MLB Player News

McCarthy started in center field and went 0-for-3 with an RBI in Thursday's 10-6 loss to the Cubs.

McCarthy got the start over Alek Thomas with the Cubs sending left-hander Justin Steele to the mound in Thursday's season opener. McCarthy and Thomas will share the position and, since both bat from the left side, it won't be a true platoon. Thomas' glove, which is considered better than McCarthy's, could give him the edge for playing time in the long run.

Sheets went 1-for-1 with a solo home run in Thursday's 7-4 win over Atlanta.

Sheets was not in the starting lineup against left-hander Chris Sale. He entered as a pinch-hitter for Brandon Lockridge in the seventh inning and launched a game-tying homer off Hector Neris that kick-started San Diego's comeback victory. Sheets picked up where he left off in spring training, when he slashed .311/.367/.756 with six homers. The former White Sox player figures to see regular playing time for the Friars against right-handed pitching as long as he's slugging.

Thomas did not start Thursday's season opener against the Cubs.

Jake McCarthy started in center field against Chicago left-hander Justin Steele. Thomas has a history of unsatisfactory results against southpaws, so him sitting is not unexpected. It's unclear if he'll be the automatic starter against right-handers, but manager Torey Lovullo may want his elite glove in the lineup as much as possible. McCarthy was unable to hold onto Miguel Amaya's fading liner in the fifth inning, turning it into a key three-run double.

Tatis went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases in Thursday's 7-4 win over Atlanta.

It was an impressive opener for Tatis out of the leadoff spot as he spearheaded the Padres to an Opening Day victory. The 26-year-old outfielder slashed .276/.340/.492 with 21 homers and 11 steals in 102 games last season, and staying healthy will be Tatis' first priority in 2025.

Suarez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Thursday's 10-6 loss to the Cubs.

Suarez got all of a Justin Steele changeup in the bottom of the second inning to pull the Diamondbacks within a run. He was later hit by a pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly. The third baseman is looking to avoid a season-starting slump like the one that nearly cost Suarez his starting job last year, although he wound up putting together his best numbers since 2019 once he got going.

Hayes went 1-for-4 with two stolen bases Thursday against the Marlins.

Hayes helped create some offense for Pittsburgh in the fifth inning, reaching base on a single with two outs. He proceeded to steal both second and third base, the latter of which was on a double steal. Hayes has been a fantasy disappointment for much of his career, though he has the potential for stolen base upside at an atypical position.

Nootbaar went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and two runs scored Thursday against the Twins.

Nootbaar batted primarily sixth in the order in 2024, though he appears to be the team's primary leadoff option against right-handed pitching to begin this season. He led off the opening frame with a single and came around to score, and he delivered his first home run of the season one frame later.

Arenado went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Thursday against the Twins.

Arenado delivered an insurance home run in the ninth inning to help the Cardinals to an Opening Day win. He turned on a 97-mph fastball, which is encouraging, though his struggles in 2024 came primarily against off-speed and breaking pitches.

Strahm (shoulder) threw a clean 10th inning with one strikeout in Thursday's 7-3 extra-inning win over the Nationals.

Strahm was unable to make his scheduled appearance in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays due left middle fingernail irritation, but he returned to action Thursday to retire the side and safeguard the victory for the Phillies. The veteran southpaw was limited to 1.2 frames during spring training due to a left shoulder impingement, but he bounced back after giving up six runs in two spring appearances. Jordan Romano was charged with a blown save after yielding two runs in the eighth inning Thursday, which could leave the door open for Strahm to see the occasional save chance while Philadelphia's bullpen pecking order is uncertain.

Treinen allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two across a scoreless inning to earn the save Thursday against the Tigers.

Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott were called upon in the seventh and eighth innings, respectively, to face lefty-heavy portions of the Tigers' lineup. That left Treinen in line to get the save, though he allowed the tying runner to reach scoring position and needed 23 pitches to get the three outs. Scott figures to get the majority of save chances for the Dodgers moving forward, though he could continue to be used earlier in contests in high-leverage spots against elite left-handed hitters.