MLB Player News

Zobrist has not made a formal announcement, though for all intents and purposes, the 38-year-old appears to be hanging up his cleats. One of the most versatile players in baseball throughout his prime, the three-time All-Star hit a respectable .267 with 167 homers, 768 RBI and 116 steals over 1,652 appearances for the Rays, Royals, Cubs and Athletics. The long-time utility player also won a pair of World Series rings including in 2016 when he earned MVP honors for the Cubs. Zobrist played sparingly in 2019 (150 at-bats), taking an extended leave of absence while tending to a messy divorce.

Smith-Shawver’s exit appeared to be due to him being hit by a comebacker, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. The right-hander will need to undergo testing to determine the severity of the injury, but this is obviously a much more serious issue than a potential foot/heel injury.

Seabold is replaced on the roster by Kevin Kelly, with Kelly coming off the 15-day injured list in the corresponding transaction. Seabold will likely be back at some point in 2025 in a low-leverage role.

Kelly is back after missing over six weeks with a left gluteal strain. He’ll return to a mid-to-late inning role with the Rays now that he’s healthy enough to do so.

Mey was called up at the start of May and pitched well in his first few outings, but scuffled over the last few. The 23-year-old likely will be back with the Reds at some point this summer as a middle-innings option, but a corresponding move will be announced by Cincinnati on Friday.

Payamps went unclaimed after his abhorrent start to the 2025 season saw the Brewers designate him for assignment. The 31-year-old could elect free agency but also now has the option to report to Triple-A and hope to reclamate his career.

Smith-Shawver initially stayed in the game, but he faced just one batter before being pulled. The 22-year-old was hit in the foot area by a 96 mph liner from Bryson Stott. Smith-Shawver will assuredly undergo testing/imaging to determine the next steps.

Dave O’Brien of The Athletic reports that it appears Fairchild dislocated his pinkie while stealing a base. Ronald Acuña Jr. is now in the game in right field. There should be an update on the severity of Fairchild’s injury before the start of the second game.

Vargas opted out of his contract May 27 with the Diamondbacks, but will remain with the organization. The 33-year-old offers versatility with his glove, but almost nothing with his bat.

Lawlar didn’t get much of a chance to shine, but he didn’t pick up a hit in his limited action in the majors and Arizona will wisely move him back to an everyday role. The 22-year-old will be replaced by Ildemaro Vargas on the active roster. Fantasy managers can cut bait on Lawlar in redraft leagues, but there’s still enormous fantasy upside in the long-term.

He will repeat a similar workout over the weekend and then could potentially begin a rehab assignment. He’s been on the IL since May 5th, so he will likely need to make a few rehab starts before being cleared. That puts him on track for a late June return, and gives Ben Brown and Cade Horton more time to battle for the final spot in the Cubs rotation.