MLB Player News

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.

Witt went 2-for-3 with a run, two RBI, one walk and one steal Monday against the Blue Jays.

He got his first hits of the season and also stole his first base. Most encouragingly, Witt has a 3:3 K:BB in 16 plate appearances this season.

Barrero (hamstring) should be available Tuesday against the Cubs, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Barrero picked up the minor injury while running to first base on a a single in the second inning. He is splitting time with Kevin Newman at shortstop and picked up his first start of the season in center field Monday before exiting with the injury.

Smith left Monday's game against the Orioles after being hit in the face by a pitch in the third inning, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Smith was hit in the face by a Danny Coulombe pitch and had to exit the contest. Ezequiel Duran has entered the game as a pinch runner. Smith was taken to a local hospital for further scans and testing on his face and jaw.

Barrero left Monday's game against the Cubs with right hamstring tightness, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Generally a part-time player, Barrero's hamstring injury could allow for Kevin Newman to see everyday starts at shortstop while TJ Friedl handles the bulk of the work in center field. It sounds like Barrero is day-to-day for now.

Barrero left Monday's game against the Cubs with an apparent injury, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Barrero appeared to suffer the injury while picking up a single in the second inning. The right-handed hitter has been replaced by Jason Vosler.

Volpe picked up his third stolen base of the season while going 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Sunday's 6-0 victory versus San Francisco.

Volpe has gone hitless in two of three games to start his MLB career, but he's reached base via walk in both of those hitless contests and has swiped a bag in all three of his appearances thus far. The rookie stole 48 bags across two minor-league levels last season, and he's already showing that he has the speed and timing to be a prolific base stealer in the majors. Volpe's performance thus far has justified New York's decision to commit to the 21-year-old as its primary shortstop in a season during which the team has World Series aspirations.

Tovar is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Tovar secured the Rockies' everyday shortstop job coming out of spring training and started in all four games of the team's season-opening series in San Diego, going 2-for-15 with no walks and six strikeouts in those contests. Despite Tovar's underwhelming series against the Padres, he should still have a decent amount of leash in a regular role. Alan Trejo will spell Tovar in Monday's contest, however.

Berti will replace the injured Joey Wendle (oblique) in the Marlins' lineup Monday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Heraldreports.

He could also be in line for an uptick in playing time should Wendle need a stint on the injured list, which would make the speedy Berti a viable fantasy play in deeper leagues. Last year's stolen base leader has yet to swipe a bag in three games -- two starts -- this season.

Wendle was scratched from the Marlins' lineup Monday due to oblique soreness, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The severity of Wendle's oblique soreness isn't clear at this point, but it's certainly something which could lead to a stint on the injured list. Jon Berti is replacing Wendle at shortstop Monday and would be in line to fill in at shortstop if the latter requires an extended absence.