MLB Player News

Smith started at third base and went 2-for-4 with a walk, a double, an RBI and two runs scored in Friday's 10-2 win over the Astros.

Smith was back at third base after filling in at shortstop Wednesday, when Corey Seager served as the designated hitter. When not giving Seager a break at short, the lefty-hitting Smith is expected to start at third base against right-handers while Josh Jung (wrist) is sidelined for the next 6-to-8 weeks. Smith has hit safely in three straight games, going 4-for-10 with a walk, two doubles, three RBI and three runs scored.

Swanson went 2-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run in Friday's 9-7 win over the Dodgers.

Swanson is off to a hot start, as he now has two home runs and a robust 1.100 OPS across seven games. The shortstop got off to a bit of a slow start in his first campaign with the Cubs last year, and while he picked things up a bit, the .744 OPS he finished with was his lowest mark since 2018. It looks like Swanson could be primed for bigger numbers in his second season in Chicago.

Alexander entered Friday's loss to Atlanta as a pinch hitter and stayed in the game to play shortstop. He went 0-for-2 with a pair of strikeouts and made a fielding error.

Alexander's fielding error led to an unearned run as part of Atlanta's two-run ninth inning that tied the game and set up the loss in the extra frame. With primary shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (knee) unavailable, the lefty-hitting Jace Peterson started against a righty and was replaced by Alexander against a lefty reliever. A platoon appears to be the pattern going forward for as long as Perdomo is sidelined. An expected MRI on Saturday should present a clearer indication of Perdomo's status. With a left-hander on the bump Saturday for Atlanta, Alexander could start.

Rosario went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored Friday against the Rockies.

Rosario has gotten inconsistent playing time early this season, though he's been in the lineup in five of the Rays' last six games. He entered the game with only two hits across his last 17 at-bats, but positively, he didn't strike out in that span. Rosario managed to snap out of his brief slump, tallying a double in the first inning followed by a pair of singles.

Tovar went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run Friday against the Rays.

Tovar enjoyed Colorado's first home game as he tallied his second home run of the season when he took Colin Poche deep in the sixth inning. It was also his first multi-hit effort of the campaign. While Tovar has shown some pop early this season, he's also struck out at a 29.0 percent clip and has regularly hit seventh in the order.

Story had to leave Friday's game against the Angels after injuring his left shoulder, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Story landed awkwardly on his shoulder after attempting to make a diving stop on a groundball in the top of the fourth inning. He looked to be in a considerable amount of pain as he walked off the field, and a trip to the injured list may be coming for the 31-year-old infielder. Should Story have to sit out for an extended period of time, Pablo Reyes could take on most of the work at shortstop, though Ceddanne Rafaela might see more work on the infield and Vaughn Grissom (hamstring) may also be a factor once he returns from the IL.

Cruz went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Orioles.

The 25-year-old shortstop took Grayson Rodriguez deep in the fifth inning to get the Pirates on the board. Cruz has collected multiple hits in four of his first eight games in 2024, batting .344 (11-for-32) with two homers, three RBI and seven runs. He's still looking for his first stolen base however, after swiping 13 bags in his first 98 career big-league games.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that Perdomo (knee) is likely to get an MRI on Saturday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Perdomo did some agility drills Friday with the medical staff, and Lovullo noted that the infielder "looked good but didn't feel good." Perdomo left Wednesday's game against the Yankees after sustaining a knee injury while rounding first base in the 10th inning.

Perdomo (knee) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against Atlanta.

Perdomo was diagnosed with right knee discomfort after exiting Wednesday's matchup with the Yankees, and he's still banged up after Thursday's scheduled off day. Jace Peterson will start at shortstop Friday against Atlanta righty Spencer Strider.

The Twins acquired Castillo from the Orioles on Friday in exchange for cash consideration, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Castillo will provide some quality infield organizational depth with Royce Lewis (quad) out, as he's capable of playing multiple infield positions as well as left field. The 26-year-old has now been in six different organizations since December, spending much of the offseason bouncing around via waivers. He will not be on the Twins' 40-man roster after being outrighted by the Orioles back in February.