MLB Player News

The Cubs optioned Assad to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

Assad has been working out of the bullpen for Chicago and appeared in three games so far in May, allowing just one run with a 3:1 K:BB over seven innings. Despite his recent effectiveness, he'll head to Iowa in favor of a fresh arm. Ty Blach had his contract selected from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Marte is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockies.

There's been no indication he's injured, so it's likely just a maintenance day for Marte after he started the previous seven games. Ildemaro Vargas will shift to the keystone while Jose Fernandez picks up a start at first base.

Ozuna is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

Ozuna started the previous eight games but went 5-for-30 (.167) with two homers and 13 strikeouts during that stretch. Oneil Cruz will rest his legs as the designated hitter Sunday while Jake Mangum (hamstring) mans center field in his return from the IL.

Dubon is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

The trip to the bench ends a run of 23 straight starts for Dubon, who struggled to a .599 OPS during that stretch and is currently in the midst of a 1-for-19 slump. The super-utility man's path to playing time took a hit when Ha-Seong Kim made his season debut last week, and it could get squeezed further Monday with Eli White (concussion) expected to come off the IL, though the continued absence of Ronald Acuna (hamstring) should still provide at least semi-regular opportunities in the outfield.

Baez is slashing .233/.307/.487 with 10 home runs, seven stolen bases and a 34.3 percent strikeout rate at Triple-A Memphis this season.

Baez homered for the third time in four games Friday and then wore the golden sombrero Saturday with strikeouts in all four of his plate appearances. It's a perfect microcosm of his season, as Baez is hitting for plenty of power but also swinging and missing a lot during his first stint in the Pacific Coast League. Cutting his strikeout rate to 20.6 percent between High-A and Double-A in 2025 was a major reason why Baez was able to break out, but his strikeout rate has regressed early on in 2026. Baez still has a chance to debut for the Cardinals at some point this season, but the club likely wants to see him get his whiffs under control first.

Kim is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

Kim started the past four games after being reinstated from the injured list Monday, and he'll receive a break after collecting just one hit in his first 18 plate appearances of the season. Jorge Mateo will take over at shortstop in the series finale versus Boston.

Misiorowski (quadriceps) is listed as the Brewers' probable starter for Tuesday's game against the Cubs, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old departed his last start Wednesday versus San Diego due to quad cramps, but it looks like he'll be ready for his next turn through the rotation. Misiorowski has cramped up in two of three starts in May, but that hasn't stopped him from being a dominant force with a 29:4 K:BB and just six hits allowed across 18.1 scoreless innings this month.

Yelich (back) is batting cleanup as the designated hitter Sunday against the Twins.

The veteran slugger made his return from a groin strain Tuesday versus San Diego but then missed four games due to back soreness. He's ready to rejoin the lineup after fully participating in pregame activities Saturday. Yelich is hardly in the clear given his long history of back problems, but his return is an encouraging sign for his season-long outlook.

The Brewers recalled Gasser from Triple-A Nashville to start Sunday's game against the Twins.

The 26-year-old lefty will make his 2026 big-league debut on the road in Minnesota. Gasser has pitched well across seven MLB starts dating back to 2024 with a 2.67 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 21:5 K:BB across 33.2 innings.

Mikolas is expected to be deployed in bulk relief behind opener Richard Lovelady in Sunday's game against the Orioles, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Mikolas started his prior three appearances, but the Nationals are opting to bring him out of the bullpen for the fourth time this season Sunday. Mikolas accrued a 4.09 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 5:3 K:BB in 11 innings over his prior three bulk relief outings.