MLB Player News

Sosa was named to the Cardinals' Opening Day roster Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Brad Miller's ankle and heel injuries have worked to Sosa's benefit, as it vaulted the latter onto the expanded Opening Day roster. However, Sosa earned the job on his own merits as well, as he made a strong impression throughout spring training and summer camp with respect to his defensive versatility and contact rate at the plate. Sosa has experience filling in at second base, third base and shortstop, with his most extensive experience coming at the latter position.

Manager Dave Roberts said Muncy -- who is batting first in Thursday's season opener against the Giants -- will hit leadoff for "the foreseeable future," Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Roberts said the goal is to stagger the team's lineup, so the lefty-hitting Muncy will be followed by righty-swinging Mookie Betts. Muncy has occupied the leadoff spot just seven times in his career, going 5-for-17 (.294) with a home run and two RBI in those appearances.

Nevin didn't make the Rockies' initial 30-man roster.

Nevin was able to work with the major-league roster during summer camp, but he'll head to the alternate training site ahead of the regular season. The 23-year-old is a potential option at first base in the future for the Rockies, but it's unlikely that he'll see significant time in the majors this year. Nevin slashed .251/.345/.399 with 13 home runs and 61 RBI with Double-A Hartford last season.

Maton was added to the Phillies' 60-man roster Thursday, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

Maton was a non-roster invitee during spring training but wasn't able to work with the team's player pool during summer camp. He'll report to the team's satellite camp for developmental purposes ahead of the regular season. While the 23-year-old likely won't be in consideration for a major-league roster spot this year, he'll get to work with some of the organization's top prospects.

LeMahieu is an option off the bench for Thursday's game against the Nationals, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Although LeMahieu was held out of the starting lineup Thursday, manager Aaron Boone said that he was very close to entering the lineup and will be an option off the bench. LeMahieu will face live pitching Friday to get more at-bats and could enter the starting lineup for Saturday's contest.

LeMahieu isn't in the lineup for Opening Day against the Nationals on Thursday.

LeMahieu was added to the 30-man roster Thursday after he missed the first several weeks of camp due to testing positive for COVID-19, but the Yankees apparently want to give him a little more time before he joins the starting nine. Tyler Wade will get the nod at second base, batting ninth.

Toro (undisclosed) was included on the Astros' 30-man roster.

He had been a non-participant for a few days in camp while awaiting COVID-19 test results, but his inclusion suggests he is healthy and ready to go. Toro is the Astros' top hitting prospect and should serve as a backup at third base, first base, second base and designated hitter.

Moncada (illness) was activated from the injured list Thursday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Moncada missed the start of summer camp after testing positive for COVID-19, but he appears on track to be ready for Friday's season opener after responding well to activity over the past week. He hit .315 with 25 homers and 10 steals in 132 games last season.

Madrigal was transferred to the White Sox's alternate training site Thursday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The team's second baseman of the future will likely have to wait at least seven days before joining the big club, as the team will probably opt to manipulate his service time. In the meantime, Leury Garcia should start at the keystone.

LeMahieu (illness) was returned from the injured list Thursday.

LeMahieu missed the first couple weeks of summer camp after testing positive for COVID-19, but he's back with the team ahead of the season opener. That said, it's not clear whether he'll immediately rejoin the lineup for Thursday's season opener.