MLB Player News

The Brewers selected Bauers' contract from Triple-A Nashville on Thursday.

After producing a .199/.301/.361 slash line with 12 home runs and 13 stolen bases over 346 plate appearances for the Brewers in 2024, Bauers elected free agency following the season and re-signed with Milwaukee on a minor-league deal. He emerged from spring training with a roster spot after producing a .939 OPS in Cactus League play, but Bauers could struggle to see the extended playing time he received with the Brewers in 2024 unless injuries test Milwaukee's depth at first base and in the outfield. Bauers is on the bench for Thursday's season opener versus the Yankees.

Casas (hand) will start at first base and bat cleanup in Thursday's season opener in Texas.

Casas took a ball off his bare hand in the field earlier this week, but X-rays were negative, and he'll be good to go for the start of the season. The first baseman was limited to only 63 games in 2024 due to injury but heads into the 2025 campaign with a clean bill of health.

Walker (oblique) will start at first base and bat cleanup in Thursday's season opener versus the Mets, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Walker didn't make any Grapefruit League appearances after March 2 due to left oblique soreness, but he resumed taking swings in batting practice nearly two weeks ago and was able to get in some competitive at-bats in minor-league games this past weekend. The first baseman also played the field in a simulated game Monday, clearing up most of the concern about his health heading into Opening Day. The Astros are counting on Walker providing some thump in the middle of the order after Houston traded away Kyle Tucker and let Alex Bregman walk in free agency this offseason.

The Pirates placed Horwitz (wrist) on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Horwitz had right wrist surgery in early February and was given a 6-to-8-week estimated recovery timetable. According to MLB.com, Horwitz has began a throwing progression and is taking swings with the bat, but he's still a few weeks away from game action. Horwitz is expected to serve as the Pirates' primary first baseman once healthy.

Pasquantino (hamstring) will start at designated hitter and bat third in Thursday's season opener versus the Guardians.

Pasquantino suffered a Grade 1-plus right hamstring strain just five days ago, but he made enough improvement that the Royals are comfortable with him at least playing in a non-defensive role on Opening Day. Cavan Biggio will occupy Pasquantino's usual position at first base.

Casas (hand) is expected to be ready to play Thursday against the Rangers, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

X-rays were negative after Casas attempted to field a bad hop with his bare hand Monday. Manager Alex Cora noted after Tuesday's exhibition that Casas was sore but feeling "a lot better," while the decision to hold him out Tuesday was described as precautionary. With that, Casas appears to be in line to bat cleanup against right-hander Nathan Eovaldi on Opening Day, though fantasy managers may want to confirm his status before first pitch.

The Angels optioned Noda to Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday.

Noda batted .182 this spring, but 15 walks in 49 plate appearances helped him finish the Cactus League with an .813 OPS. Despite his display of plate discipline and ability to play first base and the corner outfield, he'll have to work his way back into the majors by maintaining success at the Triple-A level.

The Nationals optioned Yepez to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday.

Yepez managed just a .559 OPS through 48 plate appearances in the Grapefruit League, which is enough of a drop from his performance in the majors last year (.764 OPS) to have him sent back to Triple-A. He should receive regular playing time while in Rochester and may be a candidate to serve as bench depth in Washington if his bat gets hot.

The Nationals placed Chaparro (oblique) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Chaparro suffered a left oblique strain during batting practice in mid-March. He's eligible to return from the IL on April 4, but he'll likely need to ramp up his activity during extended spring training or on a rehab stint in the minors before being ready for major-league action. He played 33 games for Washington in 2024, but it's unclear whether he would immediately join major-league roster once fully healthy.

Gonzalez (oblique) will be on the Red Sox' active roster for Opening Day, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Gonzalez was held out of the Boston's final six Grapefruit League games as he dealt with right oblique soreness, but he's been working out in recent days and convinced the team he doesn't need a trip to the injured list. The 28-year-old will be part of the Red Sox' bench and will see some starts against southpaws.