MLB Player News

Anderson will be the Tigers' starting pitcher in Wednesday's game versus the Guardians, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Anderson will be making his first start at the major-league level since Aug. 7, 2021. The 32-year-old has offered a mixed bad in a long-relief role this season, posting a bloated 4.67 ERA but with a 31:12 K:BB across 27 frames. Anderson went four innings and threw 46 pitches in his last outing, so he'll be in line for a limited workload against the Guardians. Though Anderson could earn additional turns through the rotation if he performs well Wednesday, Troy Melton (elbow) could be ready to return from the 60-day injured list the next time Detroit requires a fifth starter.

Caratini will start at catcher and bat sixth in Wednesday's game against the Astros.

Caratini will work behind the dish for the second straight game and should be in line for ample playing time as the Twins' No. 1 catcher for the foreseeable future after Ryan Jeffers landed on the shelf Tuesday with a hand injury that will likely sideline him for at least six weeks. A career .241 hitter, Caratini could prove to be useful in mixed leagues that start two catchers since he's the rare backstop that isn't a total liability in batting average, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to provide much production in other categories if he continues to occupy a spot in the bottom half of the Minnesota lineup.

Mayo is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays, reports Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun

Mayo is sitting out of Wednesday's matinee against Tampa Bay after going 0-for-2 with a walk Tuesday, ending his brief five-game hitting streak. Mayo is batting just .183 with five home runs and a .590 OPS in 140 plate appearances on the campaign. Weston Wilson will start at third base over Mayo in the series finale.

Martin is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros.

Though he maintains a healthy 131 wRC+ for the season, Martin will hit the bench Wednesday while he's in the midst of a bit of a lull at the plate. Over his last four starts, Martin has gone 0-for-14 and has reached base twice during that span on a walk and hit-by-pitch. Kody Clemens will cover right field for Martin in the series finale.

Gray will start at third base and bat seventh in Wednesday's game against the Astros.

Gray will occupy the hot corner for the third straight game and looks poised to get a look as an everyday player against right-handed pitching after the Twins optioned Royce Lewis to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday. Through 25 games with Minnesota this season, Gray has slashed .230/.275/.365 with three home runs, no stolen bases, 14 RBI and eight runs across 81 plate appearances.

Cole is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Twins.

The left-handed-hitting Cole will retreat to the bench for the second time in the series, this time sitting against right-hander Joe Ryan after he had been left out of the lineup Monday against southpaw Kendry Rojas. Though Jake Meyers recently returned from the injured list and will likely serve as Houston's everyday center fielder, playing time is up for grabs at the other two corner-outfield spots. Cole -- who has posted a .638 OPS in 14 games since being called up from Triple-A Sugar Land on May 4 -- will be vying for starts at either corner spot with Zach Dezenzo, Cam Smith and Brice Matthews.

Shewmake is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Twins.

The Astros will go with Jeremy Pena at shortstop and Brice Matthews at second base in the series finale, bringing an end to Shewmake's run of nine consecutive starts. Since being acquired from the Yankees in late April and being added to the big-league roster, Shewmake is hitting .291 with three home runs and seven RBI through his first 19 games with Houston. With Pena and Jake Meyers recently returning from the injured list to reclaim everyday roles at shortstop and in center field, respectively, Shewmake and Matthews will jockey for playing time at the keystone.

Lee is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros.

Lee will receive a routine day off after starting in each of the previous 19 contests. Ryan Kreidler will get a turn at shortstop for the Twins in Wednesday's rubber match.

Melton (elbow) struck out six and allowed one earned run on two hits and no walks over five innings Tuesday in his rehab start with Single-A Lakeland.

Melton remained in dominant form as he continues to work his way back from the right elbow strain that has kept him on the shelf all season. While building up to 63 pitches in Tuesday's outing, Melton generated 12 whiffs on 37 strikes and sported a fastball that sat around 96.5 miles per hour. He's now posted a 1.54 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 16:2 K:BB in 11.2 innings across four rehab starts, three of which have come with Lakeland. The right-hander will be eligible to return from the 60-day injured list Sunday, but the Tigers may want to see him extend his pitch count to the 70-to-80 range over one more start in the minors before reinstating him. Melton looks like a good bet to claim a spot in the Detroit rotation upon activation.

Baez (ankle) has been conducting his rehab at the Tigers' spring training facility in Florida and is taking part in full baseball activities, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The Tigers haven't issued a definitive target date for Baez's return from the 10-day injured list, but he could soon be ready to head out on a rehab assignment or take part in simulated games as part of his ramp-up process. Before hitting the shelf April 29 due to a right ankle sprain, Baez had been splitting time between shortstop and center field this season and slashed .256/.280/.397 over 82 plate appearances. While Baez's offensive production wasn't anything special, the Tigers still have multiple weak spots in their lineup, so the 33-year-old may have a path to a near-everyday role once he returns.