necessary benchmarks in his rehabilitation as he aims for an eventual return to the Brewers' rotation.

Jordan Lawlar Resumes Baseball Activities After Wrist Surgery

AutoDraft Pro AI

Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Jordan Lawlar has taken a positive step in his recovery from a fractured right wrist. Manager Torey Lovullo announced on Monday that Lawlar has resumed light baseball activities, including taking dry swings, after a recent CT scan confirmed the bone is healing well. While he is still in the early stages of his return to play, the resumption of activity is a promising sign for the young infielder who has been sidelined since early in the 2026 season.

Wyatt Langford Shows Progress in Recovery from Forearm Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Texas Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford is showing signs of improvement as he recovers from a right forearm injury. Langford successfully completed a strength test on Sunday and reported no setbacks during a re-evaluation on Monday. Despite the positive progress, the outfielder has not yet been cleared to resume throwing or hitting activities. The Rangers will continue to monitor his recovery closely before determining a specific timeline for his return to the active major league roster.

Astros Set to Activate Outfielder Jake Meyers During Twins Series

AutoDraft Pro AI

Houston Astros outfielder Jake Meyers is nearing a return to the active roster after being sidelined with an oblique injury. Meyers has joined the team in Minneapolis and is slated to be activated from the 10-day injured list at some point during the current series against the Minnesota Twins. His return comes as the Astros manage several roster updates, including the injury status of Jose Altuve and the anticipated return of Jeremy Pena to the everyday lineup following his own absence.

Cam Schlittler Takes Mound for Wednesday Rematch

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cam Schlittler (6-1, 1.35 ERA) is the scheduled starter for the New York Yankees in Wednesday's contest against the Toronto Blue Jays. He is set to face opposing pitcher Trey Yesavage. Schlittler enters the matchup looking to maintain his strong season performance and provide a spark for the Yankees' rotation in the high-stakes divisional rematch.

Kyle Teel Sidelined 3-6 Weeks with Sprained LCL

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chicago White Sox catching prospect Kyle Teel is expected to miss the next three to six weeks after suffering a sprained LCL in his right knee. The injury occurred during a rehab game with Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday. Teel was already working his way back from a hamstring issue when the knee injury took place. This setback is a blow to the young catcher's development timeline, as he was nearing a potential call-up or return to full health before this latest injury occurred.

Tatsuya Imai Set to Start Series Opener Against Twins

AutoDraft Pro AI

Right-hander Tatsuya Imai is scheduled to take the mound for the Houston Astros on Monday as they open a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Imai enters the contest with a 1-1 record and a 9.24 ERA on the season. This will be his first career appearance against the Twins' lineup. The Astros are looking for a strong performance from Imai to kick off the road trip as they face off against Minnesota left-hander Kendry Morales in the series opener.

Orioles Activate Top Prospect Jackson Holliday Following Hand Surgery

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Baltimore Orioles have officially activated top prospect Jackson Holliday from the 10-day injured list. The 22-year-old infielder, who was the top overall pick in the 2022 draft, has been sidelined while recovering from surgery to repair a fractured hamate in his right hand sustained during spring training. While Holliday has rejoined the club in Tampa Bay and is in the final stages of his recovery, he was not included in the starting lineup for Monday's contest against the Rays.

Alek Thomas Joins Dodgers Following Trade from Diamondbacks

AutoDraft Pro AI

Outfielder Alek Thomas has joined the Los Angeles Dodgers following a trade that led to the team designating Michael Siani for assignment. Thomas, acquired to bolster the Dodgers' outfield defense and provide a left-handed bat, was the catalyst for the roster move on May 12th. The acquisition reflects the Dodgers' ongoing efforts to refine their lineup as they maintain their position atop the standings. Thomas is expected to see significant playing time in center field for Los Angeles.

Orioles Claim Outfielder Michael Siani off Waivers from Dodgers

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Baltimore Orioles have claimed outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Siani was designated for assignment by Los Angeles on May 12th following the team's trade for Alek Thomas. Known for his defensive prowess and speed, Siani provides the Orioles with additional outfield depth. He will likely compete for a reserve role or provide coverage in the minor leagues as the Orioles continue to shuffle their roster during the middle of the 2026 season.

Ceddanne Rafaela Sidelined Monday with Hamstring Tightness

AutoDraft Pro AI

Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela was left out of the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Kansas City Royals due to hamstring tightness. Interim manager Chad Tracy described the issue as "a little bit of tightness," suggesting the move is largely precautionary. The team will evaluate Rafaela's status on a day-to-day basis to determine if he can return for the remainder of the series. The Red Sox hope to avoid a long-term stint on the injured list for the rookie.

Brandon Sproat to Start Series Opener Against Chicago Cubs

AutoDraft Pro AI

The Milwaukee Brewers have tabbed Brandon Sproat to start the opening game of their series against the Chicago Cubs. This matchup marks the first meeting of the season between the two division rivals. Sproat will look to lead the Brewers (26-18) against a competitive Cubs squad (29-18) at Wrigley Field. The start is a significant opportunity for the pitcher to establish himself as the Brewers aim to gain ground in the NL Central standings during this critical road series in Chicago.

Roman Anthony Sidelined by Wrist Soreness, No Swings Until Friday

AutoDraft Pro AI

Roman Anthony continues to deal with wrist soreness and has been instructed not to swing a bat until at least Friday. The Red Sox prospect remains sidelined as he manages the discomfort, with further updates on his recovery expected to be provided via RotoWire.

Ben Rice Starts at Designated Hitter for Yankees

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ben Rice is in the starting lineup for the New York Yankees, serving as the designated hitter for Monday's series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Lenyn Sosa Starts at Second Base for Yankees

AutoDraft Pro AI

Lenyn Sosa is in the starting lineup for the New York Yankees, playing second base for Monday's series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Kazuma Okamoto Starts at Third Base for Blue Jays

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kazuma Okamoto is in the starting lineup for the Toronto Blue Jays, playing third base in Monday's series opener against the New York Yankees.

George Springer Named in Blue Jays Lineup for Yankees Series

AutoDraft Pro AI

George Springer is slated to serve as the designated hitter in the Toronto Blue Jays' lineup for Monday's series opener against the New York Yankees.

Ryan Weathers Faces Blue Jays in Bronx Series Opener

AutoDraft Pro AI

Ryan Weathers (2-2, 3.00 ERA) takes the mound for the New York Yankees in tonight's series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Weathers will be opposed by Blue Jays starter Patrick Corbin as the Yankees look to stop their recent slide at home.

Patrick Corbin Set to Start Series Opener Against Yankees

AutoDraft Pro AI

Patrick Corbin (1-1, 3.93 ERA) is the scheduled starter for the Toronto Blue Jays in tonight's series opener against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Corbin will look to build on his season performance as he faces off against Yankees starter Ryan Weathers in the first of a four-game set.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Looks to Build on Slump-Busting Performance

AutoDraft Pro AI

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. enters Monday's series opener against the Yankees looking to maintain momentum after breaking out of a recent slump during Sunday's game. As a primary focus for the Blue Jays' offense, his return to form is considered a critical development for Toronto as they seek to gain ground in the AL East. He remains a top option for daily fantasy projections and home run predictions heading into the matchup.