MLB Player News

Littell is a candidate to pitch in bulk relief behind opening pitcher PJ Poulin in Tuesday's game in Philadelphia, Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic reports.

According to Nusbaum, manager Blake Butera merely grinned and said, "Poulin's starting," when asked if Littell would be involved in the Nationals' pitching plan for Tuesday, but all signs point to the right-hander making his Washington debut. After signing with Washington late in spring training, Littell built up to 2.2 innings and 64 pitches in his final Grapefruit League outing, so he likely would have been under a bit of a workload restriction if the Nationals had elected to use him as a traditional starter Tuesday. He should eventually move into the rotation once he's fully stretched out.

Schneemann started in center field and went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Monday's 4-2 win over the Dodgers.

Schneemann's two-out, two-run double in the seventh inning increased Cleveland's lead to 4-0, and it proved to be key, as Los Angeles plated a pair of runs in the ninth. He's found himself in the starting lineup four times through the first five games -- twice in center field and once each at second and third base. Schneemann's versatility is his main fantasy value -- he batted just .206 over 379 at-bats in 2025 -- but he provided 12 home runs and nine steals.

Hedges went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in Monday's 4-2 win over the Dodgers.

Hedges doubled to lead off the third inning and scored the Guardians' first run, then singled to open the seventh and score the team's second run. This was Hedges' season debut following a hand injury that cropped up toward the end of spring training. He'll operate as the primary backup at catcher to Bo Naylor.

Marte has started in right field in two of the Reds' first four games, both against left-handers.

Cincinnati manager Terry Francona made comments earlier this month to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com about Marte still being relatively new to the outfield, which may partially be the reason he's on the short side of platoon with Will Benson. Marte, ironically, was much better against right-handers (.821 OPS) than lefties (.562) in 2025.

Benson started in right field and went 1-for-3 with a triple and an RBI in Monday's 2-0 win over Pittsburgh.

Benson delivered the Reds' second run in the fourth inning, his first extra-base hit and RBI of the season. He's started two games in right field thus far, both against right-handers. Noelvi Marte has started against lefties.

Pagan was one of three relief pitchers unavailable in Monday's 2-0 win over the Pirates, per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.

With the game on the line, Cincinnati manager Terry Francona turned to Connor Phillips, who walked the first two batters before converting the save. Pagan should be available if a closer is needed Tuesday.

Vargas went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Monday's 9-6 win over Detroit.

Vargas started at designated hitter Monday after the Diamondbacks placed Pavin Smith (elbow) on the 10-day injured list. The switch-hitting Vargas got the assignment against a right-hander, although manager Torey Lovullo typically likes to rotate bodies through the DH spot. Vargas is more experienced at second and third base, but he has played 14 games at first base during his career and could be part of the rotation there along with Carlos Santana and Tim Tawa.

Santana started at first base and went 0-for-3 with a walk in Monday's 9-6 win over the Tigers.

Santana was in the lineup against a right-hander after Pavin Smith (elbow) was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday. The switch-hitting Santana, in theory, could start against pitchers of either hand, but it's uncertain how manager Torey Lovullo wants to handle first base going forward without Smith. Tim Tawa and Ildemaro Vargas are also options. Santana is 1-for-12 through four games played in the regular season.

Benge went 2-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base in Monday's win against the Cardinals.

Benge continued his fast start to the season, collecting two hits and swiping his second stolen base of the year. The 23-year-old later came around to score in the fifth inning on an RBI single from Bo Bichette. The rookie has carried over his impressive spring, where he slashed .366/.435/.439, and is quickly establishing himself as a contributor early in his MLB career.

Henderson went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two RBI during Monday's 5-2 loss to the Rangers.

Henderson clubbed his first home run of the season in the opening inning, sending a Jack Leiter pitch out of the yard to tie the game at one. Later, he tacked on an RBI single, but it wouldn't be enough for the Orioles to get the win. Even with Monday's success, it's still been a tough opening week for the 24-year-old as he's just 3-for-16 (.188 batting average) with seven strikeouts.