MLB Player News

Kerkering (hamstring) threw a clean inning in Saturday's minor-league rehab appearance for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, striking out one.

Kerkering, who's working his way back from a Grade 1 right hamstring strain, is next expected to pitch in consecutive games Sunday and Monday, per MLB.com. Once he's cleared to join Philadelphia's bullpen, Kerkering is likely to operate primarily as a setup man for closer Jhoan Duran in 2026.

Uceta (shoulder) threw live batting practice Friday, per MLB.com.

Another session is on tap for Uceta on Tuesday, and the hope is that a minor-league rehab assignment will be on the horizon shortly thereafter. The right-hander was in contention to begin the season as one of Tampa Bay's closer options, and it sounds like Uceta has a chance to return from right shoulder soreness and make his season debut by late April. It's worth noting that Griffin Jax has already blown two saves in as many appearances to start the year.

Meyers went 2-for-5 with a double, two RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base in Saturday's 11-9 win over the Angels.

Meyers did a little bit of everything Saturday, showing off both power and speed with his first extra-base hit and steal of the year. The 29-year-old has close to an everyday role in center field in store for 2026, but the right-handed-hitting Meyers hasn't turned in an OPS higher than .727 in any of his prior four seasons and may struggle to carve out consistent fantasy value.

Schanuel went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in Saturday's 11-9 loss to Houston.

It was already the second homer of the young season for Schanuel, who gave the Angels some temporary life in the ninth inning. The 24-year-old had belted 24 long balls over the course of his prior three years in the major leagues (308 games), but he's tapping into his power stroke early in 2026 and should consistently occupy a premium spot in the Halos' lineup throughout the campaign.

Ortiz went 2-for-4 with one RBI and two stolen bases in Saturday's 6-1 win over the White Sox.

Ortiz drove in a run in the seventh inning while recording his third career two-steal game. The 27-year-old is off to an encouraging start, posting multiple hits in back-to-back contests to open the season. He slashed a disappointing .230/.276/.317 in 2025 but looks set to hold down the club's starting shortstop role.

Javier took a no-decision Saturday against the Angels, allowing six runs on four hits and four walks in 4.2 innings. He struck out one.

The right-hander's command was spotty at best in his season debut, as he tossed 41 of his 74 pitches for strikes and also served up a pair of home runs. Javier had a delayed start to last year due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery, and it appears initially in 2026 that he still has some more rust to knock off after posting a 4.62 ERA through eight regular-season starts in 2025. Javier will be tough to trust in fantasy lineups in his next scheduled matchup at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park versus the Athletics.

Yelich went 3-for-5 with one RBI, one run scored and a stolen base in Saturday' 6-1 win over the White Sox.

Yelich got the scoring started with an RBI single in the first inning and added his first stolen base in the second. The 34-year-old has started 2026 hot, going 5-for-9 with three runs scored through two games. He slashed .264/.343/.452 with 103 RBI over 150 regular-season games in 2025 and looks poised to be a key contributor in the heart of the Brewers' order again this year.

Detmers took a no-decision Saturday against the Astros, allowing three runs on six hits and no walks in 4.2 innings. He struck out nine.

The strikeouts certainly stand out for Detmers, who last recorded at least nine punchouts back in 2023, but he perhaps pounded the zone too aggressively at times while surrendering three extra-base hits. The Angels are deploying the left-hander as a starter to begin 2026 after Detmers made 61 appearances in relief a season ago, though it remains to be seen how long of a leash he'll have in the rotation. Detmers is scheduled to face the division-rival Mariners at home his next time out.

Mitchell went 2-for-4 with a walk, two RBI, one run scored and two stolen bases in Saturday's 6-1 win over the White Sox.

Mitchell made an impact from the outset, tallying a two-run single in the first inning and recording his first multi-steal game since last April. The 27-year-old has started each of the Brewers' first two games, reaching base multiple times in both. While durability has long been a concern, he's off to a strong start in 2026 as the team's primary center fielder.

Bednar earned the save Saturday against the Giants, allowing no runs on one hit and one walk in one inning. He struck out one.

It was Bednar's second save in as many outings to begin the new campaign. The right-hander wasn't at his sharpest Saturday, throwing just 12 of his 20 pitches for strikes, but he was able to induce a Patrick Bailey double play to seal the deal. Bednar tossed five scoreless appearances during Grapefruit League play, and he appears to be picking up right where he left off this spring.