MLB Player News

Flores went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Thursday's 6-4 victory over the Reds.

Flores delivered the decisive blow in San Francisco's season-opening win with a three-run, go-ahead blast off Ian Gibaut in the top of the ninth inning. The 33-year-old was initially expected to fill the short side of a platoon this season, though he got the Opening Day nod at designated hitter after Jerar Encarnacion (hand) landed on the injured list. Flores should see regular playing time with Encarnacion expected to miss at least a month of action. Injuries limited the veteran Flores to 71 games last season, when he slashed .206/.277/.318 with four home runs and 25 RBI.

Harper went 1-for-4 with a walk, a solo homer and an additional run scored in Thursday's 7-3 extra-inning win over Washington.

After the Nationals lifted a dominant MacKenzie Gore after six innings, Harper greeted right-hander Lucas Sims with a solo shot to put the Phillies on the board in the seventh. It was Harper's first long ball of 2025, including spring training, as the superstar slugger went without a homer in the Grapefruit League but did hit a strong 12-for-41 (.293) with four RBI this spring.

Smith isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Cubs, Aaron Hughes of SI.com reports.

Smith is expected to receive the bulk of starts at DH while working in a platoon with Randal Grichuk. However, a matchup against lefty Justin Steele on Thursday will keep Smith in the dugout while Grichuk enters the lineup and bats seventh.

The Brewers selected Bauers' contract from Triple-A Nashville on Thursday.

After producing a .199/.301/.361 slash line with 12 home runs and 13 stolen bases over 346 plate appearances for the Brewers in 2024, Bauers elected free agency following the season and re-signed with Milwaukee on a minor-league deal. He emerged from spring training with a roster spot after producing a .939 OPS in Cactus League play, but Bauers could struggle to see the extended playing time he received with the Brewers in 2024 unless injuries test Milwaukee's depth at first base and in the outfield. Bauers is on the bench for Thursday's season opener versus the Yankees.

The Pirates placed Horwitz (wrist) on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Horwitz had right wrist surgery in early February and was given a 6-to-8-week estimated recovery timetable. According to MLB.com, Horwitz has began a throwing progression and is taking swings with the bat, but he's still a few weeks away from game action. Horwitz is expected to serve as the Pirates' primary first baseman once healthy.

The Nationals optioned Yepez to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday.

Yepez managed just a .559 OPS through 48 plate appearances in the Grapefruit League, which is enough of a drop from his performance in the majors last year (.764 OPS) to have him sent back to Triple-A. He should receive regular playing time while in Rochester and may be a candidate to serve as bench depth in Washington if his bat gets hot.

The Nationals placed Chaparro (oblique) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Chaparro suffered a left oblique strain during batting practice in mid-March. He's eligible to return from the IL on April 4, but he'll likely need to ramp up his activity during extended spring training or on a rehab stint in the minors before being ready for major-league action. He played 33 games for Washington in 2024, but it's unclear whether he would immediately join major-league roster once fully healthy.

Bauers was informed Wednesday that he has made the Brewers' Opening Day roster, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Bauers re-signed with the Brewers on a minor-league contract over the offseason and has managed to crack the Opening Day roster after putting up a .939 OPS with three home runs over 15 games this spring. He will see occasional starts between first base and designated hitter.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Monday that he plans to start Burleson at designated hitter and bat him fifth Opening Day against Twins right-hander Pablo Lopez, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

It's the spot Burleson is in for Monday's exhibition game versus Triple-A Memphis in what Marmol indicated is a preview of his Opening Day lineup. While Burleson is slated to serve as the primary DH against right-handed pitching, he will likely have to yield the spot to Nolan Gorman on occasion.

The Phillies informed Clemens on Monday that he has made the Opening Day roster, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Clemens nabbed the final bench spot over Buddy Kennedy after posting an .857 OPS with two home runs this spring. He will be used mostly in a pinch-hitting role while providing backup at multiple positions.