MLB Player News

Cruz (illness) is starting in center field and batting leadoff Tuesday against the Cardinals.

The 27-year-old was scratched from the lineup for Monday's series opener due to an illness but is good to go for Tuesday's contest. Cruz has gone 0-for-10 with five strikeouts in his past two games but overall has been productive during the first month of the campaign with eight home runs, 10 steals, 24 RBI, 19 runs and an .838 OPS in 27 games.

The Cubs designated Cowles for assignment Tuesday, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

The move frees a spot on the 40-man roster for waiver pickup Doug Nikhazy. Cowles has slashed .232/.333/.377 this season with Triple-A Iowa.

Cruz was scratched from the Pirates' starting lineup against the Cardinals on Monday due to an illness.

Cruz evidently fell ill prior to Monday's game, which prompted the Pirates to replace him with Jake Mangum in center field and shift Spencer Horwitz to the leadoff spot in the batting order. Cruz will continue to receive treatment in the hopes of being cleared to return for Tuesday's contest against St. Louis.

Cruz (undisclosed) has been scratched from Monday's lineup against the Cardinals.

It's unclear why Cruz was removed, but he has been replaced by Jake Mangum in center field. The Pirates should have an update on Cruz's status during or shortly after Monday's contest.

Fernandez went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and two additional runs scored in Sunday's win over San Diego.

Fernandez was a pest at the plate, putting Arizona on the board with a solo homer in the sixth inning before the offense awoke and rallied for a come-from-behind victory. It marked his second three-hit performance and eighth multi-hit effort of 2026. The rookie has been a pleasant surprise when called upon, slashing .342/.359/.500 with three homers, 12 RBI, 17 runs and a stolen base in 22 games. With Geraldo Perdomo sitting Sunday, Fernandez started at shortstop, though he has seen action across the infield, and his versatility should help him continue to earn playing time.

Schmitt went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run, an additional run scored and a walk in Sunday's 6-3 victory over the Marlins.

Schmitt played a key role in Sunday's win, as his three-run homer in the seventh inning gave the Giants a lead they would not relinquish. It marked his second homer in as many days after also going deep Saturday. The 27-year-old has emerged as one of the most consistent hitters in San Francisco's lineup to open 2026, slashing .296/.348/.543 with four homers, eight doubles, 13 RBI and 10 runs across 22 games.

Perdomo (ankle) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres.

It's not a major surprise the 26-year-old is on the bench Sunday after he suffered a left ankle sprain during Saturday's contest. However, it may be a brief absence given that manager Torey Lovullo said he doesn't expect Perdomo to require a trip to the injured list, per Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. Jose Fernandez is filling in at shortstop Sunday while Tim Tawa replaces Perdomo in the lineup.

Adames is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

It's the first day off this season for Adames, who has gone 1-for-27 with 13 strikeouts over the past six contests. Christian Koss will step in at shortstop while Jung Hoo Lee moves up to the leadoff spot.

Cruz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers.

It's the first day off for Cruz since the second contest of the season, and it comes after he went 0-for-10 with five strikeouts and an RBI across the first two games of the series in Milwaukee. Billy Cook is picking up a start in center field Sunday.

Schmitt went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run, a double and a walk in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Marlins.

Schmitt doubled in the second inning but was tagged out after slipping as he rounded second base. However, the 27-year-old made up for the mistake with a two-run homer in the sixth, marking his third long ball on the campaign. Schmitt is slashing .295/.341/.513 with 10 RBI, eight runs scored and one stolen base across 85 plate appearances in 21 outings this season.