MLB Player News

Schmitt went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Monday's 3-2 win over the Padres.

The 27-year-old infielder drew the start at third base and hit a solo shot in the first inning to tie the game at one run apiece. It marked the Giants' first home run since their April 26 win over the Marlins, when Schmitt hit a three-run homer. He has been on a tear of late, recording at least one hit in nine of the last 10 games while batting .361 with eight RBI, six runs scored, three long balls and a stolen base in 40 plate appearances during that span. Overall, he's slashing .308/.359/.542 with 16 RBI, 13 runs scored, five homers and two stolen bases across 117 plate appearances this season.

Pena met with a neurologist Monday after not having played since collapsing in the dugout April 22 during his last game for High-A Wisconsin, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Pena was transported to a hospital after the incident and showed improvement after receiving IV fluids. All of Pena's subsequent tests have returned normal, but the Brewers will take feedback from the neurologist into account before deciding the young infielder's next steps. Even though he's been out of action for nearly two weeks, Wisconsin has yet to place Pena on its 7-day injured list.

Mateo went 1-for-3 with a stolen base in Monday's loss to the Mariners.

Making his fifth straight start at shortstop while Mauricio Dubon is needed in the outfield, Mateo swiped a bag for the second straight game, giving him four on the season in five attempts. The veteran utility player figures to see consistent playing time at least as long as Ronald Acuna (hamstring) and Michael Harris (quadriceps) are both sidelined, and Mateo's taken advantage of his opportunities so far this season, slashing .289/.319/.467 through 47 plate appearances with two doubles, two homers, five RBI and 12 runs in addition to his activity on the basepaths.

Freeland went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, an additional run scored and a walk in Monday's 8-3 win over Houston.

Freeland took advantage of Houston's short porch in left field, swatting an opposite-field solo homer in the second inning. It marked his second long ball and second three-hit effort of the campaign. The 24-year-old has seen increased opportunities due to Mookie Betts (oblique) and Tommy Edman (ankle) being sidelined, producing at a .256/.316/.372 clip with two homers, four doubles, seven RBI and 10 runs across 29 appearances.

Merrill went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in a loss to the Giants on Monday.

Merrill got San Diego off to a good start with a solo blast in the first inning, but the Padres weren't able to score again until the ninth frame. The long ball was likely a sigh of relief for fantasy managers who endured the outfielder's 16-game homerless stretch. Merrill has contributed six stolen bases on the season, but he's otherwise been pretty disappointing on offense, posting a .220/.283/.362 slash line with four homers, 16 RBI and 20 runs through 33 games.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday that Hernandez (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment this week, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Hernandez is working his way back from surgery on his left (non-throwing) elbow. He's on the 60-day injured list and not eligible for activation until May 24, but all signs point to him being reinstated that day. Once Hernandez rejoins the Dodgers, he'll likely be deployed primarily against left-handed pitching.

McLain is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs.

After being dropped to the ninth spot in the batting order during Sunday's 1-0 loss to the Pirates, McLain will be left out of the lineup entirely as the Reds open a four-game set in Chicago. McLain might be losing hold of a regular starting role, as he's undoubtedly failed to meet expectations for the Reds and fantasy managers alike early on this season. The 26-year-old has produced a .195/.308/.293 slash line with two home runs, five steals, nine RBI and 13 runs through 34 games.

The Cardinals optioned Saggese to Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Saggese has slashed just .170/.228/.208 in 18 games this season, and with Nathan Church sucking up most of the at-bats in left field, Saggese hadn't played in a week. He will get more regular reps at Memphis, and Cesar Prieto will take Saggese's spot on the active roster.

The Cardinals recalled Prieto from Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

St. Louis optioned infielder/outfielder Thomas Saggese to Triple-A in a corresponding move. Prieto has gotten off to a great start at Memphis this season, slashing .311/.357/.566 with six home runs over 28 contests. Slated to turn 27 on Sunday, Prieto can handle second base, third base and shortstop and will likely operate mainly as a reserve infielder.

Willits went 2-for-4 with a walk, two runs and two stolen bases Sunday for Single-A Fredericksburg.

The first overall pick in the 2025 Draft is already displaying his impressive upside despite being just 18 years old. Willits had hit safely in 15 of the last 17 games, slashing an eye-popping .348/.500/.591 over that stretch with three homers, 13 steals in 16 attempts, and more walks (21) than strikeouts (17). The Nationals won't rush their top prospect up the ladder too quickly, but Willits is already making a strong case that he needs a new challenge. If he keeps raking, a promotion to High-A is likely over the summer.