MLB Player News

France will start at first base and bat seventh in Friday's game versus the Tigers.

After the lefty-swinging Gavin Sheets started at first base Opening Day against southpaw Tarik Skubal, the Padres will go with the right-handed-hitting France versus lefty Framber Valdez. San Diego is expected to give Sheets plenty of run at first base against lefties this season, but France and Nick Castellanos will also be in the mix at the position.

Sheets is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Tigers.

The left-handed-hitting Sheets starting Opening Day versus lefty Tarik Skubal, going hitless in three plate appearances before being removed for a pinch hitter. He will take a seat in this one as the Tigers send southpaw Framber Valdez to the bump. Ty France is getting the call at first base for San Diego.

The Brewers acquired Keith from the Dodgers on Friday in exchange for cash considerations, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Keith spent the 2025 season at Double-A Tulsa, where he slashed .226/.296/.386 with 11 home runs and nine stolen bases over 89 contests. The 25-year-old can handle all three outfield spots and is likely to be assigned to Double-A Biloxi.

Paredes will bat third and DH in Friday's game against the Angels.

Paredes started at third base on Opening Day due to the absence of Jeremy Pena (finger), and even with Pena back in action, Paredes remains in the lineup. Houston will move Yordan Alvarez to left field to avoid a same-handed matchup between Joey Loperfido and Halos starter Yusei Kikuchi. While Paredes may not have an everyday role, he could force his way into the lineup if his bat gets hot.

Loperfido isn't part of the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels.

Loperfido will avoid a matchup with left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, which means Yordan Alvarez will draw a start in left field and Isaac Paredes will DH. Loperfido went 2-for-4 with a double on Opening Day.

The Orioles signed Baz to a five-year, $68 million contract extension Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Baz was traded to Baltimore this offseason after delivering a 4.87 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP and a 176:64 K:BB across 166.1 innings in 2025 at Tampa Bay. Now, the talented 26-year-old right-hander has a long-term home with the Orioles, where he'll look to improve upon his 2025 campaign. He's slated to make his season debut Sunday against the Twins.

Meyers is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels.

Meyers will cede center-field duties to Brice Matthews on Friday. Meyers went 0-for-3 with a strikeout and a walk while batting ninth on Opening Day.

Pena (finger) is leading off and playing shortstop Friday against the Angels.

Pena was held out on Opening Day, but he's back in action for game No. 2. His return to the lineup pushes Carlos Correa to third base, while Isaac Paredes moves to DH and Yordan Alvarez fills left field. Pena sustained a fractured finger March 4.

The Marlins released Cappe on Friday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Cappe received a $3.5 million bonus from the Marlins during the 2020-2021 international signing period, but he didn't develop as hoped, slashing just .250/.296/.354in five seasons. The 23-year-old reached the Double-A level for the first time in 2025, playing in six games for Pensacola.

Baldwin will start at designated hitter and bat second in Friday's opener versus the Royals.

Per Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Atlanta manager Walt Weiss noted Thursday that he planned to use Baldwin at DH and Jonah Heim at catcher against left-handed pitching, and that's how things are set up Friday against Royals southpaw Cole Ragans. The left-handed-swinging Baldwin had virtually even splits in his rookie season, slashing .299/.358/.460 against lefties and .267/.336/.472 versus righties. Being used in the DH slot on days he doesn't catch is a big boost to Baldwin's outlook for counting stats.