MLB Player News

Freeman went 3-for-5 with a run and an RBI versus the Cardinals in an extra-inning loss Saturday.

Freeman put the Dodgers on the board with a run-scoring single in the fifth inning, and he helped force the game into an extra frame by singling and scoring the tying run in the ninth. The All-Star first baseman is showing no signs of slowing down in his 15th big-league campaign, slashing .333/.500/.500 with a home run, four RBI and a 5:6 BB:K through 24 plate appearances. Freeman is in a great spot to produce batting behind Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani in a loaded Dodgers lineup.

Smith went 3-for-5 with two RBI in Saturday's extra-inning loss to St. Louis.

Smith came through twice in run-scoring opportunities, knocking in a run with a single in the fifth inning and repeating the feat in the seventh. The All-Star catcher is off to a nice start to the campaign, collecting at least one hit in each of his first five games and slashing .455/.500/.545 with four RBI through 22 plate appearances. He's yet to sit out a contest and should have plenty of opportunities to produce this season while batting cleanup behind Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman.

The Phillies recalled Nelson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

The right-hander was optioned to the minors late in camp but will join the major-league club Sunday since Luis Ortiz (ankle) is headed to the injured list. Nelson made just one appearance for the Phillies last season and should fill a low-leverage role, likely as a long reliever, now that he's up in the majors.

Cuas pitched 1.1 scoreless innings of relief with two strikeouts in Saturday's loss to the Rangers.

Starter Kyle Hendricks was tagged for five runs while reliever Ben Brown gave up six, but Cuas was effective against a tough Texas lineup. The righty struck out 71 batters across 65.1 innings last season, and if he can continue to miss bats at a high rate, he may see more high-leverage work as the year goes on.

Swanson went 1-for-2 with a walk and a two-run home run in Saturday's loss to the Rangers.

Swanson's second-inning blast, his first of the year, ended up being Chicago's only offense in an 11-2 blowout loss. The shortstop has hit 20 or more long balls in each of the last three seasons, and he should be able to reach that plateau again in 2024 assuming he stays healthy. Swanson remains a strong fantasy asset in the middle infield.

The Phillies placed Ortiz on the 15-day injured list due to a left ankle sprain Sunday.

The right-hander suffered the injury during Saturday's loss to Atlanta and will be sidelined for at least the next couple weeks. Nick Nelson was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill Ortiz's spot in the bullpen.

Sanchez cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday.

The 27-year-old was designated for assignment by Pittsburgh ahead of the season opener but will stick in the organization after passing through waivers unclaimed. Sanchez will provide catching depth at Indianapolis.

Thompson entered Saturday's game as a pinch runner, stole a base and scored a run in a 7-6 loss to the Nationals.

Thompson may not play a significant role for the Reds, but his speed could be useful. He's two years removed from stealing 18 bases in 55 games for the Rangers. He can also play center field, a position in flux after TJ Friedl (wrist) opened the season on the injured list.

Fairchild started in center field and went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Saturday's 7-6 loss to Washington.

Fairchild got his first start of the season with a left-hander throwing for the Nationals. With TJ Friedl (wrist) opening the season on the injured list, center field becomes a rotation of Fairchild and Will Benson, who started in center for Thursday's opener against a right-hander.

Espinal started at second base and went 1-for-3 with a stolen base in Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Nationals.

Espinal moved into the starting lineup for the first time during the regular season, slotting in against a left-hander. Jonathan India, who handled the keystone for the first game when a right-hander was on the mound, moved to DH. Those two are expected to lock down the position while Matt McLain (shoulder) is on the 60-day injured list.