MLB Player News

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.

Rojas is starting at third base and batting leadoff Friday against the Dodgers.

Rojas was on the bench in favor of Evan Longoria for Arizona's opener with the Dodgers throwing left-hander Julio Urias, but he'll start and lead off versus righty Dustin May. It figures to be a pretty consistent platoon between the two this season, although Rojas has the versatility to play multiple other positions as well.

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.

Castro went 1-for-5 with a run scored Thursday against the Padres.

Castro was in camp as a non-roster invitee but ultimately earned a spot on the Opening Day roster. He started in left field while hitting eighth in Colorado's first game. Once Jurickson Profar gets ramped up and Randal Grichuk (groin) is able to return, Castro will find playing time harder to come by, but he could get some run during the early portion of the season.

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.

Arraez went 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored and an RBI in an Opening Day loss to the Mets.

It was ultimately a disappointing result for the Marlins, but one of their biggest offseason acquisitions performed exactly as advertised in his first game for the club. Arraez hit leadoff in his Miami debut, and after winning the AL batting title last season for Minnesota while scoring 88 runs in 144 games, he should be an effective table-setter in 2023.

Bae went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, two runs scored and two stolen bases in Thursday's 5-4 victory over the Reds.

Bae started the game at second base before ultimately moving to center field in the bottom of the ninth inning as Canaan Smith-Njigba was lifted for a defensive replacement. Although Bae was buried in the eight hole in the order, he was in the middle of every rally for the Pirates and showcased his speed when he got on base. The 23-year-old ranked in the 90th percentile in sprint speed last season according to Statcast.

Donovan went 3-for-6 with a two-run home run and two additional runs scored in Thursday's 10-9 loss to Toronto.

Donovan served as the Cardinals' Opening Day leadoff hitter and did his job setting the table against Alek Manoah and company. He even carried over the newfound pop he showed in spring training -- Donovan smacked four homers in Grapefruit League play, just one fewer than he had in 468 plate appearances in the majors last season. Donovan has a good eye at the plate, and if the power is here to stay, he could end up being a fantasy gem.