MLB Player News

Valenzuela might get promoted from Triple-A Buffalo after Alejandro Kirk took a foul tip off his thumb during Friday's extra-inning loss to the White Sox, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The Blue Jays play an afternoon game Saturday, so even if X-rays on Kirk's thumb come back negative, he likely won't be available. That puts Tyler Heineman in line to get the start, but Valenzuela is the logical candidate to back him up for however long Kirk is sidelined. Valenzuela is batting .200 (3-for-15) through four games for Buffalo with a homer, four RBI and a 2:3 BB:K.

Durbin went 1-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's 5-2 win over the Padres.

Durbin, who was 0-for-18 on the road to start his stay in a Red Sox uniform, heard a smattering of boos Friday when introduced prior to Boston's home-opener. The boos grew a little louder after he hit into an inning-ending double play in the second inning. Durbin then turned the boos into cheers in his next plate appearance when he drove in the Red Sox's second run with a two-out RBI single. Despite the shaky start, Durbin will continue to be the primary starter at third base with the opportunity to build off his contribution to Friday's win.

Baez isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Baez will take a seat after going 2-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base in Friday's win. His absence will allow Kevin McGonigle to start at shortstop with Colt Keith at third base.

Armstrong struck out one over a scoreless inning to pick up a hold in Friday's 4-1 win over the Cubs.

Armstrong worked a 1-2-3 eighth inning, his first appearance without allowing baserunners, to earn his third hold of the season. After giving up a home run in his initial outing, Armstrong hasn't allowed a run in four subsequent appearances (3.2 IP). The right-hander has allowed five base runners during the scoreless streak but has managed to work around the traffic.

Valera (calf) went 1-for-6 with a two-run home run for Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

Valera appeared in his second rehab game -- he's played right field in both and logged a combined 11 plate appearances. He's yet to play on consecutive days, which may be one box to check before the Guardians activate him. With CJ Kayfus (0-for-10) off to a slow start and being held out of the last four starting lineups, there could be a roster spot available when Valera is ready.

Crawford went 0-for-3 with one walk and two strikeouts in his season debut Friday against the Angels.

After missing the first week of the season with a shoulder issue, Crawford was activated from the injured list ahead of Friday's series opener against Los Angeles. Crawford walked in the seventh inning but was picked off first base by Reid Detmers. The Mariners have said Crawford remains the team's everyday shortstop despite signing top prospect Colt Emerson to an eight-year, $95 million extension earlier in the week.

Detmers didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Mariners, allowing three hits and four walks with four strikeouts across 6.2 scoreless innings.

Detmers threw just 11 first-pitch strikes to his 26 batters faced but worked around his four free passes while firing 104 pitches. The Angels haven't eased Detmers back into the rotation at all, letting him throw 199 pitches across two starts to open the 2026 campaign after he spent last season in the bullpen. Detmers hasn't factored into the decision in either start and will carry a 2.38 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB over 11.1 innings into his next start Wednesday against Atlanta.

Naylor went 2-for-5 with two RBI in Friday's 3-1 win over the Angels.

Naylor entered play Friday with one hit and zero RBI across 30 plate appearances, so his two-run single in the 10th inning to plate Cole Young and Julio Rodriguez had to have felt good for the first baseman. Naylor struggled through the spring and World Baseball Classic with Team Canada, but perhaps Friday's two-hit, two-RBI game will help him get on track. He's slashing .094/.171/.094 through eight games.

Speier picked up his first save of the season Friday against the Angels, allowing one unearned run with no hits or walks while striking out one across one inning.

Speier came on to pitch the 10th inning after Andres Munoz pitched a scoreless ninth inning in a tie game. Speier allowed the designated runner, Oswald Peraza, to score following a groundout and sacrifice fly but closed the door by striking out Yoan Moncada. Speier has a 5.40 ERA and 4:0 K:BB across 3.1 innings to begin the season.

Carter went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Friday's 5-3 loss to the Reds.

Carter, who typically faces right-handers only, was given a chance in a high-leverage spot against lefty reliever Sam Moll in the sixth inning. With two outs and runners on first and third, Carter whiffed on three straight sweepers. It was a missed opportunity to get more plate appearances against southpaws going forward. Carter is 0-for-4 against lefties in 2026 and 5-for-64 (.078) for his career.