MLB Player News

Hader earned the save Thursday after giving up one run on two hits and one walk in the ninth inning to close out a 3-1 win against the Mets. He struck out two.

Entering the ninth inning up three runs, Hader found himself in immediate trouble after giving up back-to-back singles before allowing a walk to load up the bases. He steadied himself by punching out Hayden Senger, and after giving up a sacrifice fly to Francisco Lindor, Hader managed to close things out by striking out Juan Soto. It took Hader 35 pitches to come away with the Opening Day save, which will affect his availability out of the bullpen Friday and potentially Saturday.

Williams earned the save Thursday after giving up one run on two hits and a walk over one inning in a 4-2 win over the Brewers. He struck out two.

The All-Star closer's debut with the Yankees was almost disastrous, as nearly blew a three-run lead against his former team. Williams loaded the bases in the ninth inning before recording an out via a sacrifice fly, and he then proceeded to strike out Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich to end the game. Friday's team off day will provide Williams with a breather after he threw 36 pitches, but such a heavy workload early in the schedule could still affect his availability for Saturday.

Wells went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk during Thursday's 4-2 win against the Brewers.

The 25-year-old led off for the Yankees by taking advantage of the short porch in right field, with his 348-foot shot being the first time in MLB history that a catcher has hit a leadoff homer on Opening Day, per Sarah Langs of MLB.com. Wells' .229 average during the regular season last year doesn't make him an obvious candidate to bat atop the lineup, but his 11.7 percent walk rate sets him up to potentially be a quality table setter.

Rodon (1-0) earned the win Thursday versus Milwaukee, striking out seven and giving up one run on four hits and two walks over 5.1 innings.

The left-hander generated 13 swinging strikes and six groundball outs on 89 pitches, with the only damage against him coming via a solo homer by Vinny Capra during the third inning. Rodon had some command issues during spring training with six walks and two wild pitches in 10 frames, but he was more in control during his season debut. A matchup with the Diamondbacks likely awaits next week for his second start of 2025.

The White Sox placed Tauchman (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

As anticipated, Tauchman will open the season on the IL after a right hamstring strain prevented him from playing in any Cactus League games after March 17. According to MLB.com, the White Sox are acting conservatively by holding Tauchman out to begin the season, so he could be activated when first eligible April 4. While Tauchman is out, Austin Slater is likely to receive more opportunities in right field.

Garver is not in the lineup for Thursday's opener against the Athletics, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Luke Raley is getting the start at designated hitter and Rowdy Tellez is at first base as the A's send right-hander Luis Severino to the bump. Garver will be the Mariners' regular DH versus lefties and should play some against righties, too, but he'll begin Opening Day on the bench.

Tellez will start at first base and bat seventh in Thursday's opener against the Athletics, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

The 30-year-old had appeared in line to handled designated hitter duties, but he will play first base instead while Luke Raley occupies the DH spot. Tellez is looking for a bounce-back 2025 season after he slashed only .243/.299/.392 in 131 games last year for the Pirates.

Carpenter isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Dodgers.

Although the Tigers seemed open to the idea of Carpenter starting against left-handed pitchers early in spring training, the 27-year-old will begin Thursday's contest on the bench with Blake Snell set to throw the first pitch for Los Angeles. Riley Greene, Ryan Kreidler and Manuel Margot will make up the Tigers' outfield while Carpenter rests.

Sweeney isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Dodgers.

The left-handed bat of Sweeney will stay put in the dugout Thursday with southpaw Blake Snell scheduled to take the mound for L.A. Javier Baez will take over at shortstop and bat seventh.

McKinstry isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Dodgers.

Left-hander Blake Snell will draw the start for Los Angeles on Thursday, so the lefty-hitting McKinstry will begin Opening Day on the bench. Andy Ibanez will draw the start at third base instead and bat leadoff.