• Christopher Morel swats three-run homer in loss
    Christopher Morel connected on a three-run homer Thursday in an extra-inning loss to the Mets.

    Advice: Morel extended the Cubs’ lead to 4-0 in the fifth with a three-run blast off Adrian Houser. The second-year infielder has gone deep five times, and he’s now up to 17 RBI over Chicago’s 32 games. It’s nice to see some offensive success again, as Morel has scuffled as of late to drop his line to .209/.287/.383. Rotoworld Today, 2:11 pm
    Christopher MorelCHC - 2B,3B,CF,RF
    L, 6-7 @NYM
     
  • Jorge Matero homers, plates two against Yankees
    Jorge Mateo went 1-for-2 with a homer and two RBI against the Yankees on Thursday.

    Advice: Mateo took Carlos Rodón deep — one of three homers the Orioles hit against the southpaw Thursday — and he now is the proud owner of his first homer of 2024. He also drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the fifth. Mateo needs to hit to stave off a plethora of quality prospects in Triple-A, and so far so good with a .268/.340/.488 slash across 41 at-bats. Rotoworld Today, 2:05 pm
    Jorge MateoBAL - 2B,SS
    W, 7-2 vs NYY
     
  • Absent from lineup
    Freeman is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest in Houston.

    Advice: In a 1-for-14 stretch at the plate over his last four contests, Freeman will take a seat in the series finale. Gabriel Arias will occupy center field for the Guardians on Thursday. Rotowire.com Today, 1:25 pm
    Tyler FreemanCLE - 2B,3B,SS,CF
    5:10 pm @HOU
     
  • Resumes rehab assignment
    Berti (groin/back) is back in the lineup with Double-A Somerset on Thursday as he resumes his rehab assignment, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

    Advice: Berti couldn't play Wednesday due to a back issue but is back in there following a one-day absence. He's coming back from a groin strain and should rejoin the Yankees within the next few days. Rotowire.com Today, 10:49 am
    Jon BertiNYY - 2B,3B,SS,LF
    L, 2-7 @BAL
     
  • Checks out of starting nine
    Urias is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Yankees.

    Advice: Though he's seen his playing time in the infield pick up of late after second baseman Jackson Holliday was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk last Friday, Urias will head to the bench Thursday after starting at third base in three of the previous four games. Jordan Westburg will occupy the hot corner Thursday, opening up a spot at the keystone for Jorge Mateo. Rotowire.com Today, 8:35 am
    Ramón UríasBAL - 1B,2B,3B
    W, 7-2 vs NYY
     
  • Heads to bench Thursday
    Gordon is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rockies, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

    Advice: The lefty-hitting Gordon usually exits the lineup when the Marlins oppose southpaws, but he'll hit the bench Thursday with a right-hander (Peter Lambert) taking the hill for Colorado. Gordon's move to the bench comes while he's gone 2-for-30 at the dish over his last 10 games, dropping his batting average to .167 for the season. Dane Myers will get the start in left field Thursday, and he could soon displace Gordon as the Marlins' preferred option at the position if Gordon's struggles at the dish continue. Rotowire.com Today, 7:16 am
    Nick GordonMIA - 2B,LF,CF
    W, 5-4 vs COL
     
  • Back on bench Thursday
    Brujan is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rockies, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

    Advice: Brujan had started in five of the previous six games, with the first three coming at third base and the last two coming at shortstop. He had been filling in for Tim Anderson (thumb) the past two days, but Anderson is on track to return to his usual spot at shortstop for the series finale with the Rockies. Brujan looks set to vie with Emmanuel Rivera for playing time at the hot corner moving forward, though both could be headed for reserve roles soon with Jake Burger (oblique) having already initiated a rehab assignment and poised to return from the 10-day injured list in the near future. Rotowire.com Today, 7:13 am
    Vidal BrujánMIA - 2B,3B,SS
    W, 5-4 vs COL
     
  • Red Sox option Enmanuel Valdez to Triple-A
    Red Sox optioned Enmanuel Valdez to Triple-A Worcester.

    Advice: Valdez will head down to the minors as the Red Sox add Zack Short to their active roster. The 25-year-old struggled early on this season, striking out 33% of the time and slashing .156/.186/.267 in his 28 games played. Rotoworld Today, 6:56 am
     
  • Will play multiple spots in minors
    The Red Sox optioned Valdez to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

    Advice: The 25-year-old will head back to the minors to make room on the roster for infielder Zack Short, who was acquired via trade Wednesday and has now been added to the 26-man active roster. Valdez has slashed just .156/.186/.267 across 28 games with the big club this season. He will add to his versatility while at Worcester, as the plan is to use him at third base, first base and potentially the outfield in addition to second base. Rotowire.com Today, 6:52 am