MLB Player News

Brantley went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run and a walk in Friday's 8-2 win over the Mariners.

Brantley went deep against Mariners reliever Zac Grotz to complete a five-run surge from the Astros in the fifth inning. The 33-year-old left fielder knocked a career-high 22 homers in 2019 and picked up right where he left off to start the abbreviated 2020 season. Brantley will likely maintain a role in the top half of the Houston lineup.

Cespedes went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's win against the Braves.

Cespedes was playing in his first game in over two years after coming back from a pair of heel surgeries and a fractured ankle, but he looked like his old self as he blasted a go-ahead solo shot in the seventh inning. The home run proved to be the only run of the game in the Opening Day pitching duel. While the 34-year-old is still reportedly limited while running, Friday's performance as the designated hitter showed that he can still be a force at the plate.

Martinez went 3-for-5 with two doubles, three RBI, two runs scored, and a walk during Friday's 13-2 win over the Orioles.

Martinez created havoc hitting in front of Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts, but the entire Red Sox lineup produced at a high level -- Martinez was one of four Boston players to record three or more hits. The veteran slugger kicked off the season in style after hitting for .304 with 36 home runs and 105 RBI in 2019.

Miller (ankle) arrived at the team's alternate training site in Springfield on Thursday night to get live at-bats, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The veteran utility man still needs to work his way up to running, but the at-bats will also help him keep his timing sharp after he was able to get some work against pitchers in summer camp. The Cardinals are aiming for Miller to be available by the start of next weekend's series against the Brewers, with his progress in the coming days revealing how realistic that timeline might be.

Alvarez (undisclosed) isn't close to being ready for game action, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez missed the entirety of camp for undisclosed reasons and was only just cleared to join his teammates for workouts Friday. He was reportedly unable to do any baseball activities while away from the team, so he needs to undergo a full preseason buildup process before appearing in a game. In theory, serving as a designated hitter could shorten that process somewhat, but it nevertheless sounds as though it will be a matter of weeks, not days, until Alvarez is back on the field. Aledmys Diaz will serve as the designated hitter in his absence on Opening Day, though Kyle Tucker could also spend time in the role against righties.

Buxton (foot) is not in Friday's starting lineup against the White Sox.

Buxton suffered a left mid-foot sprain during a July 13 workout and has been working his way back to the field. He was included in the 30-man active roster to begin the season and avoided the injured list. However, it's not clear when he'll return to the starting lineup or if he will be used off the bench. Jake Cave gets the start in center field Friday.

Soler (personal) is batting third as the designated hitter for Friday's season opener at Cleveland, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old stepped away from the team earlier this week due to a family matter, but he's back for Opening Day as expected. Soler had a .265/.354/.569 slash line with 48 home runs and 117 RBI in 2019, and he'll look to build on that success in the shortened season.

Choi isn't in the lineup for Friday's season opener against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu is on the mound for Toronto, so Yandy Diaz is receiving the start at first base while Jose Martinez serves as the designated hitter. Choi should be in Saturday's starting nine since righty Matt Shoemaker is the Blue Jays' probable starter.

Alvarez (undisclosed) was cleared to begin participating in baseball activities Friday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old remains on the injured list and was absent from the entirety of summer training for undisclosed reasons, but he may be able to join the team in the near future. Alvarez will report to the Astros' alternate training site to begin his preparations for the season, though it's unclear when he may reach game readiness. Aledmys Diaz and Kyle Tucker are expected to split time at designated hitter until the young slugger is activated off the IL.

Winker is not in the lineup for Friday's Opening Day game against the Tigers.

With southpaw Matthew Boyd starting for Detroit, the Reds will go with a heavily right-handed lineup, sitting both Winker and Shogo Akiyama, with righties Phillip Ervin and Matt Davidson starting at left field and designated hitter, respectively. Winker owns a career 137 wRC+ against righties compared to a 52 wRC+ against lefties, so expect him to continue to be platooned heavily this season.