MLB 2023 | Cortés no-decision, Ibáñez hits first home run, Gurriel Jr. gets his citizenship

Major League Baseball (MLB) and other Cuban Players News for the 2023 season. A compendium from several sources

May 8

Néstor Cortés, who had his start pushed back due to strep throat, allowed two runs over five-plus innings as the Yankees defeated the A's 7-2 on Monday.

Cortés pitched five scoreless innings before loading the bases with no outs and getting pulled in the sixth. Ron Marinaccio came in and was able to strand one of the three runners, but that tied the game at 2-2, costing Cortés the victory. The Yankees didn't break it open until afterwards, scoring three runs in the bottom of the sixth and two more in the seventh. Overall, Cortés yielded two runs on six hits and two walks over five-plus innings. He struck out four. Cortés looked strong through five shutout frames, allowing four hits and a walk and never facing too much of a threat. He took the mound in the sixth and put three straight A's on base and was charged with two runs after leaving the game. Cortes has looked shaky recently; over his last four starts, he's registered a 6.53 ERA, raising his season mark to 4.74. His next outing is projected to be a home matchup against the Rays.

Andy Ibáñez went 2-for-3 with a homer, a walk and three runs scored as the Tigers topped the Guardians 6-2 on Monday.

Ibáñez has started eight of the Tigers' last nine games, which has left Jonathan Schoop with less playing time. His exit velocity numbers are quite a bit better than usual, so maybe he'll stick in Detroit. Ibáñez, seeing more regular playing time lately, has responded with a .333 batting average and now his first home run of the season. The 30-year-old has been playing all over the diamond, with his Monday start coming at second base. Ibáñez may not have a regular position quite yet, but he's carving out a role with the Tigers.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was not in the Diamondbacks' lineup Monday because he was receiving his U.S. citizenship.

Gurriel Jr. obtained his U.S citizenship Monday and was excused from pregame activities. Gurriel Jr. arrived at the ballpark just prior to first pitch and was available off the bench for Monday's series opener against the Marlins. Late in the 5-2 win against the Marlins he saw action as a PH getting on base with a walk. The 29-year-old slugger launched two homers on Sunday in Arizona's loss to the Nationals and is up to five round-trippers and 19 RBI in 124 plate appearances this season.

Miguel Vargas was not in the Dodgers' lineup for Monday's series opener against the Brewers.

It was a rare day off for Vargas on Monday evening. After closing the Dodgers' weekend series in San Diego with an 0-for-8 showing at the dish over the final two games, Vargas got a chance to rest Monday. Mookie Betts will move from the outfield to cover second base while Vargas hits the bench for the first time since April 27.

Athletics' Aledmys Díaz: Expected to be back today. Díaz was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday last week with hamstring issues. Even when Díaz' hamstring strain is believed to be of the Grade 1 variety, the Athletics will make a decision to see if Diaz remains sidelined.