MLB Player News

Mateo slugged a two-run home run in his only at-bat during Thursday's 17-2 rout of the Diamondbacks.

The utility infielder pinch hit for DH Dominic Smith in the ninth inning and took position player James McCann deep. Mateo has been used sparingly early in the year, appearing in just three of Atlanta's first seven games and getting only four plate appearances, and it'll likely take an injury or two to put him in a fantasy-friendly role.

The Pirates selected Griffin's contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Griffin is set to make his major-league debut Friday during the Pirates' home opener. The expectation is that he will also receive a nine-year, $140 million contract extension, per Buster Olney of ESPN, though that has not been finalized. Griffin will take over as the Pirates' everyday shortstop after collecting a .336/.420/.530 batting line with 21 home runs and 68 stolen bases in his first 127 minor-league games.

Winn (undisclosed) will start at shortstop and bat leadoff in Friday's game versus the Tigers.

Winn was involved in a car accident Wednesday prior to the Cardinals' off day Thursday, but he emerged uninjured and won't have to miss any games. The shortstop is just 4-for-25 with one stolen base and a 2:5 BB:K in his first 27 plate appearances this season.

Lawlar (hand/wrist) underwent X-rays, which came back negative, after Thursday's 17-2 loss to Atlanta, Jose M. Romero of The Arizona Republic reports.

He was struck in the right hand/wrist in the bottom of the seventh inning by a sinker from relief pitcher Osvaldo Bido. Lawlar appears to have avoided any significant damage, but the 23-year-old will undergo a CT scan Friday to confirm the diagnosis. If Lawlar is forced to miss any action moving forward, Tim Tawa could stand to see some added opportunities in the outfield against right-handed pitchers.

Lawlar exited Thursday night's contest against Atlanta in the eighth inning after being hit by a pitch in the right hand, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Lawlar took a 94.3-mph sinker from Osvaldo Bido off of his right hand with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning, ultimately remaining in the game until Arizona took the field on defense in the top of the eighth. The 23-year-old was replaced in left field by Tim Tawa, and more information on Lawlar's status moving forward will likely be provided in the near future.

The Rockies optioned Ritter to Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday.

Ritter claimed a spot at the end of Colorado's bench to begin the regular season, but he'll now head back to Triple-A after beginning the season 1-for-7 with a run scored and three strikeouts. His demotion frees up a spot on the Rockies' active roster a day before Mickey Moniak (finger) is eligible to return from the injured list.

The Pirates and Griffin are working to finalize a nine-year, $140 million contract extension, Buster Olney of ESPN reports.

The Pirates already announced that Griffin would be called up to make his major-league debut in Friday's home opener against the Orioles, and it appears the debut will be accompanied by a lucrative, long-term deal. He won't turn 20 until later this month, so Griffin will still be in his 20s when he gets his first crack at free agency. Griffin is set to take over as the Pirates' everyday shortstop after slashing .336/.420/.530 with 21 home runs and 68 stolen bases in his first 127 minor-league games.

The Pirates will call up Griffin from Triple-A Indianapolis prior to their home opener Friday versus the Orioles, Jason Mackey of MLB.com reports.

Griffin came up just short for an Opening Day roster spot, but he will make his major-league debut as the Pirates kick off their first homestand of the season. The Pirates and Griffin have had discussions about a long-term contract extension for the 19-year-old, but while those talks will continue, Mackey says there is not currently a deal in place. Arguably the top prospect in baseball, Griffin has hit .438 with a 1.196 OPS and a 5:4 BB:K in the early going at Indianapolis. He slashed .333/.415/.527 with 21 home runs and 65 stolen bases across three levels in his first professional season in 2025. Griffin will take over at shortstop in Pittsburgh, shifting Jared Triolo either to third base or into more of a utility role.

Sanoja went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Wednesday's rout of the White Sox.

Miami's offense didn't need to do much with Sandy Alcantara twirling a shutout, but it broke out for 10 runs anyway, with Sanoja being one of four Marlins with multiple hits. The 23-year-old utility player has seen most of his action at third base in the early going as Connor Norby has been needed elsewhere, and Sanoja's taken advantage of his opportunities by going 7-for-12 (.583) with two doubles, three RBI and a run scored.

Fernandez started at first base and went 0-for-3 in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Tigers.

Fresh off a boffo MLB debut Tuesday, when Fernandez homered twice, the infielder was in the lineup at first base Wednesday. Fernandez played a handful of games at first base over the last two seasons in the minors but primarily lined up at shortstop and third base. With Pavin Smith (elbow) on the 10-day injured list, there are at-bats available for Fernandez.