MLB Player News

Robles is not in the lineup for Thursday's season opener versus the Reds.

The Nationals will go with Eddie Rosario in center field against right-hander Frankie Montas. Washington isn't expected to treat center field as a strict platoon due to Rosario's defensive shortcomings, but Robles might initially be used mostly versus lefties.

The Diamondbacks placed Grichuk (ankle) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Grichuk didn't appear in any Cactus League games while he was still limited to begin spring training following his January surgery to remove bone spurs from his right ankle, but he was able to take some at-bats in minor-league games on the back fields during the final week of camp, per MLB.com. He's not expected to be in store for a long stay on the shelf and could even be ready for activation when first eligible April 5 if he's able to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment this weekend.

Heyward (back) will start in right field and bat eighth Thursday against the Cardinals.

Back tightness prevented Heyward from playing in the Dodgers' final spring training game Tuesday, but the issue appears to have subsided ahead of Thursday's contest. Heyward slashed .250/.276/.429 across 29 spring plate appearances and is already 2-for-6 with two RBI in the regular season after Los Angeles' series against the Padres in South Korea.

Arizona placed Rodriguez (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Rodriguez has been able to resume playing catch since being diagnosed last week with a left shoulder strain, but he's without a clear timeline to make his season debut and will most likely miss beyond the minimum 15 days. Arizona recently bolstered its rotation with the signing of Jordan Montgomery to a one-year deal, but only one of Ryne Nelson or Tommy Henry will likely end up sticking in the rotation as Rodriguez's replacement once Montgomery is fully ramped up and ready to make his Diamondbacks debut.

Alexander made the Diamondbacks' Opening Day roster, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Alexander made a strong case for the Opening Day roster during spring training, slashing .400/.431/.655 with two homers and eight RBI across 58 plate appearances. The 24-year-old infield prospect will likely grab a seat on the bench while with Arizona, but he could make an occasional start in order to give one of the regular starters a breather.

The Diamondbacks placed Sewald (oblique) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Sewald is eligible to return from the IL on April 9, but given that he was diagnosed earlier this week with a Grade 2 left oblique strain, he'll most likely be sidelined well beyond the 15-day minimum. In Sewald's absence, the Diamondbacks are likely to turn over closing duties to Kevin Ginkel.

The Diamondbacks designated Rivera for assignment Thursday.

Heading into spring training, Rivera looked like a fairly safe bet to make the Opening Day roster as a reserve infielder, but Arizona's plans for him may have changed after he submitted a woeful .167/.268/.229 slash line over 21 Cactus League games. The Diamondbacks will instead move Rivera off the 40-man roster and make room for rookie infielder Blaze Alexander on the Opening Day bench.

The Giants optioned Matos to Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

For much of spring training, Matos looked to be in good position to win an Opening Day roster spot while Austin Slater (elbow) missed time, but Slater was cleared to make a start in the outfield earlier this week at the tail end of the Giants' exhibition schedule and ended up avoiding a stint on the injured list. As a result, Matos found himself as the odd man out for a roster berth and will now head to Sacramento, where he should play on an everyday basis.

The Padres optioned Morejon to Triple-A El Paso on Thursday, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Morejon was on the roster for the team's two games in South Korea against the Dodgers but didn't make the cut for the Padres' domestic opener. He'll work in relief at El Paso.

The Marlins recalled Bride from Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Miami had sent Bride to minor-league camp earlier this month, but he'll now fill the roster spot vacated by the trade of Jon Berti. Bride will provide depth at multiple infield spots.