MLB Player News

Benson will start in right field and bat seventh in Monday's game against the Pirates.

The left-handed-hitting Benson has started in right field both times the Reds have faced a right-hander, while the righty-swinging Noelvi Marte has held down the position against both lefties. Marte is not going to be a strict short-side platoon bat, but Benson looks to have the early leg up on him when it comes to playing time versus righties.

Marte is absent from the lineup for Monday's contest versus the Pirates.

Righty Braxton Ashcraft is taking the ball for the Pirates, marking the second time in two games versus righties in the early going that Marte has been on the bench in favor of the left-handed-swinging Will Benson. Marte has started in right field for both of the Reds' tilts against lefties. It's unlikely to be a strict platoon at the position, but it seems at this early stage of the season that Marte is behind Benson in the pecking order versus right-handed pitching.

Doyle is absent from the lineup for Monday's game in Toronto.

Doyle went hitless during the Rockies' season-opening series in Miami, so he'll get a day to unplug as the club opens a three-game set versus the Blue Jays. Jake McCarthy will slide over to center field and Troy Johnstone will start in right field Monday.

Kittredge (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander developed inflammation in his right shoulder earlier this month, but it sounds like his stay on the 15-day injured list will be short if he avoids setbacks while out on assignment. Once healthy, Kittredge figures to occupy a top spot in the bullpen as a setup man ahead of closer Ryan Helsley.

The Marlins optioned De Los Santos to Triple-A Jacksonville on Monday.

It was a two-day stint in the big leagues for De Los Santos, who is clearing out to make room on the roster for Leo Jimenez, who was acquired via trade from the Blue Jays on Sunday. With De Los Santos now back at Jacksonville, Connor Norby should operate as the Marlins' primary first baseman while Christopher Morel (oblique) is shelved.

The Rangers outrighted Blanco to Triple-A Round Rock on Monday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

He passed through waivers unclaimed after being removed from the 40-man roster last week. Blanco could decline the assignment since he's been outrighted previously, but it appears he plans to stick around in the organization as outfield depth.

Estevez (ankle) is likely to remain unavailable to pitch in Monday's game versus the Twins and will be evaluated for a possible stint on the injured list, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Estevez is still sporting a walking boot on his left foot as he recovers from an ankle contusion that he suffered when struck by a line drive Saturday. X-rays came back negative, but the Royals will consider an IL stint for Estevez if he hasn't made enough improvement following Tuesday's off day. Between the ankle injury and declining velocity that dates back to spring training, Estevez's standing as the Royals' closer is on shaky ground. Lucas Erceg notched a save for Kansas City in Sunday's win over Atlanta but could be unavailable Monday since he's pitched back-to-back days. Matt Strahm has also pitched each of the previous two days, so the Royals might have limited bullpen options Monday.

Ruiz went 1-for-3 with a home run and three RBI in Sunday's win over the Cubs.

After bringing home Daylen Lile with a sixth-inning sacrifice fly, Ruiz belted his first homer of 2026 in the eighth, lifting a Hoby Milner changeup into the left-field bleachers at Wrigley Field. Ruiz hit just two homers over 68 games in 2025 while slashing a tepid .247/.277/.318, but the switch-hitting backstop is looking a little more lively at the plate to begin the current campaign.

Bichette went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts in Sunday's extra-inning loss to the Pirates.

The 28-year-old infielder is already hearing boos from the fickle Citi Field faithful just three games into the year after going 1-for-14 with a 0:8 BB:K, with his lone RBI coming on a sacrifice fly. Bichette has also had a bumpy defensive adjustment to third base, committing one error and making a couple other errant throws to first. Bichette's track record -- he sported a career .294/.337/.469 slash line in seven seasons with the Blue Jays -- suggests there isn't much to worry about in the long run, but it could be a while before he gets comfortable in the New York pressure cooker.

De Los Santos went 1-for-2 with a double in Sunday's win over the Rockies.

The 22-year-old got the start at first base and hit eighth in the order against southpaw Jose Quintana, and he took advantage of the matchup with a two-bagger in his first big-league at-bat of the year. De Los Santos was called up when Christopher Morel (oblique) landed on the IL, but the Marlins have plenty of other options to handle first base, including left-handed hitters Griffin Conine and Liam Hicks as well as the righty-swinging Connor Norby. De Los Santos may be stuck in a short-side platoon role unless he slugs his way into more playing time, something that's not out of the question -- over 156 career games for Triple-A Jacksonville he's launched 24 homers, including one in the Jumbo Shrimp's season opener Friday.