MLB Player News

Sunday, May 20

• 05/20/12 - 2:09PM ETVernon Wells : Leaves With Thumb Injury

  Wells was forced to leave Sunday's game with a thumb injury, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

  Wells was replaced in the lineup by Peter Bourjos. Further information likely will not be available until the completion of the game; consider him day-to-day for now.

• 05/20/12 - 12:34PM ETJordan Schafer : (Ankle) Probably Out Until Wednesday

  Contrary to an earlier report suggesting that Schafer would be back Monday, it's now more likely that he won't return until Wednesday, the Astros' official site reports.

  While Schafer is feeling better and was walking without a limp Sunday, he will only try to get on the field and run - and not play - Monday. "I'm still a little sore today," Schafer said. "I think I should be OK in a day or two. It will be all right."

• 05/20/12 - 11:50AM ETCory Luebke : (Elbow) Leaning Towards Surgery

  The Padres placed Luebke (elbow) on the 60-day disabled list Sunday, Sarah Trotto of MLB.com reports.

  Padres manager Bud Black said Luebke is strongly leaning toward having Tommy John surgery. The southpaw was off to a good start this year, going 3-1 with a 2.61 ERA, but it's looking likely that he won't take the bump again in 2012.

• 05/20/12 - 11:26AM ETLance Berkman : (Knee) Officially On the DL

  Berkman (right knee) officially went on the 15-day DL on Sunday, the Cardinals' official Twitter feed reports.

  This was not at all a shock, given the reports from Saturday night. Matt Adams was called up to replace him on the roster. Adams and Matt Carpenter will share the time at first base to replace Berkman in the lineup.

• 05/20/12 - 9:30AM ETBrandon McCarthy : Shoulder Strain; Lands on DL

  McCarthy has been placed on the 15-day DL retroactive to May 18 with a right shoulder strain.

  While the retroactive nature of the move is a slight positive, the fact that the shoulder was bugging McCarthy before his last two starts and this will now be his seventh career stint on the disabled list is not. We'll await further details, but his history of arm issues makes this news troubling.

• 05/20/12 - 9:19AM ETOmar Infante : Scratched Sunday

  Infante has been scratched from Sunday's starting lineup and will return to his native Venezuela because of a death in his family, Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

  Infante, a career .277 hitter, is batting .326 with six homers and 20 RBI this year. Donnie Murphy will be in at second base and bat ninth Sunday against right-hander Derek Lowe, and it's uncertain when Infante will re-join the team.

• 05/20/12 - 9:16AM ETAlfonso Soriano : Dealing With Knee Soreness

  Soriano has been playing with knee soreness all season, the Chicago Tribune reports.

  Soriano believes that he has finally adjusted to playing with the soreness, as evidenced by his recent power production. "I have to learn to play with pain, because I'm not 25 anymore," he said. "For a couple weeks I've had treatment on my knee. I never think I'm going to be 100 percent, but I can play with pain. I like to play."

• 05/20/12 - 9:12AM ETAnthony Rizzo : Callup Could be on Tap

  The Cubs are considering bringing Rizzo up for interleague road play in June, when they'll need a DH, the Chicago Tribune reports.

  Once Rizzo is up, however, he'll probably be up for good, so it's an issue of how to fit both him and Bryan LaHair in the lineup. The initial suggestion is to move LaHair to the outfield, probably in place of Alfonso Soriano.

• 05/20/12 - 8:59AM ETSean Marshall : Reds Using Closer Committee

  The Reds will use a closer committee for the near term, with Aroldis Chapman being the primary guy when available, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

  The move was precipitated by another rough outing for Marshall on Saturday against the Yankees. Chapman will have some restrictions on his availability, however, and when that happens Marshall will be part of the picture, as will Logan Ondrusek and Jose Arredondo. Chapman is not available to pitch Sunday.

• 05/20/12 - 8:55AM ETAroldis Chapman : Part of Reds' Closer Committee

  The Reds will now use a closer-by-committee, with Chapman part of the mix, but Chapman isn't available to pitch Sunday, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

  If there's a save situation Sunday, the closer will be determined by matchups. "I don't know," manager Dusty Baker said. "It depends. If it's predominantly left-handed, it will be Marshall. I've got to stay away from Chapman. He's gone three out of four days. (Jose) Arredondo is four of five. It depends on where we are in their lineup."

• 05/20/12 - 8:46AM ETMark Teixeira : Sits Again Sunday

  Teixeira (bronchial infection) remains out of the lineup Sunday, MLB.com reports.

  Yankees manager Joe Girardi wanted to give Teixeira an extended rest to recover from the illness that's bothered him all season. "It's not easy, but you have to sometimes take care of yourself and try to get better because it's a long season," said Teixeira, whose voice is now hoarse from extended coughing fits. "I want to make sure that I'm good for the long run."

• 05/20/12 - 6:53AM ETEmilio Bonifacio : Lands on DL

  Bonifacio (thumb) has been placed on the DL, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports. The move is retroactive to May 19.

  Chris Coghlan was called up by the Marlins on Sunday, while Bryan Petersen -- Saturday's starter in center field -- figures to see added action while Bonifacio is sidelined.

• 05/20/12 - 6:43AM ETOrlando Hudson : Set to Join White Sox

  A White Sox source confirmed the club has signed Hudson, but the deal is not yet official, the team's official site reports.

  The organization plans on plugging in Hudson at third with Brent Morel looking at a DL stint, and he could play second behind Gordon Beckham after Morel returns. Look for an official inking before Sunday's game or during Monday's off day.

• 05/20/12 - 6:40AM ETPaul Konerko : Could Return Tuesday

  Konerko (eye) could return to the White Sox lineup in time for Tuesday's opener against the Twins, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

  The White Sox are off Monday, and look for Adam Dunn to start at first in Sunday's finale against the Cubs. Konerko escaped a scary injury largely unscathed, and he is not the type of player to be fazed by a HBP.

• 05/20/12 - 6:09AM ETLance Berkman : (Knee) MRI on Tap

  Berkman expects to have an MRI on his knee Monday, but it looks like he's going on the DL, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

  Berkman may be breaking down before our eyes, as it's been one injury after another for him this season. The Cardinals look like they'll be promoting Matt Adams to take Berkman's place, but Matt Carpenter figures to be the main beneficiary of any Berkman absence, especially with Allen Craig also on the DL.

Saturday, May 19

• 05/19/12 - 8:30PM ETMatt Adams : On the Way Up?

  The Cardinals pulled Adams from his Triple-A game in Memphis in the fourth inning nearly immediately after Lance Berkman's knee injury Saturday night, the Cardinals' official site reports.

  Adams has been considered the Cardinals' first baseman of the future, but for the notion that Allen Craig will need to play first base to avoid injury in the field. He and Matt Carpenter could share time at first base if Berkman needs to go on the DL.

• 05/19/12 - 7:58PM ETLance Berkman : Right Leg Injury

  Berkman left Saturday's game with an apparent right leg injury, Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

  He tried to walk off the field on his own volition, but is knee nearly buckled under him. Assuming there is no damage to the ligament, then Berkman could be able to return in a few days. If something more serious lurks, then Matt Carpenter and will be seeing a lot of time at first base.

• 05/19/12 - 4:35PM ETGaby Sanchez : Demoted To Triple-A

  The Marlins optioned Sanchez to Triple-A New Orleans after Saturday's game, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

  Sanchez made the NL All-Star team last year thanks to a .293/.374/.472 first-half, but he started 2012 with a mere .197/.244/.295 line and just one home run in 122 at-bats. Greg Dobbs should see the majority of the Marlins' at-bats at first moving forward, pending the corresponding move.

• 05/19/12 - 4:21PM ETScott Rolen : (Shoulder) Could Potentially Miss Rest of Season

  Rolen (shoulder) has no clear timetable for his return, and there is growing uncertainty in the Reds' organization that he may not return this season, CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports.

  Rolen is in the final season of a two-year contract and will be 38 years old in 2013, fueling speculation that the end may be near. He's certainly not a part of the Reds' long-term plans, and the team may be better off seeing if Todd Frazier can stick with the big league club.

• 05/19/12 - 4:06PM ETAdam Lind : Placed On Outright Waivers

  The Blue Jays placed Lind on outright waivers Friday, Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reports.

  The club optioned him to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday, but this move will knock him from the organization's 40-man roster, and now other clubs have a crack at claiming him. Lind is still signed to a hefty contract ($10 million through 2013 with club options through 2016), so there is a chance he goes through the process unclaimed.

• 05/19/12 - 3:57PM ETPaul Konerko : Swollen Eye Could Bench Him Multiple Days

  Konerko's eye is severely swollen, meaning he may be out for longer than a few days, Comcast SportsNet Chicago reports.

  Konerko hopes to avoid the disabled list, but it appears at the very least he will miss multiple games. Adam Dunn, Dayan Viciedo or Brent Lillibridge would be the likely candidates for playing time in place of Konerko.

• 05/19/12 - 3:30PM ETEmilio Bonifacio : (Thumb) Likely Headed To DL

  Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said Saturday that a stint on the disabled list is likely for Bonifacio (thumb), Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

  The 27-year-old leads the majors in steals (20) by a wide margin (Houston's Jordan Schafer is second with 13). Bonifacio was hitting better in May, going 19-for-63 in the month before he sprained his left thumb Friday. If he indeed requires a DL stint, look for a shuffle to take place in the outfield to accommodate Austin Kearns in the starting lineup.

• 05/19/12 - 3:00PM ETYoenis Cespedes : (Hand) Unlikely To Return From DL Tuesday

  Cespedes (hand) won't be cleared to swing a bat until Monday at the earliest, the team's web site reports.

  He's eligible to return from the DL on Tuesday but will almost certainly not be ready that quickly. Those in weekly leagues should plan on a Cespedes return for the weekend series against the Yankees in a best case scenario and plan accordingly.

• 05/19/12 - 2:25PM ETAroldis Chapman : Poised To Take Over As Closer?

  Manager Dusty Baker seemingly hinted at using Chapman as the Reds' closer, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

  Baker said, "He was going to be in rotation. We came up with Plan B, maybe it's time to think about Plan C." Nothing has been decided yet, but apparently Baker and Chapman discussed the possibility. This would obviously be great news for his fantasy owners, although his ceiling may be higher in the starting rotation since it would mean more innings.

• 05/19/12 - 12:30PM ETWellington Castillo : MCL Sprain

  Castillo has a right MCL sprain and will be out four to seven days, the Cubs' official site reports.

  Castillo's injury prompted the Cubs to trade for Koyie Hill. Castillo is the third Cubs' catcher to get hurt, though he's not on the DL yet.

• 05/19/12 - 9:34AM ETEmilio Bonifacio : Sprained Left Thumb, Out Saturday

  Bonifacio, who sprained his left thumb Friday, is out of the lineup Saturday, the Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

  Bonifacio's 112 consecutive games played streak, third longest in the NL, is likely over. He probably won't be available to pinch-hit with a bum thumb.

• 05/19/12 - 8:52AM ETColby Rasmus : Benched Again

  Rasmus is out of the lineup again Saturday "to work on some things in the cage," Blue Jays broadcaster Mike Wilner reports.

  Rasmus is in an 0-for-17 slump. He sat Friday with a lefty on the mound, but Saturday it's a day because he's struggling.

• 05/19/12 - 8:25AM ETJose Valverde : (Back) Day-To-Day

  Valverde (back) was unavailable Friday night and is considered day-to-day, the Tigers' official site reports.

  The Tigers did not elaborate on Valverde's status beyond that, so he's questionable for the two remaining games of the team's Interleague series against the Pirates.

• 05/19/12 - 8:11AM ETDavid Wright : Out Saturday; Likely Out Sunday

  Wright, who is out of the lineup Saturday, might not play Sunday because his illness is getting worse, ESPN New York reports.

  The Mets hoped one day off would be enough for Wright, but manager Terry Collins said Saturday that Wright is getting worse. Don't be surprised if he's out Sunday as well.

• 05/19/12 - 7:41AM ETChipper Jones : (Calf) Out Two Games

  Jones, who left Friday's win over the Rays due to a bruised left calf, will miss the next two games, the team's official web site reports.

  Jones said the injury isn't serious, but he'll take the next two days off. A ball hit off his right calf while he was attempting to make a play at third base and he was left with a large bruise.

• 05/19/12 - 7:36AM ETDavid Wright : (Illness) Out Of Lineup Saturday

  Wright (illness) is out of the lineup Saturday.

  This was a scheduled day off for Wright. He's been under the weather, so the Mets wanted to get him some rest this weekend.

• 05/19/12 - 5:44AM ETKyle McClellan : (Elbow) Could Avoid Surgery

  McClellan (elbow) was given a 70 percent possibility that he'll be able to avoid surgery, St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

  He's still going to be out for a while, regardless, but it's possible he'll get on the field this season, which is good news for both the Cardinals and McClellan.

Friday, May 18

• 05/18/12 - 6:27PM ETEmilio Bonifacio : Exits Game With Thumb Sprain; Day-To-Day

  Bonifacio exited Friday's game with a left thumb sprain, the Palm Beach Post reports.

  Bonifacio appeared to injure the thumb while attempting to steal second base in the fifth inning. He was promptly replaced by Bryan Petersen and remains day-to-day. Bonifacio leads the majors in stolen bases with 20.

• 05/18/12 - 5:49PM ETAlbert Pujols : May See Time At Third Base

  Pujols may get a few starts at third base during interleague play, the Los Angeles Times' Bill Shaikin reports.

  Pujols would move over to third base in order to allow the Angels to best take advantage of the offense of Kendrys Morales, who would start at first base in such scenarios. The strategy would primarily be deployed in games played in National League parks, where the Angels would be without Morales at DH. The situation bears watching, as Pujols' fantasy value could receive a nice bump if he gains eligibility at third base in some fantasy leagues, much like Miguel Cabrera did when the Tigers acquired Prince Fielder.

• 05/18/12 - 4:57PM ETBuster Posey : Scheduled Off Day Friday

  Updating a previous report, Posey is out of the lineup due to a scheduled off day, the San Francisco Chronicle's John Shea reports.

  Posey will be back in the lineup on Saturday and should be available in a pinch-hit role on Friday.

• 05/18/12 - 3:56PM ETCarlos Beltran : Back In The Starting Lineup Friday

  Beltran (knee) is in the starting lineup Friday against the Dodgers, batting in the fourth spot.

  He's probably not out of the woods just yet and it'd be really nice if the team played in an American League park this weekend instead of Dodger Stadium, but that may be getting greedy. You can go ahead and activate him for your Friday lineups.

• 05/18/12 - 3:00PM ETHuston Street : Making Progress

  Street (shoulder) is expected to begin throwing soon, the Padres' official site reports.

  Beyond that, the Padres didn't tip their hand as far as providing a timetable for Street's return. He'll likely need a couple of weeks between workouts and a rehab assignment before the Padres are able to bring him back from the DL.

• 05/18/12 - 2:51PM ETTim Stauffer : Lands on DL

  Stauffer has been placed on the 15-day DL with a right elbow sprain, Sarah Trotto of MLB.com reports.

  The Padres haven't revealed much in the way of details behind Stauffer's injury, but it's of a bit more concern than it would be otherwise when you consider that he missed the first five weeks of the 2012 season with a triceps injury.

• 05/18/12 - 2:35PM ETKerry Wood : Ends Career With a K

  Wood struck out the only batter he faced during a brief relief appearance Friday afternoon against the White Sox.

  After announcing his retirement prior to Friday's game, Wood fanned Dayan Viciedo on three pitches and ended his career on a high note before exiting the game to a standing ovation at Wrigley Field.

• 05/18/12 - 2:23PM ETJoaquin Arias : Back in Action

  Arias is back in the starting lineup Friday after missing two games with a forearm injury, the Giants' official Twitter feed reports.

  It appears safe to use him again, although Arias' value is limited mostly to deep NL-only leagues given his lack of power and speed.

• 05/18/12 - 2:21PM ETKila Ka'aihue : Takes a Seat Friday

  Ka'aihue is not in the lineup for Friday's game against San Francisco, the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports.

  The series is in San Francisco, meaning the DH spot is unavailable. The Athletics will go with the better defender in Daric Barton at first base while Ka'aihue is available in a pinch-hitting role.

• 05/18/12 - 1:45PM ETAllen Craig : Placed on DL

  Craig (hamstring) has been placed on the 15-day DL, the Cardinals' official Twitter feed reports.

  For now, it's unclear if Craig will miss more than the 15-day minimum. Adron Chambers was recalled to replace Craig on the roster.

• 05/18/12 - 1:43PM ETKyle McClellan : DL Stint on Tap

  McClellan (elbow) has been placed on the 15-day DL, the Cardinals' official Twitter feed reports.

  He left Thursday's game with elbow pain and the Cards are in the process of evaluating him further as it's believed that McClellan may have suffered a serious arm injury for the second time in his career.

• 05/18/12 - 1:26PM ETChris Young : Set to DH Friday

  Young (shoulder) will DH in his return to the D-Backs' lineup Friday, the team's official Twitter feed reports.

  With the flexibility of the DH spot during interleague play, the D-Backs can ease Young back into action as an outfielder in the coming days. Young is batting fifth for manager Kirk Gibson on Friday night.

• 05/18/12 - 1:06PM ETPaul Konerko : (Face) Undergoing Further Tests

  Konerko (face) had a cut below his left eye and swelling after getting hit by a pitch from Jeff Samardzija on Friday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

  He was sent for further tests, but for now Konerko should be considered day-to-day.

• 05/18/12 - 12:47PM ETChris Young : (Shoulder) Activated from DL

  Young (shoulder) has been activated from the 15-day DL, the D-Backs' official Twitter feed reports.

  He only needed one game at Triple-A Reno after three at High-A Visalia for a minor league rehab assignment. Young will replace A.J. Pollock on the roster, and should immediately return to the lineup Friday night.

• 05/18/12 - 12:07PM ETPaul Konerko : Leaves Early Friday After HBP

  Konerko left Friday's game against the Cubs after getting hit in the face by a pitch from Jeff Samardzija.

  Fortunately, Konerko was able to walk off under his own power and he may have narrowly avoided a serious injury as the ball appeared to hit the brim of Konerko's battling helmet before hitting his face. Nevertheless, he's considered day-to-day and will undergo further evaluation. Dayan Viciedo took over for Konerko as a pinch-runner, and Adam Dunn moved back to first base.

• 05/18/12 - 11:43AM ETEric Hinske : Set to DH Friday

  Hinske will be the DH for the Braves in Friday's matchup against the Rays, according to the Braves' official Twitter feed.

  As the Braves play in the American League parks, look for Hinske to get the majority of the plate appearances as the designated hitter.

• 05/18/12 - 11:37AM ETGeovany Soto : DL Stint on Tap

  Soto, who will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, is expected to miss 3-4 weeks, wsbt.com reports.

  The Cubs have called up catcher Blake Lalli to help out behind the plate, with Soto slated to hit the DL, though technically he is still on the Cubs roster for Friday's game.

• 05/18/12 - 7:23AM ETAustin Jackson : (Abdominal Strain) Missing More Games

  Jackson hinted that he could miss a couple more days due to his abdominal strain, Detroit News reports.

  "It just happened last night," Jackson said of his abdominal strain Thursday. "Tomorrow or the next day, after a couple of days rest, I'll get a better feel for it." In any case, it doesn't sound like Jackson will be in Friday night's lineup against the Pirates, at a minimum.