MLB Player News

Cabrera went a combined 2-for-8 with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored across both games of Monday's doubleheader against the Yankees.

Cabrera returned to the lineup on Friday after missing 27 games with a hamstring issue, so it's a good sign to see him healthy enough to play both games Monday. The Tigers did exercise some caution by having the 35-year-old DH in Game 1, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Cabrera rotate frequently between first base and DH the rest of the way to keep his hamstring fresh. However, his first base eligibility is likely set in most leagues, and fantasy owners just want to see his bat in Detroit's lineup as often as possible.

Ohtani is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Royals.

Ohtani is just 4-for-28 (.143) against left-handed pitchers this season, so it does not come as a major surprise he is being held out against Royals southpaw Danny Duffy. Ohtani could pinch hit Monday if need be, but he is scheduled to start on the mound Wednesday and has not hit the day before he pitches all season, so don't expect to see his name listed in the Angels' batting order until Friday.

Miller went 1-for-3 with an RBI double and a walk in Sunday's loss to the Mariners.

Miller ultimately was responsible for the Rays' only run of the afternoon, as he opened the scoring with a two-bagger to deep right in the fourth that plated Daniel Robertson. A recent bump down to sixth in the order may put a dent in Miller's fantasy prospects, but the veteran infielder could certainly help his cause if he could rediscover some of the pop that led to his 30-homer tally back in 2016, his first season in Tampa.

McCutchen went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run Sunday against the Phillies.

McCutchen drove a curveball up in the zone from Jake Arrieta to the opposite field in the sixth inning for his fourth home run of the season. The shot was McCutchen's first since April 20, though he has started to show signs of hitting for power with four extra-base hits in his past 10 games. He got off to a similarly slow start last season before going on a hot stretch in June. This gives hope that his performance will turn around at some point this season, but to this point, McCutchen's performance has been a significant disappointment.

Martinez exited Sunday's game against the Astros early with back spasms, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Upon leaving the game, Martinez was shown pointing to his back while talking to the team trainer. It was later revealed that he was suffering from back spasms, although manager Alex Cora stated he doesn't believe it's a big issue, and Martinez is expected to play Tuesday. He was lifted and replaced by Sam Travis, who hit a two-RBI single in the ninth inning.

Ozuna went 1-for-3 with a grand slam Sunday against the Pirates.

Ozuna came to the plate with the bases full in the first inning and deposited a hanging offspeed pitch into the left field seats. It was his fifth home run of the season and second in as many games. He has now recorded a hit in seven of his past eight games and has gone 11-for-28 in that span.

Miller will start at first base and bat sixth Sunday against the Mariners, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

After Denard Span was dealt to Seattle on May 25, Miller received the first crack at replacing him as the Rays' leadoff man against right-handed pitching. He lasted just four games in that role, however, going 4-for-17 at the dish during those contests before manager Kevin Cash turned to the speedy Mallex Smith as the club's table setter. Miller's fantasy prospects will likely take a hit if he fails to escape the bottom half of the Tampa Bay lineup, but his .236/.303/.399 season line had already kept his ownership limited anyway.

Goins will start at second base and bat ninth Sunday against the Athletics, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

The Royals have been rotating the versatile Whit Merrifield at a number of different spots lately, paving the way for Goins to pick up his fourth consecutive start at second base Sunday. Goins has earned the extra opportunities by going 4-for-10 with a pair of runs and RBI over the past three games, but his career .230/.276/.336 batting line suggests there's limited fantasy upside to be mined here.

Cespedes (hip) isn't expected to require a minor-league rehab assignment before being activated from the disabled list, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

Cespedes remains without a firm timeline for his return, but manager Mickey Callaway did go on record Sunday stating that the organization does not believe that Cespedes will need any minor-league at-bats prior his his activation. He's scheduled to take live at-bats against a Mets pitcher Tuesday, at which point the team should provide an update on his recovery timeline.

Cabrera is the designated hitter and batting third for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

After starting at first base in each of his first two games back from the disabled list, Cabrera will slide over to DH in an effort to lessen the stress on his hamstring. Expect this to be a fairly standard routine for the 35-year-old slugger moving forward as the Tigers aim to keep him healthy and in the lineup.