MLB Player News

Cruz went 1-for-5, blasting a solo homer while striking out three times during Thursday's Opening Day victory over Miami.

Cruz struggled in his first three at-bats but distributed a 1-0 offering from Sixto Sanchez the opposite way over the left-center field wall to tie the game 5-5 in the eighth inning. The dynamic shortstop played in only nine games last year prior to breaking his ankle, but his Opening Day homer followed up on a strong spring during which he hit seven long balls.

Alexander will bat seventh and serve as Arizona's designated hitter Thursday against Colorado.

A strong spring earned Alexander a spot on the Arizona's Opening Day roster, and he'll now be making his MLB debut against left-hander Kyle Freeland with Joc Pederson on the bench. The 24-year-old Alexander slashed .291/.408/.457 with eight home runs and 52 RBI across 305 plate appearances at Triple-A Reno last season.

The Reds transferred McLain (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list Thursday.

A move to the 60-day IL was expected for McLain, who figures to miss the first half of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery Tuesday. He will temporarily give up his 40-man roster spot, which will be given to Yosver Zulueta, who was claimed off waivers from the Blue Jays on Thursday.

The Giants selected Ahmed's contract from Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. He'll start at shortstop and bat ninth in the Giants' season opener versus the Padres.

Ahmed was signed as a non-roster invitee in late February but wound up winning the everyday shortstop job over Marco Luciano, who has been optioned to Triple-A Sacramento.

Cruz is starting at shortstop and batting sixth in Thursday's opener in Miami.

Cruz was a fixture atop the Pirates' batting order this spring when he walloped seven Grapefruit League home runs. However, with left-hander Jesus Luzardo on the bump for the Marlins, he'll slide down to the six spot for Opening Day while Connor Joe bats leadoff. Cruz should be the regular leadoff man against right-handers.

Alexander made the Diamondbacks' Opening Day roster, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Alexander made a strong case for the Opening Day roster during spring training, slashing .400/.431/.655 with two homers and eight RBI across 58 plate appearances. The 24-year-old infield prospect will likely grab a seat on the bench while with Arizona, but he could make an occasional start in order to give one of the regular starters a breather.

The Giants optioned Luciano to Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday.

Luciano came into spring training as the favorite to win the Giants' shortstop job, but he missed some time with an injury and the club eventually signed Nick Ahmed, who ended up claiming the job. The 22-year-old could still eventually push to take over at shortstop with the big club this season, but for now, he'll go to Sacramento.

De La Cruz will start at shortstop and bat sixth in Thursday's season opener against the Nationals.

De La Cruz hit second often for the Reds this spring and manager David Bell had indicated that's where he was leaning toward putting the youngster. However, the skipper ultimately settled on Will Benson in the two hole and De La Cruz lower in the batting order. It's not great news for De La Cruz's immediate fantasy prospects, but he's certainly capable of hitting his way up higher in the lineup.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that Rojas will get some starts at shortstop against left-handed pitchers, but he won't be part of a strict platoon, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Rojas got the bulk of playing time at shortstop last year after Gavin Lux tore his ACL in spring training and was lost for the season, and he finished the campaign with a .236/.290/.322 slash line along with five homers, 31 RBI, 49 runs and eight steals. With Lux back in the fold for 2024, Rojas is slated to work in a reserve role, with Lux starting at second base and Mookie Betts taking over at shortstop. When the Dodgers go up against southpaws, Betts will sometimes slide over to second while Rojas gets an opportunity at shortstop, but Roberts' comments make it clear that this won't be more than an occasional lineup change.

The Reds placed McLain (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

McLain underwent surgery on his left shoulder Tuesday and a timetable for his return remains unclear. Although it is still possible he plays this year, fantasy managers shouldn't expect the 24-year-old to return to the field until at least the second half of the season. Jonathan India will likely assume the role as Cincinnati's primary second baseman while McLain is out.