MLB Player News

Miller started at designated hitter and went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 11-7 win over the Phillies.

The lefty-hitting Miller slotted into the Opening Day lineup against Philadelphia righty Aaron Nola. The Rangers should rotate players through the DH spot this year as Miller shares the role with catchers Jonah Heim and Mitch Garver, as well as other starters who might need a partial rest day.

Ohtani did not factor into the decision Thursday against Oakland, completing six scoreless innings and allowing two hits and three walks while striking out 10. He went 1-for-3 with a walk at the plate.

Ohtani was a bit wild in the season opener, throwing only 55 of his 93 pitches for strikes. Aside from that, the two-way star was as dominant as ever, racking up 13 swinging strikes en route to his 10 punchouts. Ohtani recorded 10 double-digit strikeout performances last season, and after leading Japan to a title in the World Baseball Classic this spring, he already looks primed to build upon the career-best pitching numbers he posted with the Angels in 2022.

Alvarez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the White Sox.

Alvarez scored Houston's first run of the season in the seventh inning when he crossed the plate on a wild pitch after reaching base on a hit-by-pitch. The talented outfielder then slammed a solo homer in the ninth to bring the Astros to within a run, though the team ultimately came up short. Alvarez hit a combined 70 homers across 2021 and 2022, and he appears on his way to another big season despite playing in just two spring training games due to a left hand injury.

The Astros placed Brantley (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

Brantley will be eligible to come off the IL next week, but since he didn't appear in any spring training games while working his way back from right shoulder surgery and remains in rehab mode at Astros camp in Florida, he's not expected to make his 2023 debut until mid-to-late April. His absence could open up more opportunities at designated hitter for Yainer Diaz, who made the Opening Day roster as a backup catcher but is occupying the DH spot in Thursday's season opener versus the White Sox.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Thursday that Alvarez will not be an everyday player at the beginning of the season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez is pain-free and in the lineup Opening Day, but his nagging left hand issue limited him to just two Grapefruit League games during spring training. The extra rest is likely more about easing the slugger back into action as a precaution. Alvarez is playing left field and batting third against the White Sox on Thursday.

Lewis will bat leadoff as the designated hitter in the Diamondbacks' season opener Thursday against the Dodgers.

Lewis was acquired via trade from the Mariners in November and made a terrific impression in Diamondbacks camp this spring, slashing .429/.529/.857 with three home runs and three doubles across 34 plate appearances. The 27-year-old could perhaps be in for a post-hype breakout if his health cooperates. He won AL Rookie of the Year honors during the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign.

Madris was designated for assignment by the Astros on Thursday.

The team needed to free up a 40-man roster spot and Madris is the casualty. It's the second time he's been DFA'd since December.

Harper (elbow) was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Harper has managed to avoid a 60-day IL placement for the time being with the Phillies hoping that he might be able to return from Tommy John surgery sometime in May. He recently advanced to soft-toss work in his rehab program.

Ozuna is batting sixth and getting the start in left field Opening Day against the Nationals.

With southpaw Patrick Corbin on the bump for the Nats, Ozuna will move out of the designated hitter role and into the field. The 32-year-old worked on his shoulder strength in the offseason to try and avoid being a defensive liability again, but if he can't hold up with the glove, Kevin Pillar could become the preferred platoon partner in left for Eddie Rosario. Ozuna has has some things to prove at the plate after stumbling to a .222/.278/.397 slash line over the last two seasons.

The Royals selected Reyes' contract from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

Not only that, they're starting him at designated hitter and batting him fifth on Opening Day versus the Twins. MJ Melendez is getting the start in right field, with Edward Olivares in left and Nate Eaton on the bench.