MLB Player News
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Cam Smith 3B | HOU
Astros' Cam Smith: First career hit Opening Day
Smith went 1-for-3 with a single during Thursday's 3-1 win over the Mets.
The 22-year-old Smith earned a spot on the Astros' Opening Day roster after a strong spring and started in right field Thursday. Batting seventh in his MLB debut, he wasted no time registering the first hit of his big-league career, delivering the first pitch of his first at-bat through the right side of the infield during the second inning. The 2024 first-round pick made it to the majors with just 32 minor-league games under his belt, but he's now getting a chance as Houston's primary right fielder.
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Zach McKinstry 3B | DET
Tigers' Zach McKinstry: Taking seat against lefty
McKinstry isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Dodgers.
Left-hander Blake Snell will draw the start for Los Angeles on Thursday, so the lefty-hitting McKinstry will begin Opening Day on the bench. Andy Ibanez will draw the start at third base instead and bat leadoff.
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Enrique Hernandez 3B | LAD
Dodgers' Enrique Hernandez: Battling flu
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.
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Ramon Urias 2B | HOU
Orioles' Ramon Urias: Draws Opening Day start
Urias will start at third base and bat eighth in Thursday's game against the Blue Jays.
Entering spring training, Urias appeared likely to begin the season in a utility role, but he'll likely end up seeing at least semi-regular playing time through the first week of the campaign while Gunnar Henderson (intercostal) is on the shelf. Henderson is slated to begin a minor-league rehab assignment at Triple-A Norfolk, so barring any setbacks, he could be ready for activation when first eligible April 4.
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Oliver Dunn 3B | MIL
Brewers' Oliver Dunn: On bench for opener
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.
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Cam Smith 3B | HOU
Astros' Cam Smith: Called up, starting in opener
The Astros selected Smith's contract, and he'll start in right field and bat seventh in Thursday's season opener versus the Mets, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Smith will bypass the Triple-A level after hitting his way on the Opening Day roster with a .342/.419/.711 slash line to go with four home runs over 15 games during the Grapefruit League. The 22-year-old will have big shoes to fill as he steps into the everyday role in right field that used to belong to three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker, whom the Astros traded to the Cubs this winter in the deal that sent Smith to Houston.
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Yoan Moncada 3B | LAA
Angels' Yoan Moncada: On roster but not in lineup
Moncada (thumb) is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game against the White Sox.
Moncada made enough improvement with his right thumb to be included on the Angels' Opening Day roster, but he is not in the lineup for the opener. It's possible he'll be ready to play Saturday following Friday's off date for the Halos. Luis Rengifo is at third base and Tim Anderson is at second base Thursday.
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Nick Maton DH | CHW
White Sox's Nick Maton: Added to roster
The White Sox selected Maton's contract Thursday.
The 28-year-old made the Opening Day roster as a utility player, though it wouldn't be surprising if he ends up getting a look as a near-everyday player early on in the season in the wake of his huge spring. Over his 43 plate appearances in the Cactus League, Maton slashed .289/.357/.632 with four home runs. Second base or shortstop would likely represent the clearest path for Maton to see playing time.
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Connor Norby 2B | MIA
Marlins' Connor Norby: IL move made official
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.
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Graham Pauley 3B | MIA
Marlins' Graham Pauley: Called up, starting in opener
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.