MLB Player News

Smith is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

For the second straight day, Smith will take a seat with the Rays bringing a right-handed starting pitcher (Tommy Romero) to the hill. At least for the time being, the 25-year-old rookie may have been surpassed on the depth chart at third base by Sheldon Neuse, who started in Monday's 13-2 win and went 3-for-5 with a grand slam. Prior to Monday, Smith had started in each of Oakland's first three games and went 0-for-11 with six strikeouts.

Story (illness) is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Tigers, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Though Story made the trip to Detroit for the three-game series with the Tigers, he'll sit for the third consecutive contest while he works to regain strength following a bout with the flu. As was the case the previous two days, Jonathan Arauz will replace Story in the lineup at second base.

Story (non-COVID illness) rejoined the Red Sox in Detroit on Monday but may not be available to play Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. "He feels weak," manager Alex Cora said. "Hopefully, he can come here tomorrow, get him moving around. Not sure he's going to play [Tuesday]. We're trying to shoot for the last day of the series."

Story played in Boston's first two games before missing the last two games with an illness. In his absence, Jonathan Arauz has filled in at second base and could get another start Tuesday. Christian Arroyo is also around, but he may replace Jackie Bradley in right field with the Red Sox facing left-handed starter Tyler Alexander.

Mondesi went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Monday's 10-7 loss to the Guardians.

It was a rough opening series of the season for Mondesi, who went 2-for-14 with six strikeouts, a steal, one RBI and one run scored. The shortstop has also regularly hit seventh in the order, providing him fewer opportunities at the plate, and thus less chances to make an impact with his legs on the basepaths. He's recorded no less than 15 stolen bases in each of the last four years despite not playing in more than 102 games in any of those seasons.

Witt went 0-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base, two runs scored and three strikeouts in Monday's 10-7 loss to the Guardians.

Witt had struck out just once in his first three major-league games, so there's little reason to be concerned about his poor day at the plate. He also picked up his first walk and stolen base in the loss. The 21-year-old has already dazzled on defense at third base, and he's shown a little power and speed -- both of his hits this season are doubles. Hitting second in a strong top half of the Royals' order should continue to give Witt chances to contribute in all five standard fantasy categories.

Mateo went 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run scored in Monday's 2-0 win over the Brewers.

Mateo was involved in the lone scoring play of the game. He walked and stole second before coming home on a two-run single by Cedric Mullins in the second inning. Mateo's already stolen two bases in four games while going 3-for-12 with three walks in four games. If he can maintain his strong on-base skills and speed, he should continue to see a starting role at shortstop.

Franco went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in a loss to Oakland on Monday.

Tampa Bay fell behind early and was never competitive in its first loss of the campaign, but Franco provided a moral boost by extending his strong start to the season. The 21-year-old notched his third three-hit game over the Rays' first four contests, pushing his average up to .600 over 16 at-bats. Franco has yet to go deep, but he has two doubles among his nine hits.

Fletcher left Monday's game against the Marlins due to left hip tightness.

The severity of Fletcher's injury is unknown at this time, so he'll be listed as day-to-day until the team unveils more information. Tyler Wade and Jack Mayfield could see more opportunities at shortstop if Fletcher is forced to miss significant time.

Baez went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Monday's win over the Red Sox.

Baez looks comfortable with his new team, as he has started 5-for-15 across his first four games, and he now has his first home run of the young season. The home run was a big one too, as it broke a 1-1 tie in the eighth inning and propelled Detroit to victory. The shortstop has been batting third for the Tigers and should continue to see plenty of chances to produce from the heart of the order.

Story (illness), who isn't available for Monday's game against the Tigers, hopes to be available Tuesday against Detroit, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Story missed Sunday's game against the Yankees due to a non-COVID illness, and he won't be available to appear off the bench in Monday's series opener in Detroit. However, he's traveling with the team and has a chance to return to action following a two-game absence. Jonathan Arauz is starting at second base and batting eighth in Monday's game.