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.

Correa went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a walk in Thursday's Opening Day win at Kansas City.

Correa played through plantar fasciitis in his left foot for most of last season but was pain-free in spring training. After one game it looks like full health could result in a bounce-back season. Correa slashed just .230/.312/.399 with 18 home runs and 65 RBI in 580 plate appearances last season.

Baez went 1-for-4 with a run scored in Thursday's 1-0 win over the White Sox. He also stole a base.

Baez manufactured the game's lone run in the third inning. He led off the frame with a single, stole second, then advanced to third and scored on a pair of sacrifice flies. While it's a decently promising start for the shortstop, it was concerning to see him bat eighth on Opening Day. Baez may be able to have a bounceback campaign in 2024, though it would help his cause if he's able to move up in the order.

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.

Berti is not in the lineup for Thursday's opener in Houston, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

After the Yankees acquired him from the Marlins on Wednesday, Berti hopped a flight to Houston but didn't land until 2 a.m. local time, so Yankees manager Aaron Boone elected to start Oswaldo Cabrera over Berti at third base. Both players should see at-bats at the hot corner until DJ LeMahieu (foot) is ready to return from the injured list.

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.