MLB Player News
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Matt Shaw SS | CHC
Cubs' Matt Shaw: Scores three times Thursday
Shaw went 1-for-4 with a walk and three runs scored in Thursday's 10-6 win over the Diamondbacks.
Shaw was making his third straight start for the Cubs, and the rookie put together his best performance to date during the team's domestic opener. There may be some growing pains for the 23-year-old, though Chicago seems committed to him at third base, and Shaw did manage a robust .867 OPS across Double-A and Triple-A last year, so the talent is there for him to make an impact in the majors.
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Francisco Lindor SS | NYM
Mets' Francisco Lindor: Knocks in lone Mets run
Lindor went 0-for-4 with one RBI and two strikeouts in Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Astros.
The 31-year-old struck out swinging twice but still produced the Mets' lone run of the contest as he delivered a sacrifice fly to score Starling Marte during the ninth inning. Lindor has been a slow starter throughout his career with a .245 average in March and April, and he followed that trend on Opening Day this year.
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Vidal Brujan SS | CHC
Cubs' Vidal Brujan: Lands on IL with elbow issue
The Cubs placed Brujan on the 10-day injured list Tuesday due to a right elbow sprain.
Brujan sustained the injury over the weekend, when he attempted to make a defensive play. He'll be eligible to come off the IL on Wednesday, though it's unclear if he'll be ready to play by then. Once activated, Brujan is projected to fill a utility role for the Cubs.
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Christian Koss SS | SF
Giants' Christian Koss: Makes MLB roster
The Giants selected Koss' contract from Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday.
After a phenomenal spring that saw Koss slash .341/.426/.512 with five RBI and 12 runs scored across 47 plate appearances, Koss will be rewarded with a spot on San Francisco's Opening Day roster. The 27-year-old has spent most of his time at shortstop throughout his minor-league career but has experience at nearly every position, which helps his case for playing time. He'll be making his MLB debut whenever he gets into a game.
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Mookie Betts SS | LAD
Dodgers' Mookie Betts: Plans to play in home opener
Betts (illness) said Tuesday that he'll be able to play in the Dodgers' home opener Thursday against Detroit, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
Betts missed the Dodgers' first two regular-season games against the Cubs in Tokyo, Japan, due to an illness that caused him to lose nearly 20 pounds. However, he was able to participate in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Angels and went 0-for-3 while starting at shortstop. Betts said that making it through that contest was enough for him to be confident that he will be ready to play Thursday. Fantasy managers who roster Betts should thus plan to have him in their lineups, though it remains to be seen whether the illness will affect Betts' play to any extent in the early going.
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Gavin Lux 3B | CIN
Reds' Gavin Lux: Fills in at left field
Lux started at left field in Tuesday's exhibition game against High-A Dayton.
Left field was expected to be the spot occupied by Austin Hays, but he was left out of the lineup due to a calf injury. Lux, who was exposed to the outfield during spring training, took over. It's unclear if Hays' injury will linger into Opening Day. A healthy Hays likely means Lux will lineup at third base of designated hitter. The latter can also spot in at second base. Lux and Jeimer Candelario are expected to share third base/DH to open the regular season, but lineup decisions will become trickier once Spencer Steer (shoulder) is ready to go.
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Matt McLain SS | CIN
Reds' Matt McLain: Wraps up healthy spring
McLain went 1-for-2 with a walk and a three-run home run in Tuesday's exhibition game against Reds minor leaguers.
McLain didn't put up big numbers in the Cactus League this spring (.255/.281/.418) and acknowledged to Charlie Goldsmith of Cincinnati Magazine that he's had to shake off some rust. What matters most is that McLain is healthy, as he described himself as being in a "good spot" heading into the 2025 season after missing all of 2024 due to injury. The 25-year-old is tentatively expected to bat second in the order for the Reds against Logan Webb and the Giants on Thursday.
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Mookie Betts SS | LAD
Dodgers' Mookie Betts: Back in lineup
Betts (illness) will start at shortstop and bat second in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Angels.
Betts has been battling an illness since the Dodgers' trip to Tokyo, but he has now recovered and will be active for the team's final tune-up game before the start of its stateside schedule. The 32-year-old had a rough time in the Cactus League, posting a .636 OPS across 25 plate appearances.
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Vidal Brujan SS | CHC
Cubs' Vidal Brujan: Elbow issue could force IL stint
Brujan could need a stint on the 10-day injured list due to a right elbow injury, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.
Brujan banged the elbow against the wall while trying to make a catch over the weekend and the issue has lingered. When healthy, Brujan will serve in a utility role with the Cubs.
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Mookie Betts SS | LAD
Dodgers' Mookie Betts: Hopeful to play Tuesday
Betts (illness) completed a workout at Dodger Stadium on Monday and intends to play in Tuesday's game against the Angels, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.
Betts has already been ruled out for Monday's exhibition, but the fact that he's been able to keep food down and felt strong enough to complete a workout is a promising sign. If Betts is cleared for Tuesday's action, it would likely point to him being included in the starting lineup for Opening Day on Thursday, per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.