MLB Player News

Harris went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI in Friday's 9-3 win over the Phillies.

All three hits were singles, but it was a very productive opener for Harris. The 23-year-old center fielder hit sixth Friday against right-hander Zack Wheeler after batting ninth most of 2023, and if he hangs onto that assignment, Harris should easily be able to top the 57 RBI and 76 runs he compiled last season if he comes anywhere close to repeating his .293/.331/.477 slash line.

Arcia went 3-for-5 with two doubles and a run scored in Friday's 9-3 win over the Phillies.

The veteran shortstop hit the ground running in 2024 as part of a 13-hit attack for Atlanta in its opener. Arcia is coming off a career-best campaign that saw him slash .264/.321/.420 with 17 homers, 65 RBI and 66 runs, and even from the bottom half of the order -- he batted eighth Friday against Zack Wheeler -- he's capable of delivering solid production in a stacked lineup.

Olson went 3-for-5 with three doubles, a run scored and three RBI in Friday's 9-3 win over the Phillies.

The first baseman celebrated his 30th birthday in style by rapping out two-baggers in three straight at-bats, including two in a seven-run eighth inning for Atlanta. Olson set career highs last year by batting .283 with 54 homers and 139 RBI, and he's off to a quick start in 2024 as he looks to put together another stellar campaign.

Acuna went 2-for-4 with a walk, a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base in Friday's 9-3 win over the Phillies.

The minor knee injury Acuna dealt with early in the spring appears to be a non-issue to begin the regular season, and last year's NL MVP singled in his first plate appearance of 2024 before promptly swiping second base. Acuna stole a career-high 73 bases last year to go with his 41 homers, and bad luck on the health front is likely the only thing that might prevent him from posting monster numbers again.

Strider came away with a no-decision in Friday's 9-3 win over the Phillies, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out eight.

The right-hander fired 59 of 90 pitches for strikes and generated 18 swinging strikes in a typically dominant performance, but Atlanta didn't take the lead until the eighth inning. Strider led all pitchers with 35 strikeouts this spring in 22.2 innings, and he didn't slow down in his first regular-season start. After racking up a league-high 281 Ks last year in 186.2 innings, Strider will take aim at 300 in 2024.

Middleton (forearm) will start a throwing program Wednesday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Next week will mark the first time Middleton has thrown since March 16 after he sustained a right forearm strain during spring training. He was placed on the 15-day IL on Tuesday, and Middleton's progress in the throwing program will give the Cardinals a better idea as to when the right-hander will be able to return to the majors.

Edman (wrist) will receive an MRI on Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Edman has been held out of action since undergoing surgery on his wrist during the offseason, and his MRI will help determine whether or not he's ready to begin swinging a bat. It is still unclear how long it will be before the 28-year-old is able to return to St. Louis' lineup.

Gray (hamstring) will pitch for Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Gray continues to ramp up his activity since being placed on the 15-day IL on Tuesday. He participated in a simulated game at the Cardinals' spring training complex Friday alongside Lars Nootbaar (ribs), and Gray is good to go for another minor-league rehab game. A strong showing for Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday would give Gray a good chance to return to the majors when first eligible or shortly thereafter.

Cobb (hip) threw five innings in a minor-league game Thursday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

It's unclear how many starts the Giants want Cobb to make while he's on a rehab assignment, but the fact he's already built up to five innings suggests he may be able to make his regular-season debut sooner than initially thought. The 36-year-old righty will be eligible to come off the injured list April 9.

Nootbaar (ribs) will play four innings in a simulated game Saturday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Nootbaar took eight at-bats in a simulated game Friday but didn't play defense, and Cardinals manager Oli Marmol noted that the outfielder felt no pain on his swings. Nootbaar will ramp up his activity Saturday by handling outfield duties as well, and his performance will give St. Louis a better indication of when he might return to major-league action.