New York Mets shortstop Javier Baez (back) looks to be in line to return to the team without requiring a rehab assignment, and could return sometime during the team's upcoming series with the Giants, according to Tim Britton of The Athletic. Manager Luis Rojas said that while it's not official that he'll be able to return without a rehab assignment, but it appears to be trending in that direction at this point. Baez landed on the injured list with back spasms last week, with the move retroactive to August 12. He's had a nice bounce-back from a disappointing 2020 campaign, slashing .241/.285/.470 with 24 homers, 13 steals, 68 RBI and 52 runs scored over 101 games this year. Managers should keep an eye out for any updates over the weekend, but be prepared for his return early next week.

New York Mets shortstop Javier Baez (back) was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to August 12, the team announced on Friday. The 28-year-old infielder exited last Sunday's 3-0 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies with left hip tightness and was considered day-to-day throughout the week. Baez hasn't heated up yet for the Mets, but it's possible some rest could do him some good. In a corresponding move, infielder Travis Blankenhorn has been recalled from Triple-A. Blankenhorn will not be in Friday's lineup against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The New York Mets are feeling optimistic about shortstop Javier Baez (hip) after his early exit from Sunday's game, according to Tim Britton of The Athletic. Manager Luis Rojas said that the team is much more optimistic after the game than they were when Baez exited with left hip tightness, with Rojas adding they were originally worried the issue would be similar to the injury that has kept shortstop Francisco Lindor sidelined since mid-July. Baez is being considered day-to-day for now, and managers should expect him to likely be held out of Monday's contest but could return to the lineup on Tuesday.

Updating an earlier report, New York Mets shortstop Javier Baez (hip) exited Sunday's game due to left hip tightness, according to Tim Britton of The Athletic. Baez was seen grimacing in pain in the dugout in the fifth inning after he was unable to run out of the batter's box on a groundout to second base in his last plate appearance. Managers should consider Baez day-to-day with this injury, and check for further updates on his condition after the game.

New York Mets shortstop Javier Baez exited Sunday's game with an apparent injury, according to Justin Toscano of NorthJersey.com. On a groundout to second base in the top of the fifth, Baez did not run out of the batters box and was then seen grimacing in pain in the dugout afterwards. Jonathan Villar moved from third base to shortstop to replace Baez, while J.D. Davis entered the game at third base. Managers should keep an eye out for updates after the game, and for now consider Baez day-to-day.

When the New York Mets initially acquired shortstop Javier Baez from the Chicago Cubs, the belief was that once Francisco Lindor (oblique) returns, that Baez would play second base. However, it looks as though the Mets are seriously considering moving Baez to third base when Lindor is back. The main reason being the fact that they believe Jeff McNeil is better at the keystone than the hot corner. Baez has a lot of swing-and-miss to his game and won't help much with batting average or on-base percentage -- he struck out five times on Thursday -- but he has plenty of power (24 homers) and has gone deep twice in his first six games with New York. Along with his speed and upcoming third-base eligibility, Baez remains a must-own in all formats with his new squad.

New York Mets infielder Javier Baez hit his second homer as a Met Wednesday, knocking an Anthony Bass pitch over the fence in right field for an opposite-field solo shot. It was his 24th of the year, and gave the Mets an important insurance run in a 5-3 victory over the Miami Marlins. Baez went 2-for-5 for the game with two runs scored, one of which came on a nifty swim-move slide to evade the tag of catcher Alex Jackson. Baez may swing and miss a lot, but he's an extremely dynamic player, offering a fantasy manager great numbers in every category but batting average.

New York Mets shortstop Javier Baez started his tenure with a 1-for-4 performance which included a sixth-inning, two-run home run. Baez was acquired from the Chicago Cubs just before the trade deadline on July 30 to make up for Francisco Lindor's absence while he recovers from an oblique injury. Their hope is he can get back to his MVP-level of play and improve on his .248/.291/.490 slash line. He's also added 67 RBI, 49 runs, and 13 stolen bases. Fantasy managers should continue playing Baez for the power and speed combo. Expect that once Lindor returns, Baez will still be an everyday player in the infield.

New York Mets shortstop Javier Baez will make his debut with the team on Saturday, as he will get the start at shortstop and bat fourth against the Reds. Baez was acquired from the Cubs during the hectic trade deadline on Friday, and over 91 games with Chicago, he's slashing .248/.292/.484 with 22 home runs, 13 steals, 65 RBI and 48 runs scored. He'll look to continue his recent hot streak when he goes up against Cincinnati, after slashing .333/.350/.526 with three homers, three steals, 13 RBI and nine runs scored over his last 15 games.

The Chicago Cubs have a deal in place to trade shortstop Javier Baez to the New York Mets pending a review of medical records, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB Network. In the short term Baez will figure to take over at shortstop while Lindor remains out with a Grade 2 oblique strain that will keep him sidelined until mid-to-late August. Over 91 games this year, Baez is slashing .248/.292/.484 with 22 homers, 13 steals, 65 RBI and 48 runs scored, and he should provide a solid boost to the Mets lineup.

The New York Mets are in discussions with the Chicago Cubs to potentially acquire shortstop Javier Baez, according to Joel Sherman of MLB Network. Sherman adds that the Mets may also be looking into acquiring a pitcher as well in the deal. The Mets had been looking at Rockies shortstop Trevor Story, but Baez may prove to be a more attainable target for New York to acquire. Over 91 games this year, Baez is slashing .248/.292/.484 with 22 homers, 13 steals, 65 RBI and 48 runs scored, and he could provide a solid boost to the Mets lineup. Keep an eye out for further updates as we approach the final hour before the deadline.

Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez (heel) is starting in Thursday's contest against the Cincinnati Reds. He missed the last three games due to a bruised left heel but is batting fourth and starting at shortstop on Thursday. The 28-year-old has produced in 2021, slashing .245/.289/.483 with 22 home runs, 65 RBI, and 13 stolen bases over 90 games in 2021. Fantasy managers can start Baez with confidence, and he remains a strong option at shortstop in all league formats.

ATLANTA (AP) — Freddie Freeman homered off Yu Darvish in the sixth inning, Touki Toussaint allowed one run and three hits in his season debut, and the Atlanta Braves beat the San Diego Padres 2-1 on Tuesday night. Toussaint, who missed the first 3½ months rehabbing a right shoulder strain, retired the first seven batters he faced before walking Victor Caratini in the third. He didn’t allow a hit until Manny Machado doubled with one out in the fourth. The Padres tied it 1-all in the fourth when Jake Cronenworth was hit by a pitch, advanced to third on Machado’s double and scored on Tommy Pham’s sacrifice fly. Freeman made it 2-1 by taking Darvish deep over the wall in left field with an opposite-field shot, his 22nd homer. Toussaint (1-0) walked two and struck out five in 6 2/3 innings. Darvish (7-4) was making his first start since July 8 after a stint on the injured list due to left hip inflammation. He allowed four hits and two runs with two walks and three strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Freddie Freeman homered off Yu Darvish in the sixth inning, Touki Toussaint allowed one run and three hits in his season debut, and the Atlanta Braves beat the San Diego Padres 2-1 on Tuesday night. Toussaint, who missed the first 3½ months rehabbing a right shoulder strain, retired the first seven batters he faced before walking Victor Caratini in the third. He didn’t allow a hit until Manny Machado doubled with one out in the fourth. The Padres tied it 1-all in the fourth when Jake Cronenworth was hit by a pitch, advanced to third on Machado’s double and scored on Tommy Pham’s sacrifice fly. Freeman made it 2-1 by taking Darvish deep over the wall in left field with an opposite-field shot, his 22nd homer. Toussaint (1-0) walked two and struck out five in 6 2/3 innings. Darvish (7-4) was making his first start since July 8 after a stint on the injured list due to left hip inflammation. He allowed four hits and two runs with two walks and three strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Freddie Freeman homered off Yu Darvish in the sixth inning, Touki Toussaint allowed one run and three hits in his season debut, and the Atlanta Braves beat the San Diego Padres 2-1 on Tuesday night. Toussaint, who missed the first 3½ months rehabbing a right shoulder strain, retired the first seven batters he faced before walking Victor Caratini in the third. He didn’t allow a hit until Manny Machado doubled with one out in the fourth. The Padres tied it 1-all in the fourth when Jake Cronenworth was hit by a pitch, advanced to third on Machado’s double and scored on Tommy Pham’s sacrifice fly. Freeman made it 2-1 by taking Darvish deep over the wall in left field with an opposite-field shot, his 22nd homer. Toussaint (1-0) walked two and struck out five in 6 2/3 innings. Darvish (7-4) was making his first start since July 8 after a stint on the injured list due to left hip inflammation. He allowed four hits and two runs with two walks and three strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Freddie Freeman homered off Yu Darvish in the sixth inning, Touki Toussaint allowed one run and three hits in his season debut, and the Atlanta Braves beat the San Diego Padres 2-1 on Tuesday night. Toussaint, who missed the first 3½ months rehabbing a right shoulder strain, retired the first seven batters he faced before walking Victor Caratini in the third. He didn’t allow a hit until Manny Machado doubled with one out in the fourth. The Padres tied it 1-all in the fourth when Jake Cronenworth was hit by a pitch, advanced to third on Machado’s double and scored on Tommy Pham’s sacrifice fly. Freeman made it 2-1 by taking Darvish deep over the wall in left field with an opposite-field shot, his 22nd homer. Toussaint (1-0) walked two and struck out five in 6 2/3 innings. Darvish (7-4) was making his first start since July 8 after a stint on the injured list due to left hip inflammation. He allowed four hits and two runs with two walks and three strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today: ___ BELLY UP Cody Bellinger is ready to return from a broken leg that’s sidelined him for nearly two months. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says the 2019 NL MVP will start in center field on Saturday and Sunday against San Francisco. Bellinger has been out since April 5 with a hairline fracture in his left fibula. The World Series champion Dodgers went through a rough patch without him but have since won 13 of 15 and sit a half-game behind the NL West-leading San Diego Padres. Dodgers left-hander Julio Urías (7-1, 3.03) is set to face the Giants' Logan Webb (3-3, 4.09). LAUGH IT OFF Inclement weather gave Will Craig a day off to decide how to handle his egregious fielding mistake Thursday. The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie first baseman is going with humor. “I guess I’m going to be on the blooper reels for the rest of my life,” Craig said Friday before the Pirates’ game with the Colorado Rockies was postponed because of rain. The... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday: ___ BELLY UP Cody Bellinger is ready to return from a broken leg that’s sidelined him for nearly two months. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says the 2019 NL MVP will start in center field on Saturday and Sunday against San Francisco. Bellinger has been out since April 5 with a hairline fracture in his left fibula. The World Series champion Dodgers went through a rough patch without him but have since won 13 of 15 and sit a half-game behind the NL West-leading San Diego Padres. Dodgers left-hander Julio Urías (7-1, 3.03) is set to face the Giants' Logan Webb (3-3, 4.09). LAUGH IT OFF Inclement weather gave Will Craig a day off to decide how to handle his egregious fielding mistake Thursday. The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie first baseman is going with humor. “I guess I’m going to be on the blooper reels for the rest of my life,” Craig said Friday before the Pirates’ game with the Colorado Rockies was postponed because of rain.... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The 2021 salaries for the 117 major league baseball players on opening day rosters and injured lists earning $10 million or more. Figures were obtained by The Associated Press from management and player sources and include salaries and pro-rated shares of signing bonuses and other guaranteed income. For some players, parts of salaries deferred without interest are discounted to reflect present-day values. Player, ClubSalary1, Trevor Bauer, LAD$38,000,0002, Mike Trout, LAA37,116,6673, Gerrit Cole, NYY36,000,0004, Nolan Arenado, StL35,000,0005, Max Scherzer, Was34,503,4806, Manny Machado, SD34,000,0007, Justin Verlander, Hou33,000,0008, Zack Greinke, Hou32,921,8509, Stephen Strasburg, Was32,045,25610, David Price, LAD32,000,00011, Clayton Kershaw, LAD31,000,00112, Miguel Cabrera, Det30,000,000(tie) Albert Pujols, LAA30,000,00014, Jose Altuve, Hou29,000,000(tie) Giancarlo Stanton, NYY29,000,00016, Jacob DeGrom, NYM28,131,95517, Anthony Rendon, LAA28,071,42918, Bryce Harper,... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Cubs might conduct more thorough background checks when deciding hires in the wake of sexual harassment accusations against former director of pro scouting Jared Porter. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer called the alleged incidents disturbing and said there's “no place for them in the game." “I think it’s my job to make sure that every woman that works here — every woman that is a reporter for our team, every vendor, everyone that comes through Wrigley Field — has to feel like this is a wonderful environment for them to work in and they have to look forward to being here,” Hoyer said Monday. “That has to be the standard. There can’t be any other standard. It has to be a great workplace for women, and a place that women can thrive.” Porter was fired for cause last month as general manager of the New York Mets after 38 days on the job following a report by ESPN he sent sexually explicit, uninvited text messages and images to a female reporter in 2016 while he... [More]