MLB Player News

De Jesus (1-0) worked around a hit to toss a scoreless inning of relief and earn the win in Friday's 5-2 victory over the Padres. He struck out two.

After starter Framber Valdez covered six solid innings, De Jesus got the seventh and kept things rolling for the Detroit pitching staff. The lefty is back in the majors for the first time since a brief appearance in 2023, and his win in relief Friday marked his first ever at the MLB level. De Jesus looked good for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, and if he can carry over that success into the regular season, he could emerge as a trusted bullpen option for the Tigers in 2026.

Freeland (0-1) took the loss Friday as the Rockies fell 2-1 to the Marlins, giving up two runs on five hits and two walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out two.

The veteran southpaw limited the damage against him, but Freeland needed 81 pitches (53 strikes) to record 13 outs before getting lifted. Freeland's been a fairly reliable innings eater for Colorado, averaging 27 starts and about 145.1 innings over the last five seasons, but his 4.82 ERA and 1.43 WHIP during that time aren't just a product of calling Coors Field home. He lines up to make his next start on the road next week against the Blue Jays.

Carpenter went 0-for-3 with two walks and a run scored in Friday's 5-2 win over the Padres.

For the second game in a row to start the year, Carpenter found himself in the leadoff spot for Detroit. He's yet to get a hit while striking out five times, but the Tigers clearly have confidence in the 28-year-old as a key offensive catalyst. Carpenter batted leadoff 41 times for Detroit during the 2025 regular season, though he most frequently batted third. A regular switch to the No. 1 spot could allow the outfielder to score more runs but might also reduce his RBI output.

Torres went 1-for-2 with three walks and two runs scored in Friday's 5-2 win over the Padres.

Back in his familiar No. 2 spot in the lineup this season, Torres is displaying the patience at the plate that makes him a good fit for the role. The infielder has already walked four times in two games versus just one strikeout. As someone who sees the ball well and knows how to get on base, Torres could be in line to score a lot of runs this year batting ahead of the likes of Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson and breakout candidate Kevin McGonigle.

Thompson threw a scoreless seventh inning in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Dodgers.

Thompson made quick work of the Dodgers, needing just seven pitches (all strikes) to retire the side in order. He's worked both regular-season games thus far and has retired all six batters faced. The right-hander is in the mix for save opportunities and will generally appear in high-leverage situations.

Smith started at designated hitter and went 0-for-2 with two walks and a run scored in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Dodgers.

Smith returned from an elbow issue that got him scratched from Thursday's season opener. The lefty batter should be in the lineup whenever Arizona faces a right-hander, either at DH or first base. The switch-hitting Carlos Santana has started the first two games at first base.

Manzardo started as the designated hitter and went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in Friday's 5-1 loss to the Mariners.

Manzardo has been stuck at DH the first two games of the season, with both starts coming against right-handed pitchers. The right-handed-hitting Rhys Hoskins started at first in both games. There was some thought that Manzardo would see more time at first base this season with Carlos Santana no longer on the team, but those plans apparently changed when the Guardians signed Hoskins after spring training started.

Kwan started in center field and went 2-for-4 in Friday's 5-1 loss to the Mariners.

Kwan made his first start of the regular season in center field after being exposed to the new position during spring training. His move to center cleared the way for prospect CJ Kayfus to operate in left field.

Williams explained the wildness he experienced in Friday's start when he walked six batters over five innings in a loss to Seattle, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports. Williams said he was out of sync with his front foot too quick to the ground before his upper body was ready to deliver the ball.

The mechanical issue caused him to over-rotate and pull some pitches, and his attempts to overcorrect caused more wayward offerings. The right-hander managed to control his walks over the second half of 2025 -- 5.3 BB/9 prior to All-Star break and 3.3 post-break -- and did a fine job this spring (two walks in 17.2 innings). Williams will look to correct the issue leading up to his next schedule start Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Thomas went 2-for-3 with two doubles, a walk, three RBI and one stolen base in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Dodgers.

Thomas did some damage from the No. 8 spot in the order in this contest to avenge his 0-for-3 performance to open the season Thursday. The outfielder looks to be the early favorite for time in center field, though he and Jordan Lawlar may swap between left and center at times. Thomas went 10-for-31 (.323) with six extra-base hits in spring training, and if he can keep the bat hot earlier in the year, he should find himself in an everyday role. He slashed .249/.289/.370 with nine home runs, 19 doubles, three triples, 38 RBI, 51 runs scored and seven stolen bases over 469 plate appearances in the 2025 regular season.