MLB Player News

Freeman is expected to bat fifth against left-handed starters at the outset of the regular season, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Freeman's spot in the lineup was already slated for a change against righties, as he's been tabbed for the cleanup role against such starters after primarily hitting third in the order versus right-handers last year. Now it appears Freeman will bump down to fifth against southpaws, while catcher Will Smith is slated to bat fourth in those games. The fantasy impact on Freeman's production will probably be minimal, and there should be no shortage of opportunities for run production given Los Angeles' loaded lineup.

Atlanta placed Kim (finger) on its 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Kim isn't expected to be ready to make his season debut until at least some point in the first half of May after he required surgery in January to address a torn tendon in his right middle finger. The 30-year-old reported to spring training March 16 to resume taking part in baseball activities, though he has yet to be cleared to resume swinging a bat. Mauricio Dubon is expected to serve as Atlanta's everyday shortstop while Kim is on the shelf.

The Giants placed Sanmartin (hip) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

The southpaw will be sidelined until June after suffering a right hip flexor strain earlier this month. Even when healthy, Sanmartin is not a lock to return to the active roster with the big club.

The Giants placed Peguero (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Peguero went down with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain in mid-February and never appeared in a Cactus League game. He's slated to fill a setup role in San Francisco once healthy, but it's unclear when the righty reliever will be ready.

Atlanta placed Hernandez on the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to a right shoulder sebaceous cyst.

Hernandez didn't pitch after Sept. 6 last season due to right shoulder inflammation, and the issue seems to have lingered into 2026. He didn't make any appearances in spring training, though he was seen throwing a live batting practice session at camp last week. Assuming he hasn't experienced any setbacks since he resumed facing hitters, Hernandez could be cleared to head out on a rehab assignment once the minor-league season gets underway this weekend.

Atlanta designated Wisely for assignment Wednesday.

Wisely bounced around to multiple organizations this offseason and was ultimately unable to capture a spot on Atlanta's Opening Day roster. The utility player's versatility could pique the interest of clubs via waivers.

Atlanta placed Waldrep (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Waldrep isn't expected to be available to make his season debut until June or July after he underwent an arthroscopic procedure Feb. 23 to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. Atlanta could shift him to the 60-day IL at some point in the coming weeks when the team needs to free up another spot on the 40-man roster.

Atlanta placed Young (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Young is unlikely to be ready to make his season debut for Atlanta until later this summer while he works his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent back in May. The southpaw reliever could be shifted to the 60-day IL at some point when Atlanta needs to open up another spot on the 40-man roster.

Atlanta placed Smith-Shawver (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Smith-Shawver is still on the mend from the Tommy John surgery he underwent June 9 of last year and isn't expected to be ready to pitch for Atlanta until late in the 2026 season, if at all. Atlanta will eventually move him to the 60-day IL when it needs to open up another spot on the 40-man roster.

Ohtani completed four innings in an exhibition start against the Angels on Tuesday, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out 11 batters. He also went 1-for-2 as a hitter.

Ohtani looked dominant for most of the outing, racking up 17 whiffs among his 86 pitches and getting 11 of his 12 outs via strikeout. The only negative about his punchout spree is that it drove up his pitch count -- per Jack Harris of the California Post, the Dodgers intended for the two-way star to get into the sixth inning, but he ended up completing only four frames. Ohtani may have run out of steam a bit in the fifth, as he gave up three straight hits -- all of which were singles -- before being lifted, and all three runners eventually came around to score. Regardless, Ohtani showcased his overpowering arsenal in the outing, and it's a great sign for his readiness as a pitcher for the start of the season that he was able to approach 90 pitches. He's slated to make his first start as a pitcher Tuesday against the Guardians at Dodger Stadium.