MLB Player News

Hensley went 2-for-3 with an RBI, a walk and a stolen base during Friday's win against the White Sox.

The 27-year-old made his season debut after Mauricio Dubon started at second base Thursday. Hensley impressed by reaching base three times, including in the eighth inning on a 101.8 mph single. He posted a 1.027 OPS in a small MLB sample last season and looks to be paving the way for regular playing time, at least until Jose Altuve (thumb) returns.

Julien (ankle) went 1-for-4 with a home run Friday for Triple-A St. Paul.

Julien hurt his ankle late in spring training but it doesn't seem to be an issue to begin the regular season. Julien begins the minor-league season where he left off in the spring, as he homered in his first game for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic and also hit three home runs in big-league spring training with a 1.114 OPS. A strong start at Triple-A could see him called up earlier rather than later this season, especially if Jorge Polanco's knee injury becomes a long-term issue.

Kemp went 1-for-3 with an RBI double, a walk and a run in the Athletics' win over the Angels on Thursday.

The veteran operated out of the leadoff spot and ignited an eighth-inning rally with a double into the left-center gap that brought home Esteury Ruiz with the tying run. Kemp subsequently scored what would prove to be the winning run on an Aledmys Diaz single. It's an encouraging start to the campaign for Kemp following a spring in which he hit a middling .233 across 53 plate appearances.

Hensley is starting at second base and batting seventh Friday night against the White Sox.

Mauricio Dubon got the start at second in Thursday's season opener and went 0-for-3 as the Astros fell 3-2 to Dylan Cease and the White Sox. Now it will be Hensley's turn versus Lance Lynn. Hensley has the better offensive upside of the two fill-in options for Jose Altuve (thumb), and would be the more intriguing fantasy option if he can seize a full-time role.

Gonzalez went 1-for-2 in Thursday's win over the Astros.

Gonzalez started in right field and hit ninth, earning the start over Oscar Colas. That's likely only because lefty Framber Valdez was on the mound for Houston, as Colas is expected to see the majority of playing time at the position. Gonzalez earned 109 plate appearances in the majors in 2022 and posted a .238/.257/.352 line.

Dubon went 0-for-3 in Thursday's loss to the White Sox.

Dubon drew the start at second base Opening Day and hit ninth. He didn't make an impact on the stat sheet, though it appears that he will have the first chance to hold down the second base job in the absence of Jose Altuve (hand). Dubon slashed just .214/.252/.313 across 265 plate appearances in 2022, and if he doesn't improve his contributions on offense, David Hensley could receive an opportunity at the keystone.

Frazier went 2-for-4 with two doubles, a walk, a stolen base and three runs scored in Thursday's 10-9 win over the Red Sox.

Frazier's power was virtually non-existent with the Mariners last year -- he had just three home runs, 22 doubles and a career-worst .311 slugging percentage in 156 games. Getting out of Seattle should help his bat a bit, though he's never had more than 10 homers in a season. The 31-year-old is expected to see most of his time at second base in 2023, but he can also play in the corner outfield, so he should be in the lineup more often than not.

Torres went 1-for-3 with two-run home run, a walk, an additional run scored and a stolen base during Thursday's 5-0 win over the Giants.

Starting at DH and batting sixth, Torres took Logan Webb deep to right in the bottom of the fourth inning. He then drew a walk and eventually crossed the plate again on a DJ LeMahieu single in the bottom of the seventh. Trade rumors swirled around Torres all spring as the Yankees continued to lose starting pitchers to injuries, but he remains in the Bronx with the tools to provide strong fantasy production throughout the 2023 campaign and is off to a strong start.

Astros general manager Dana Brown expressed optimism Thursday that Altuve (thumb) will be back from the injured list before June, Mark Berman of FOX 26 reports.

Brown said when Altuve had thumb surgery just over a week ago that the second baseman wouldn't be able to resume baseball activities for two months. Evidently that was either a conservative estimate, or the club expects Altuve to get back up to speed very quickly upon ramping things up again. Altuve was notably placed on the 10-day IL on Thursday rather than the 60-day IL, leaving open the possibility for an earlier return.

The Astros placed Altuve on the 10-day injured list with a fractured right thumb Thursday.

It's notable that the Astros aren't placing him on the 60-day IL yet even as he's not expected to resume baseball activities until mid- to late-May. It still seems likely Altuve eventually winds up on the 60-day IL, but the Astros are keeping their options open to begin the regular season.