MLB Player News

Baez went 1-for-4 with an RBI single and a stolen base in Friday's 2-1 loss to the Orioles.

Baez didn't have a great game, but he was the lone offensive bright spot for the Tigers on a night the team mustered only five hits. The hit also extended his hitting streak to seven games, so it looks like the shortstop is getting going a little bit, though he's still batting only .200 for the season.

Mateo (hip) said he is available off the bench Friday against Detroit, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Mateo added that he should be feeling 100 percent by Saturday, indicating he may return to the lineup then. The 27-year-old shortstop is off to an incredible start to the season and holds a 1.683 OPS over the past week.

Smith isn't starting Friday's game against Oakland.

After a 1-for-3 performance in his last game, Smith will sit against the left-handed JP Sears. Ezequiel Duran will start at shortstop in Smith's place Friday and bat seventh.

Mateo (hip) is absent from the Orioles' lineup for Friday's game against the Tigers, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Mateo departed Wednesday's game versus the Nationals with right hip discomfort, and Thursday's off day wasn't enough to get him back in the lineup. The Orioles are hoping Mateo can avoid the injured list and are considering him day-to-day. Gunnar Henderson is at shortstop Friday, with Ramon Urias handling third base.

Chang went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 11-5 victory over the Twins.

Chang returned from paternity leave with a two-run shot off Jorge Alcala, extending Boston's lead to 10-1 in the fifth inning. Chang only has three hits through 30 at-bats this season, though two have been home runs. He's slashing .100/.156/.300 with six RBI and three runs scored while playing a part-time role with the Red Sox.

Neto went 2-for-3 with two doubles in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Yankees in 10 innings. He also reached base when he was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning.

The pair of doubles were the first extra-base knocks of Neto's career, as the rookie shortstop had gone 1-for-16 with a base hit through his first four games. Neto's slow start at the dish has resulted in him quickly being dropped from the leadoff spot and moved to the bottom of the order, but the 22-year-old still remains a promising fantasy commodity. Though he doesn't project to hit for much power or offer much of an impact as a base stealer, Neto boasts an advanced hit tool and should see his .158 batting average climb dramatically from here on out.

The Red Sox reinstated Chang (personal) from the paternity list Thursday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

He was away for only one day and is back in the Boston lineup for Thursday's game against the Twins, playing shortstop and batting ninth. Enmanuel Valdez was sent back down to Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move.

The Guardians optioned Rocchio to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.

Rocchio's first stint in the big leagues lasted just one day after being promoted Wednesday, and he didn't make an appearance. The fact that he's being sent back to the minors suggests the Guardians have confidence in Amed Rosario's (back) chances of returning to action this weekend against the Marlins.

Duran went 1-for-5 with a double and three RBI in Wednesday's 12-3 win over the Royals.

Duran got the start at designated against a right-handed starter, a role that typically goes to Robbie Grossman or Brad Miller. Perhaps it was reward for the two hits Duran had the previous day against a righty. He's been used sparingly to open the season, but Corey Seager's hamstring and an unsettled spot in left field could lead to more opportunities for Duran, who is 6-for-30 (.200) with just one extra-base hit through 11 games.

Pena went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run, an additional run scored and a steal in Wednesday's 8-1 victory over Toronto.

Pena's three-run blast, Pena's first homer since April 8, in the bottom of the eighth put the game out of reach for Toronto. The 2022 World Series MVP is off to a slow start this season with a .211/.286/.408 slash line through 19 games, though he does have solid counting stats with three homers, 12 RBI and five stolen bases.