MLB Player News

Longoria is not in the starting lineup Friday against the Rockies due to some mild side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, but he's expected to be available off the bench, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

The 35-year-old will head to the bench for the first time after going 7-for-22 with three homers to begin the season. Wilmer Flores will start at third base Friday in Longoria's absence.

Moncada was back in the lineup Thursday and went 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in a 6-0 victory over Kansas City.

Moncada returned to the lineup after Wednesday's rest day and slotted in at cleanup for the White Sox in their home opener. It's been a sluggish start for Moncada, who entered Thursday's game with a .182 batting average and 12 strikeouts over 22 at-bats. The one-day breather may have helped, as he did not strike out for the first time in seven games. Moncada has been manager Tony La Russa's early choice to fill in as the cleanup hitter, replacing Eloy Jimenez (pectoral).

Devers went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer, a walk and two runs scored Thursday against the Orioles.

Devers had only two hits in his first 19 at-bats entering the game, but he wasted no time slugging his first extra-base hit of the season when he took Matt Harvey deep in the opening frame. He also collected a single to lead off the sixth inning and came around to score and knot the game at three. Though his early struggles were hardly worth panicking over, it was nevertheless encouraging to see Devers get on track at the dish.

Arenado went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in the 3-1 win over the Brewers on Thursday.

Arenado's home run in the eighth inning off Drew Rasmussen gave the Cardinals the lead. It was fitting that Arenado won the game for the Cardinals in their home opener after they traded for him to be the centerpiece of their offense. The 29-year-old has at least one hit in all seven games this season along with two home runs and five RBI.

Escobar went 1-for-2 with a two-run homer and a pair of walks during Thursday's loss to the Rockies.

Escobar attempted to spark a ninth-inning rally for his team with his long ball against Carlos Estevez, which brought the Diamondbacks within four runs. Unfortunately, that was as close as they would come. It was the first home run and just the second hit of the season for the 32-year-old, who's coming off a down season in 2020 (.212/.270/.335 in 54 games).

Donaldson (hamstring) could take at-bats in simulated games over the weekend, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Donaldson has continued to run on a treadmill and take batting practice in recent days, and manager Rocco Baldelli has been pleased with the 35-year-old's progress. If he continues to progress smoothly, Donaldson could head to the alternate training site over the weekend to take another step in his recovery. A timetable for Donaldson's return to game action hasn't yet been established, but he appears to be trending in the right direction.

Davis (wrist) is not in the lineup for Thursday's home opener against the Marlins.

Davis was hit in the hand by a pitch Tuesday against the Phillies. While his X-rays were negative, he finds himself on the bench for the second straight day. Jonathan Villar will start at third base in his absence.

Farmer picked up his first start of the season Wednesday against the Pirates, going 1-for-4 with a two-run double.

Farmer was giving Eugenio Suarez a day off at shortstop before the Reds' travel day. Suarez's defense has been shaky at times so far, but the Reds still appear committed to playing him there, especially while they're getting such great returns from Jonathan India at second base.

Chapman went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Wednesday's win over the Dodgers.

Chapman got to Dodgers starter Trevor Bauer with a 426-foot solo shot to center field in the seventh inning and helped send the game into extra innings when he singled and scored in the ninth. It was easily the best game of the year for the star third baseman, who entered the contest batting a paltry .105 with no extra-base hits.

Ramirez went 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI in Wednesday's win over the Royals.

Ramirez was a synonym of offense for the Indians during Wednesday's win, as he plated the team's four runs after going deep twice -- he launched a pair of two-run shots, his first two of the campaign, in the sixth and eighth innings. Ramirez has hit safely in each of his first five appearances this season and has recorded two multi-hit games to date.