MLB Player News

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said that Senzel is expected to miss 3-to-4 weeks after fracturing his right thumb in during batting practice prior to Thursday's 8-2 loss to the Reds, the Associated Press reports.

Senzel was slated to start at third base and bat eighth in the season opener, but he was scratched from the lineup after suffering the injury when his throwing hand was struck by an errant groundball when one of his teammates was taking BP. Ildemaro Vargas drew the start at third base Thursday, but Vargas could end up moving back into a utility role while the Nationals give a longer look at prospect Trey Lipscomb at the hot corner during Senzel's upcoming absence. Andrew Golden of The Washington Post notes that Lipscomb is set to receive a call-up from Triple-A Rochester ahead of Saturday's game in Cincinnati, with Senzel presumably going on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Burger went 3-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored in Thursday's Opening Day loss to the Pirates.

Burger added a sacrifice fly that gave the Marlins a 5-2 lead in the fifth, but that was the last run Miami would score as the Pirates clawed back to steal the win. It was a good start to the season for the 27-year-old, who hit 34 home runs last season split between the Marlins and White Sox. Burger will man the everyday role at third base for the Marlins this season.

The Cubs placed Wisdom (back) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

According to MLB.com , manager Craig Counsell said Wisdom was able to resume baseball activities before spring training came to a close, so the veteran corner infielder might not be too far away from starting a minor-league rehab assignment. Counsell said he expects Wisdom to return from the IL around mid-April.

Senzel broke his thumb while fielding a groundball before Thursday's game against the Reds, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

The Nationals should offer more details following Thursday's game, but it sounds like Senzel may be facing an extended absence to begin the season. Ildemaro Vargas entered the lineup as Senzel's replacement and figures to see regular reps at third base while he's out.

Madrigal will start at third base and bat eighth in Thursday's season opener versus the Rangers.

Madrigal was a question mark for Opening Day not long ago due to a hamstring injury, but he's avoided an injured list stint and is in the Cubs' Opening Day lineup. Presumed third baseman Christopher Morel is starting at designated hitter.

Senzel was scratched from the Nationals' lineup for Thursday's game against the Reds, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Senzel reportedly injured a finger while fielding grounders ahead of Thursday's contest, though it remains unclear how serious his injury is. In the meantime, Ildemaro Vargas will fill in at third base and bat eighth.

The Diamondbacks designated Rivera for assignment Thursday.

Heading into spring training, Rivera looked like a fairly safe bet to make the Opening Day roster as a reserve infielder, but Arizona's plans for him may have changed after he submitted a woeful .167/.268/.229 slash line over 21 Cactus League games. The Diamondbacks will instead move Rivera off the 40-man roster and make room for rookie infielder Blaze Alexander on the Opening Day bench.

The Marlins recalled Bride from Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Miami had sent Bride to minor-league camp earlier this month, but he'll now fill the roster spot vacated by the trade of Jon Berti. Bride will provide depth at multiple infield spots.

Bride could now make the Marlins' Opening Day roster following the trade of Jon Berti, Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reports.

Bride was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville earlier this month, but with an ability to handle multiple infield positions he makes for a natural replacement for Berti. However, the Marlins already have utility options Nick Gordon and Vidal Brujan on the roster, so they may not feel the need to add a third. The 28-year-old Bride was acquired from the Athletics in February.

Vargas appears set as the Nationals' primary utility infielder to begin the season.

A big spring from prospect Trey Lipscomb created some drama toward the end of camp as to who would claim the final roster spots, but Vargas' job seems secure after Lipscomb was reassigned to minor-league camp Tuesday. With Luis Garcia and Nick Senzel both question marks at second base and third base, Vargas could see more playing time than expected in the early going, but he offers little fantasy upside after slashing .252/.304/.363 over 286 plate appearances for the Nats in 2023.