MLB Player News

Blackmon went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and two runs scored in Friday's win over the Padres.

Blackmon followed up his three-hit Opening Day with another multi-hit performance. His two-run shot off Nick Martinez in the fifth inning was the Rockies' lone extra-base hit of the contest. Blackmon is 5-for-9 with two extra-base hits and two strikeouts to begin the season.

Jimenez went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and a run scored in Friday's loss to Houston.

The 26-year-old slugger knocked two RBI doubles off Cristian Javier, one in the first inning and another in the sixth. Jimenez bounced back quickly after an 0-for-5, two-strikeout performance Opening Day. Both of his hits Friday were recorded at over 105 mph off the bat.

Alvarez went 1-for-3 with a three-run double and a walk in Friday's victory over the White Sox.

Alvarez drilled a go-ahead, bases-clearing double in the seventh inning to lift the Astros to their first win of 2023. The star slugger has already driven in four runs with a pair of extra-base hits in two games. He's also struck out three times.

Soler went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 2-1 win over the Mets.

Getting the start in right field and hitting fifth against lefty David Peterson, Soler opened the scoring in the second inning with his first homer of the year. He also made a couple run-saving catches, an impressive defensive showing for a player who didn't play a single game in right field in 2022. The Marlins' rotation between the corner outfield spots and designated hitter is still in flux, so Soler could earn consistent work in the field as the season unfolds. It should be noted the 31-year-old was replaced by Bryan De La Cruz in the top of the ninth, so manager Skip Schumaker doesn't yet view Soler as part of his best defensive alignment.

Solak was acquired by the Mariners in a trade with the Reds on Friday for cash considerations, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

He'll report to Triple-A Tacoma. Solak was designated for assignment Thursday, and he finds a new home a day later. The 28-year-old showed promise with the bat early in his career, but he's struggled to the tun of a .246/.317/.354 slash in 839 plate appearances since 2020. He provides Seattle with some depth as a player who can play both in the infield and outfield.

Carpenter is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rockies, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

After getting the Opening Day start Thursday, the lefty-hitting Carpenter will take a seat Friday against Kyle Freeland. Nelson Cruz will take his place as San Diego's designated hitter Friday, and Cruz likely will do so against lefty starters for the rest of the season.

Hummel is hitting eighth as the designated hitter for Friday's game against the Guardians.

The Mariners have rotated bench options at designated hitter to begin the season, and Hummel will get the nod Friday after Tommy La Stella hit eighth as the DH in Thursday's opener. Acquired in a deal for Kyle Lewis in the winter, Hummel posted just a .581 OPS in 176 at-bats with the Diamondbacks last year but impressed during his time in the Cactus League this spring. He'll have a chance to win a consistent role with strong results in the early portion of the season.

Brantley (shoulder) took batting practice Friday at Minute Maid Park, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Brantley was placed on the injured list ahead of Opening Day as he completes his recovery from labral repair surgery last August. It's notable -- and probably encouraging -- that he is doing pregame work with the Astros rather than rehabbing at the club's spring training complex in Florida. The 35-year-old looks likely to be activated in mid-April.

Vogelbach isn't in the Mets' lineup for Friday's game against Miami, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The left-handed slugger holds just a .402 OPS against lefties since 2021, so he will sit out Friday against Jesus Luzardo. Mark Canha will instead serve as the Mets' designated hitter, opening up a chance for Tommy Pham to start in left field and bat eighth.

Buxton started at DH and went 2-for-5 with a triple in Thursday's season-opening win at Kansas City.

Buxton underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in late September, and the Twins eased him into action during the spring. He only played in major-league spring games at the end of March and then only DH. The Twins say they plan to play Buxton at DH almost exclusively in April and maybe beyond to ease him into action and keep him healthy. If he continues to perform like he did Opening Day, the plan will more than offset his loss of defensive value in center field.