MLB Player News

The Nationals recalled Alu from Triple-A Rochester on Monday.

Alu hasn't done much so far this season with Rochester, batting .247/.322/.377 with two homers through 21 games. He was excellent between Double-A Harrisburg and Rochester in 2022, though, with an .871 OPS, 20 dingers and 15 steals. Alu can play all over the field and should operate in a super-utility role with the Nats. He'll be making his major-league debut when he gets into a game.

Bannon was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land by the Astros on Monday.

Bannon was sent down to make room for Chas McCormick with McCormick coming off the injured list for Monday's game against the Angels. Bannon will likely be up and down throughout the 2023 season as a depth option.

Vargas is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Brewers, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

After closing the Dodgers' weekend series in San Diego with an 0-for-8 showing at the dish over the final two games, Vargas will get a chance to rest Monday. Mookie Betts will move from the outfield to cover second base while Vargas hits the bench for the first time since April 27.

Donovan is starting in left field and batting sixth for the Cardinals on Monday versus the Cubs, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

The trickle-down effect of the Cards' bizarre decision to move Willson Contreras off catcher means Donovan will play a lot more in the outfield while Nolan Gorman handles second base. However, when Tyler O'Neill (back) returns it will create another logjam.

Bae (ankle) is not in the starting lineup Monday against the Rockies.

Bae will remain on the bench for a third straight game as he continues to nurse an ankle injury. With left-hander Kyle Freeland on the mound for Colorado, it's possible Bae wouldn't be in the lineup regardless of health. Rodolfo Castro will take over at second base while Chris Owings will draw the start at shortstop and bat eighth in the series opener.

Kemp will sit Monday versus the the Yankees.

Kemp will remain on the bench Monday as the Athletics face left-hander Nestor Cortes on the mound. Jordan Diaz will draw the start at second base and bat sixth in the series opener with New York.

The Pirates optioned Mathias to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Mathias will cede his spot on the active roster to fellow right-handed-hitting utility player Chris Owings, who was called up from Triple-A. He's managed just a .695 OPS in 15 games with the Bucs this season.

Merrifield went 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBI in Sunday's 10-1 victory over the Pirates.

Merrifield opened the scoring Sunday with an RBI single in the first inning before extending Toronto's lead to 4-0 with a three-run homer off Roansy Contreras in the third. It's the first homer of the season for the 34-year-old Merrifield after he hit 11 in 504 at-bats last season. He's gotten off to a nice start with Toronto, slashing .291/.342/.408 with 12 runs scored, 14 RBI and seven steals through 114 plate appearances. While he's not likely to be a 40-steal threat anymore, Merrifield remains a solid multi-category fantasy option in the middle of a powerful Blue Jays' lineup.

Gorman went 0-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's 12-6 win over the Tigers.

Gorman returned to the starting lineup Sunday after making consecutive appearances off the bench due to lower-back tightness. The 23-year-old reached in the sixth, stole second and scored in what wound up being a seven-run inning for the Cardinals. For the year, Gorman is slashing .255/.347/.510 with seven homers, 23 RBI, 10 runs, three steals and a 14:32 BB:K over 118 plate appearances. He has only made starts against right-handers so far.

Donovan went 2-for-3 with a three run homer in Sunday's 12-6 win over the Tigers.

Donovan supplied what wound up being the game-winning run for the Cardinals after a three-run blast in the sixth put them up on the Tigers, 7-6. The long ball was his first since April 2 and his third overall on the year. Donovan his primarily started against righties only this season and may be in and out of the lineup this week with the Cardinals scheduled to face three lefties. For the year, the 26-year-old is slashing .268/.327/.392 with six extra base hits, nine RBI, 13 runs and a 7:20 BB:K over 107 plate appearances.