MLB Player News

Hayes went 1-for-4 with two stolen bases Thursday against the Marlins.

Hayes helped create some offense for Pittsburgh in the fifth inning, reaching base on a single with two outs. He proceeded to steal both second and third base, the latter of which was on a double steal. Hayes has been a fantasy disappointment for much of his career, though he has the potential for stolen base upside at an atypical position.

Arenado went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Thursday against the Twins.

Arenado delivered an insurance home run in the ninth inning to help the Cardinals to an Opening Day win. He turned on a 97-mph fastball, which is encouraging, though his struggles in 2024 came primarily against off-speed and breaking pitches.

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.

Devers started at designated hitter and went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Thursday's 5-2 win over Texas.

Devers, who had just 15 spring plate appearances, looked like he could have used more in Florida. He struck out swinging three times and whiffed six times in all, including five times against Nathan Eovaldi's breaking ball, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. To be fair, Devers wasn't the only one that struggled; Boston's top four hitters went a combined 1-for-16.

Sosa went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Thursday's 8-1 Opening Day win over the Angels.

Sosa extended the White Sox's lead to eight runs in the eighth frame, when he drilled an 87-mph cutter from Ryan Johnson for a two-run homer. With Josh Rojas (toe) starting the season on the 10-day injured list, Sosa got the start at second base Opening Day and should split time at the keystone with Brooks Baldwin until Rojas returns.

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.

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.

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.

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.