MLB Player News

McCutchen went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a walk Monday against the Nationals.

McCutchen struck out in five of his first nine plate appearances of the season and was out of the lineup both Saturday and Sunday. He returned to bat fourth Monday and struck out two additional times, though he also managed his first hits of the new campaign -- including a key RBI knock in the eighth inning. The Pirates' lineup is deeper than last season when McCutchen was a regular, but he'll likely get plenty of time to get his bat up to speed.

Morel went 2-for-3 with a run scored during Monday's 5-0 victory over the Rockies.

Despite the modest stat line, Morel's sixth-inning single with two-men on was the impetus for the Cubs' victory as a misplay by left-fielder Nolan Jones saw the ball roll all the way to the wall and allowed both runners to score. Jones then added a throwing error on the same play that allowed Morel to complete the little-league home run. Unfortunately, Morel did not get credited with an RBI on the play but it's been a solid start to the season for the Cubs' third-baseman. Through four games he's collected seven hits in 17 at-bats with a homer, three RBI and four runs scored.

Winker was removed from Monday's game against the Pirates due to illness, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

This is good news for the Nationals, as it likely means Winker will return within a day or two. The team should know more about Winker's availability for Wednesday after re-evaluating him Tuesday.

Jimenez is considered day-to-day after undergoing an MRI on his left adductor, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Jimenez was hurt while running out a groundball Sunday and did not play in Monday's contest. He has managed to avoid a long-term injury, though, and the White Sox will just play a man short for the time being rather than put Jimenez on the injured list. Gavin Sheets started at designated hitter in Jimenez's place Monday and should draw regular time there against righties.

Garver (back) is starting at designated hitter and batting fifth in Monday's game against the Guardians.

After starting in the season opener Thursday, Garver missed the next three games against the Red Sox due to back spasms. The 33-year old appears over the injury and will start at DH for Monday's game. With Garver returning, Mitch Haniger will move back to right field while Luke Raley returns to the bench.

Winker was removed from Monday's game against the Pirates with an apparent injury, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Winker didn't suffer an obvious injury but was replaced in left field by Eddie Rosario to begin the top of the second inning. He didn't take an at-bat or have a ball hit to him before being lifted. The Nationals should provide more clarity on Winker's situation soon.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Monday that Martinez remains at extended spring training and will be reevaluated in 2-to-3 days to determine if he'll be assigned to a minor-league affiliate at that time, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports.

He was officially optioned to Triple-A Syracuse a week ago but has not reported there. Martinez is still trying to fine-tune his swing after not signing with the Mets until late in spring training. He will likely join the Mets around mid-April, although a definitive date has not been set yet. Martinez will be the Mets' everyday designated hitter when he does join the big club.

Ramirez is out of the lineup for Monday's game versus the Rangers.

Ramirez started all four games against the Blue Jays in the designated hitter spot, but he'll begin Monday's tilt on the bench. Yandy Diaz is receiving a day at DH while Austin Shenton handles first base.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said Monday that the team is "in a holding pattern" while awaiting the results of Jimenez's (adductor) MRI, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Jimenez had to be removed from Sunday's game against the Tigers are injuring his left adductor while running out a grounder. Lenyn Sosa has joined the club in Chicago in case he needs to replace Jimenez on the active roster, but the latter is still be evaluated for a possible stint on the injured list. Fantasy managers should have a contingency plan in place for Jimenez.

Winker went 2-for-3 with a walk and a double in Sunday's loss to the Reds.

Facing the club he made his big-league debut with in 2017, Winker continues his hot start to the season but wasn't able to generate any production outside of his OBP. The 30-year-old has started all three games in left field for the Nationals so far while Eddie Rosario gets a look in center field, and Winker's 5-for-11 showing with a 2:3 BB:K should keep him in the lineup, even if he has only one run and one RBI to show for it so far.