MLB Player News

Julien is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Mets.

Right-hander Huascar Brazoban is opening the game for the Mets, but the left-handed-hitting Julien will hit the bench to begin Monday's contest since New York will be using a lefty (David Peterson) in bulk relief. With Julien taking a seat, Tyler Freeman will occupy the designated-hitter spot and Willi Castro will start at second bas.

Peterson (triceps) has made two starts for Triple-A Columbus since being activated from the 7-day injured list Tuesday, covering seven innings and striking out six batters while yielding one earned run on four hits and one walk.

Peterson was shelved to begin the season after being diagnosed in late February with a right triceps strain, but he appears to have made a seamless recovery from the injury and was able to join the Columbus rotation last week without requiring a rehab assignment. The Guardians added the 26-year-old righty to their 40-man roster over the winter, but he remains somewhat buried on the organizational depth chart and may need the Cleveland rotation to lose multiple key arms before getting the chance to make his MLB debut.

Triple-A Columbus placed Gomez on its 7-day injured list April 5 due to a right shoulder strain.

After being added to Cleveland's 40-man roster over the winter, Gomez has yet to make his 2026 organizational debut due to the shoulder injury, which he likely sustained at some point during spring training. The right-hander has yet to pitch at the Triple-A level after splitting time with High-A Lake County and Double-A Akron in 2025 while submitting a 2.96 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 139:48 K:BB in 121.2 innings between the two stops.

Ross (arm) has allowed two earned runs on one hit and three walks while striking out three batters across 1.2 innings in two appearances for Triple-A Syracuse since being reinstated from the 7-day injured list Tuesday.

Ross was on the shelf for the first month of the Triple-A season due to arm fatigue before being cleared to debut for Syracuse after completing a four-appearance rehab assignment at Single-A St. Lucie. The 25-year-old righty received a call-up to the Mets for the final weekend of last season, but he didn't make his MLB debut. Assuming he can maintain health while pitching effectively at Triple-A, Ross should have a good chance at rejoining the big-league bullpen at some point later on in 2026.

Lantigua (core) has gone 2-for-18 with a double, three stolen bases, four RBI, two runs and a 1:7 BB:K through five games with Single-A St. Lucie since being assigned to the affiliate Tuesday.

The 19-year-old outfielder's season got off to a delayed start while he completed his rehab for a core-muscle injury, but he received clearance to make his full-season debut last week. Lantigua had been a standout performer for the Mets in the rookie-level Florida Complex League last season, posting an .832 OPS while stealing 13 bags and walking (17.7 percent) more often than he struck out (14.9 percent).

The Marlins optioned Ramirez to Triple-A Jacksonville on Monday.

Ramirez has not done enough offensively to make up for his defensive shortcomings, slashing just .230/.318/.345 with two home runs. He will get a reset at Jacksonville while Liam Hicks and Joe Mack handle catching duties for the Marlins.

The Marlins selected Mack's contract from Triple-A Jacksonville on Monday.

Mack earned his first big-league promotion after slashing .244/.388/.378 with three home runs and a 20:22 BB:K in his first 24 contests with Jacksonville. According to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com, Mack is in line to start in Monday's series finale versus the Phillies, and the 23-year-old should be in store for ample playing time while sharing reps at catcher with Liam Hicks. Mack is worth a pickup in two-catcher fantasy leagues where he's still available.

Perez elected to become a free agent Monday.

Perez passed through waivers unclaimed after being removed from the Nationals' 40-man roster. Rather than accept an outright assignment, he's exercised his right to free agency. Perez holds a 6.19 ERA and 9:11 K:BB over 16 innings at the big-league level in 2026.

Brazoban will serve as the Mets' opening pitcher in Monday's game versus the Rockies, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Brazoban will likely handle just one inning before tuning the ball over to lefty David Peterson, who is slated to be the team's primary pitcher in the series opener in Colorado. The right-handed Brazoban has been excellent out of the Mets bullpen this season, posting a 1.15 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 13:3 K:BB across 15.2 frames.

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.