MLB Player News

Gardner had the option of picking up a $2.3 million player option, or the Yankees could have given him a $7.15 million team option. Both parties decided to decline, and instead the long-time New York outfielder gets a $1.15 million buyout. The 38-year-old was ineffective in his 461 plate appearances with a .689 OPS and 10 homers, and while he could be back with the Yankees as a bench option, it’s hard to imagine he’ll be a regular again going forward.

Reese McGuire, who was just called up from Triple-A Iowa, will handle the catching duties on Sunday afternoon in his place. Kelly has been an unexpected revelation this season in his Cubs debut and he’ll take on a larger share of the workload in the coming weeks with Miguel Amaya out with an oblique strain.

It’s an encouraging development that Verlander has resumed throwing and will progress to a bullpen session after hitting the injured list earlier this week with pectoral discomfort. The 42-year-old veteran doesn’t appear to be a facing an extended absence and could make it back to San Francisco’s rotation at some point in early June.

It’s a rare day off for Varsho, who has started 18 of a possible 23 games since making his season debut back on April 29. It’ll be Myles Straw taking over in center field on Sunday afternoon.

Sánchez provides Toronto with an experienced caddy behind starter Alejandro Kirk with backup catcher Tyler Heineman hitting the injured list with a possible concussion. The 28-year-old backstop got into a career-high 31 games last year for the Marlins.

Heineman is dealing with concussion symptoms after taking a couple foul balls off his catching mask during Thursday’s game against the Padres. It’ll be Ali Sánchez coming up to take his roster spot in a backup role behind starter Alejandro Kirk.

Walker made three relief appearances earlier this year for Toronto. The 30-year-old lefty loses his 40-man roster spot to make room for journeyman catcher Ali Sánchez ahead of Sunday’s game against the Rays.

Osuna is in left field and batting sixth on Sunday in his major-league debut. He made a strong impression during spring training after a stellar 2024 campaign in the lower minors. He’ll get his first chance in the majors with veteran DH Joc Pederson hitting the injured list with a fractured hand. The 22-year-old outfielder .279/.386/.416 with 15 extra-base hits and nine steals in 39 games this season between Triple-A Round Rock and Double-A Frisco. His immediate fantasy appeal is limited to AL-only formats. It’ll be interesting to see if he can carve out a role with the Rangers as a fourth outfielder.

Pederson is facing a lengthy absence after suffering the injury during Saturday’s showdown against the White Sox when he was hit by a pitch. The 33-year-old was just starting to snap out of an extended slump at the plate to open the season. He’ll presumably undergo further evaluation and testing to determine whether he’ll require surgery. There should be an update on his status at some point in the coming days.

Pillar has been removed from Texas’ 40-man roster to clear a spot for prospect Alejandro Osuna. The 36-year-old veteran figures to pass through waivers unclaimed and will likely wind up electing free agency.

The Guardians didn’t want to take any chances with the quick turnaround on Sunday morning following Saturday night’s contest, so Santana will take a seat for precautionary reasons. It’ll be Kyle Manzardo taking over at the cold corner in his absence.