MLB Player News

Rocchio batted ninth and went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Thursday's 6-4 win over the Mariners. He was also hit by a pitch.

As expected, Rocchio was the Opening Day starter at second base, but less expected was his offensive impact. The light-hitting infielder is expected to be a lineup regular at second base, and Rocchio could quiet the calls for a quick promotion for Travis Bazzana, the team's first-round pick in 2024, if he can maintain a productive bat.

Schneemann started in center field and went 1-for-2 with a run scored in Thursday's 6-4 win over Seattle.

Schneemann, a utility infielder that has added outfield to his resume since arriving in the majors in 2024, was a mildly surprising addition to the Opening Day lineup over Angel Martinez and prospect CJ Kayfus. Any of the three would have had a platoon advantage against Seattle righty Logan Gilbert, as Kayfus and Schneemann hit left-handed and Martinez is a switch hitter. A report from the National Daily indicates manager Stephen Vogt used Schneemann because of his experience and the matchup against the pitcher. However, Schneemann entered the game hitless over three career at-bats against Gilbert. Given the hot spring Martinez turned in and the fact that Steven Kwan saw time in center field often during spring training, Schneemann is not expected to be close to an everyday player there.

Canzone went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs Thursday in an Opening Day loss to the Guardians.

All four of Seattle's runs in the game came on solo homers, and Canzone was responsible for two of those. He took Tanner Bibee (shoulder) deep in the second inning and added a 444-foot shot off Shawn Armstrong in the seventh. Canzone belted 11 home runs across 268 regular-season plate appearances last season, so he has the potential to be a decent source of power. He started at DH on Thursday and should also log time in the outfield, potentially giving him enough playing time to be worth a look in most fantasy leagues.

DeLauter went 3-for-5 with two home runs and three total runs scored in a 6-4 win against Seattle on Thursday.

It was an explosive regular-season debut for DeLauter, who started in right field and batted second. He took Logan Gilbert deep for a solo homer to open the scoring in the first inning and tacked on another solo shot off reliever Cooper Criswell in the ninth. DeLauter should have plenty of runway for production this season as Cleveland's everyday right fielder, though he's battled injuries in the past several campaigns and has never played more than 66 games in a professional season.

Gilbert allowed three runs on five hits and no walks while striking out seven batters over 5.1 innings in a no-decision against Cleveland on Thursday.

Gilbert gave up a solo homer to the second batter he faced in the game (Chase DeLauter), but he was able to get through four frames with only that tally on his line. However, he served up two more runs in the fifth inning and was pulled after retiring the only batter he faced in the sixth. Gilbert didn't get the win, but he did show good strikeout stuff with 12 whiffs and seven punchouts. The right-hander posted a career-best 11.9 K/9 during the 2025 regular season and could be among the AL's strikeout leaders if he's able to stay healthy throughout the current campaign.

Smith earned a save against Seattle on Thursday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning of work.

Smith entered in the ninth frame with Cleveland up two runs. He made quick work of three Mariners hitters, retiring the side in order on 13 pitches. Smith took over Cleveland's closer role last year following Emmanuel Clase's legal troubles and ended up with a career-high 16 saves in 76 regular-season appearances. He should easily exceed that mark this year as the Guardians' clear-cut closer.

Skubal (1-0) earned the win over San Diego on Thursday, allowing one unearned run on three hits and no walks while striking out six batters over six innings.

Skubal already had a 4-0 lead when he took the mound in the bottom of the first inning, and the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner never let the Padres get back into the game. He didn't yield a run until the sixth frame, and that came about only after a fielding error behind him. Skubal tossed 49 of 74 pitches for strikes and racked up 11 whiffs while cruising toward a season-opening victory. It was a major improvement upon his start to 2025, when he went 0-2 in his first two outings and gave up seven runs over 10.2 frames. Skubal is tentatively slated to make his second start next Wednesday in Arizona.

Bibee exited Thursday's start against the Mariners with right shoulder inflammation, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Bibee was in discomfort while warming up ahead of the bottom of the sixth inning and walked off with the training staff. The right-hander will likely undergo further testing in the coming days. Prior to leaving Thursday, Bibee allowed three runs on four hits and two walks across five innings. He struck out seven and gave up three solo home runs. It's unclear if Bibee will be able to make his next scheduled start against the Dodgers next week.

Meidroth went 1-for-2 with two walks and a solo home run Thursday against the Brewers.

Meidroth was one of the few bright spots for the White Sox in a blowout loss. He led off the game with his first home run of the season and also continued to showcase his ability to get on base after posting a .418 on-base percentage across 52 at-bats this spring. Meidroth led off against righty Jacob Misiorowski, and the middle infielder's skill set suggests he should continue to hit toward the top of the order and play nearly every day.

Aranda went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk and an additional RBI in Thursday's 9-7 loss to the Cardinals.

The left-handed-hitting Aranda managed to take southpaw Matthew Liberatore yard for his first long ball of the season. The first baseman hit third in his season debut, which should help his fantasy upside while occupying a premium lineup spot. Aranda was a strong four-category producer when available for the Rays in 2025, batting .316 with 14 homers, 59 RBI and 56 runs scored over 370 regular-season at-bats (106 games).