MLB Player News

Gasper will start at designated hitter and bat second in Monday's game against the Royals.

After not playing in either of the Red Sox's first two games following his May 7 call-up from Triple-A Worcester, Gasper has proceeded to start in seven of the team's subsequent eight contests. He's largely been the beneficiary of other players missing time with injuries, but Gasper has capitalized on his opportunities thus far, slashing .320/.346/.400 since his promotion. Gasper could return to the bench Tuesday if either or both of Carlos Narvaez (finger) and Ceddanne Rafaela (hamstring) are cleared to start.

Morel is out of the lineup for Monday's game against Atlanta.

With Griffin Conine (hamstring) still stuck on the injured list and with Agustin Ramirez and Graham Pauley recently getting optioned to the minors, the Marlins have an opening in their everyday lineup, but Morel hasn't yet seized control of it. Since coming off the injured list April 27, Morel has started in 12 of the Marlins' ensuing 20 games and has slashed .146/.205/.171 with no home runs, one stolen base, two runs and one RBI. Until his production improves, Morel is likely to be used in a part-time role.

Manzardo is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Tigers.

With a .958 OPS on the month, Manzardo has been one of the team's hottest hitters throughout May, but the Guardians will still look to shield him from left-handed pitching. He'll cede first base to Rhys Hoskins in the series opener in Detroit while southpaw Framber Valdez takes the hill for the Tigers.

Rice went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Sunday's extra-inning loss to the Mets.

Rice opened the scoring in the contest with a solo blast to center field in the third inning. The long ball was his third over his past six games and his 15th overall this season. Rice is tied for fourth in the majors in home runs, is tied for 12th with 31 RBI and leads the league with a 1.077 OPS through 42 games.

Young (knee) will move his rehab assignment from Single-A St. Lucie to Triple-A Syracuse this week, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Young played two games in the Florida State League over the weekend, going 1-for-6 with a walk and a run scored while playing six total innings in the field at first base. The 30-year-old Young -- who is making his way back from mid-April surgery to address minor meniscus tear in his left knee -- could push for playing time at first base, designated hitter or in the corner outfield once the Mets bring him back from the 10-day injured list.

Young (knee) has gone 1-for-6 with a walk and two strikeouts in two games since beginning a rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie on Friday.

Young last played April 12 before needing surgery to repair a minor meniscus tear in the left knee. Per Tim Britton of The Athletic, the Mets don't have a timeline for the veteran outfielder's return, but the additions of MJ Melendez and top prospect A.J. Ewing to the big-league lineup in his absence could make it tough for Young to regain a spot once he's cleared.

Polanco (Achilles) is traveling with the Mets during their road trip through Washington and Miami this week, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

The veteran infielder is taking part in baseball activities, but it's pain tolerance will determine when he's ready for game action. "Hopefully it goes away, but it's something he's probably going to have to manage," manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday. Polanco has been sidelined since April 14, so he'll likely require a minor-league rehab assignment before coming off the IL.

Burger went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, four RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 8-0 win over Houston.

Burger opened the scoring in the fifth inning with a two-run homer off Peter Lambert before adding a two-run double in the seventh to help put the game away. The homer was his eighth of the season and his second in the last four games as the slugger continues a productive month at the plate. Across 13 games in May, Burger is batting .260 with 12 RBI. He's now slashing .232/.274/.411 with six doubles, 31 RBI and 18 runs scored across 179 plate appearances.

France went 3-for-4 with three RBI in Sunday's 8-3 win over the Mariners.

France drew the start at first base in Sunday's series finale and punished his former club with three singles that plated three runs as the Padres completed a weekend sweep. The 31-year-old hasn't operated as an everyday player for San Diego this season, but he has been productive when called upon. Across 78 plate appearances, France is slashing .280/.308/.520 with four homers, two doubles, two triples, 14 RBI, nine runs and a stolen base.

Sheets went 3-for-3 with two homers, a double, two walks and four total RBI in Sunday's 8-3 win over the Mariners.

Sheets' torrid stretch at the plate reached another level Sunday, as he slugged a pair of monstrous homers off starter George Kirby before adding an RBI double in the seventh inning. "Hot" likely undersells how well Sheets has been swinging the bat of late, as the 30-year-old is 10-for-19 (.526) over his past seven games with four homers, eight RBI, six runs and a stolen base during that stretch. On the season, the big lefty is slashing .262/.340/.556 with nine homers, 10 doubles, 21 RBI, 19 runs and three stolen bases across 141 plate appearances.