MLB Player News

Story (elbow) started work with a plyometric ball in preparation to begin a throwing program within the next two weeks, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Story is 12 weeks removed from an internal bracing procedure, which is a modified version of Tommy John surgery designed to repair and reinforce the elbow ligaments. He's been running to keep in shape and has now added the plyo ball, which is a rubber ball that will build arm strength before Story cuts loose with a baseball. In addition to running and plyo ball work, Story has been taking grounders without throwing every other day. He's at least a few months away from returning.

Fletcher is hitting ninth and playing shortstop for Tuesday's game against Seattle, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

With Anthony Rendon serving the second game of his suspension, Luis Rengifo moves over to third base and Fletcher gets the start at shortstop against Luis Castillo.

Smith received six stitches and has some swelling in his jaw but is not in much pain after being hit in the face by a pitch Monday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

It was a scary incident when Smith was hit by a Danny Coulombe pitch, but he managed to avoid a serious injury. Smith is considered day-to-day.

Duran is starting in left field for the Rangers in Tuesday's game versus the Orioles.

It will be just the second start in the majors in the outfield for Duran, who usually plays on the dirt. He could be due for an uptick in playing time in left if Josh Smith (face) needs to miss some time.

Bichette went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Monday's loss to the Royals.

Remarkably, it's the first home run of the season for a Blue Jays team that was one of only seven last year to launch 200 or more. Bichette's had a great start at the plate, going 8-for-19 (.421) with a double, two RBI and three runs scored in addition to Monday's blast, and the 25-year-old shortstop will look to take his production to another level in 2023 after slashing a combined .294/.338/.477 over the last two seasons with 53 homers and 38 steals.

Chang is starting at second base and hitting ninth for the Red Sox on Tuesday versus the Pirates.

He's filling in for Christian Arroyo, who is getting a day off. Chang will square off against Roansy Contreras in what will be his first start of the season.

Crawford went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and a run in a loss to the Angels on Monday.

Crawford reached safely for the fourth time in the first five games of the season out of his No. 9 spot in the order, contributing his first multi-hit effort and extra-base hit of 2023 in the process. Thanks in part to the four walks complementing his three hits, Crawford sports an early .389 on-base percentage despite just a .214 average through his first 18 plate appearances.

Smith (face) posted Tuesday on his personal Twitter account that he's "doing fine" and "will hopefully be back on the field soon" after he exited Monday's 2-0 loss to the Orioles.

Smith left the game after being struck in the face by a Danny Coulombe pitch. He was taken to a hospital to be evaluated, and while an exact diagnosis for his injury hasn't been revealed, he appears to have avoided something serious. Smith, who had been handling the strong side of a platoon in left field to begin the season, can be considered day-to-day until the Rangers provide more details on his condition.

Duran filled in at left field Monday after Josh Smith was hit in the face by a pitch. He went 0-for-2 in a 2-0 loss to Batlimore.

Duran is primarily an infielder, but he was given exposure to left field during spring training. Expanding Duran's position versatility is about getting his potentially dangerous bat in the lineup. He's appeared in three games (one start) thus far and is 1-for-6.

Mateo went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's 2-0 win over the Rangers.

Mateo was out of action Sunday after cutting his hand in Saturday's game versus the Red Sox, but it was never expected to be a long-term issue. The 27-year-old shortstop has already put his speed on display with four steals through three games. His fifth-inning solo shot was his first homer, and he's added three RBI, four runs scored and a 2:2 BB:K. It's still too early to tell if his plate discipline has truly improved, but he struck out nearly once per game in 2022 -- any improvement in that regard can only raise his batting profile.