MLB Player News

Busch is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates.

Matt Shaw will step in at first base in place of Busch, who will hit the bench after 14 consecutive starts to open the season. Though the Cubs often shielded him from left-handed pitching over the previous two seasons, Busch is expected to continue starting against southpaws more often than not in 2026. His move to the bench comes while Busch has been mired in an 0-for-30 slump at the dish that has dropped his season average to .118.

Shaw will start at first base and bat ninth in Sunday's game against the Pirates.

Though Shaw will be included in the lineup Sunday, his playing time is expected to trend down as he moves into a utility role with Seiya Suzuki back from the injured list. Shaw is slashing .237/.268/.421 with two home runs and a stolen base over 42 plate appearances on the season.

Amaya is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates.

Amaya had a brief surge in playing time to begin April, but he appears to have slid back into a part-time role behind Carson Kelly at catcher and Moises Ballesteros at designated hitter. The Cubs will keep Amaya on the bench for the third time in four games.

Langford (quadriceps) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers.

The 24-year-old outfielder departed Friday's contest due to right quadriceps tightness, which was diagnosed as a minor strain that will keep him on the bench Sunday for a second straight game. Ezequiel Duran will pick up another start in left field for the Rangers.

Bart will start at catcher and bat ninth in Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Bart will pick up his third start behind the plate in four games, but he'll likely need to improve his production to firmly overtake Henry Davis as the Bucs' No. 1 catcher. While Davis has disappointed with a .194/.286/.290 slash line over 35 plate appearances, Bart (.368 OPS across 17 plate appearances) hasn't fared any better.

The Cubs selected Barnes' contract from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Barnes inked a minor-league contract with Chicago in January and will get a look in the majors for the first time since 2021. The left-hander takes the roster spot of Hunter Harvey (triceps), who was placed on the 15-day injured list. Barnes is likely to serve as a multi-inning relief option out of the bullpen.

Gonzales is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Gonzales is on the bench for a second straight game. He's underwhelmed to begin the season with a .267/.313/.333 slash line over 48 plate appearances, and the 26-year-old looks as though he'll have to settle for a utility role with Nick Yorke (.969 OPS over 37 plate appearances) staking a strong claim to the starting job at third base while Jared Triolo (knee) is on the shelf.

Davis is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Davis will sit for the third time in four games, suggesting that his grip on the No. 1 catcher job is slipping. Joey Bart will receive another turn behind the dish in place of Davis, who is slashing .194/.286/.290 over 35 plate appearances.

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

Pages will rest up for the series finale after he started behind the dish Friday and Saturday. Ivan Herrera will handle catching duties Sunday.

Narvez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Narvaez will get a chance to catch his breath after he had started behind the plate in each of the Red Sox's previous three contests. Connor Wong will form a battery with starting pitcher Brayan Bello in the series finale.