MLB Player News

Candelario started at third base and went 2-for-3 with a walk and three RBI in Thursday's 6-4 loss to San Francisco.

Candelario was part of crowded corner infield spots during spring training, but a late injury to outfielder Austin Hays (calf) led to Gavin Lux playing left field Thursday. That should give Candelario a near-daily role at third base, first base or DH in the early going. He underwhelmed overall at the plate in 2024, his first with the Reds, but he managed to hit the 20-homer mark for a second consecutive season.

Hernandez (illness) won't start but could be available off the bench Friday against the Tigers, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Hernandez is dealing with the flu and was not at the ballpark for Thursday's domestic home opener against the Tigers. His exact availability remains to be seen, though it sounds as if he is nearing a return to the club.

Hernandez is not expected to be available for the Dodgers' domestic opener Thursday against the Tigers due to the flu, Buster Olney of ESPN reports.

Hernandez is not in the lineup versus lefty Tarik Skubal, and it sounds like he probably won't be available off the bench, either. Consider the utility player day-to-day.

Dunn is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Yankees.

Though he'll be on the bench Thursday versus Yankees lefty Carlos Rodon, the lefty-hitting Dunn looks poised to open the season as Milwaukee's primary option at third base versus right-handed pitching. Vinny Capra will get the nod at the hot corner Thursday and will bat eighth.

The Marlins placed Norby (oblique) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Norby was diagnosed with a Grade 1 left oblique strain and will be sidelined to begin the season, paving the way for Graham Pauley, Eric Wagaman and Jonah Bride to see extra playing time at third base. According to MLB.com, Norby resumed baseball activities Wednesday, but he's still expected to be sidelined until around late April.

The Marlins recalled Pauley from Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday.

Pauley will bat eighth and start at third base in Thursday's season opener versus the Pirates. He'll get reps at the hot corner along with Eric Wagaman and Jonah Bride while Connor Norby (oblique) is on the injured list to begin the season. Pauley produced a .784 OPS over 11 Grapefruit League games.

The Phillies designated Kennedy for assignment Thursday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

The Phillies told Kennedy earlier this week that he would not be on the Opening Day roster and the club was unable to find a trade partner. He could draw interest on waivers.

Lux will start in left field and bat cleanup Thursday against the Giants.

With Austin Hays (calf) shelved, Lux slides into the lineup in the corner outfield and also gets a prime spot in the lineup, batting behind TJ Friedl, Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz. Most of Lux's playing time could ultimately come at third base, but he's in line for regular reps in left field versus righties while Hays is out.

Tena earned a spot on the Nationals' Opening Day roster, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

The 24-year-old was competing for a bench job during spring training and secured a roster spot despite posting a .156/.240/.200 slash line in 50 plate appearances. Tena had a .668 OPS in 41 games with Washington in 2024 and is unlikely to be fantasy-relevant this year.

The Mets informed Baty on Wednesday that he'll be included on the Opening Day roster, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports.

The revelation comes as no surprise after Baty slashed .353/.441/.745 with four home runs and a 6:8 K:BB over 20 Grapefruit League contests. Baty also proved adept defensively at second base, and he is slated to open the season as the Mets' primary option at the keystone versus right-handers while Jeff McNeil (oblique) is on the shelf.