MLB Player News

Chapman went 3-for-5 with an RBI in a 10-9 win over the Cardinals on Opening Day.

Batting seventh in a deep and dangerous Blue Jays lineup, Chapman was one of four Toronto players to rack up multiple hits as part of a 19-hit attack. The veteran third baseman was also caught stealing, but that can be viewed as a positive sign for his fantasy value -- Chapman is an athletic player who had a sprint speed in the 78th percentile last year according to Statcast, but he's never attempted more than five steals in a season or successfully stolen more than three. If MLB's rule changes have encouraged him to use his legs more, he could make a surprising contribution in that category in 2023.

Lewis (knee) was cleared to run the bases recently and is hoping to begin playing in minor-league games by mid-April, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

When asked recently how his surgically repaired right knee was feeling, Lewis indicated it was 90-100 percent, with a goal of getting it to 120 percent. Sketchy math aside, the plan is for Lewis to go through a month-long progression with his minor-league at-bats before advancing to a rehab assignment. He's on the 60-day injured list, but it sounds like he could have a chance to return when eligible or shortly afterward.

Devers went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI in Thursday's 10-9 loss to Baltimore.

Devers offered his usual production from the two-hole, but he was the victim of a pitch-clock strikeout to lead off the eighth inning. The Red Sox were down 10-4 at the time but mounted a three-run rally after Devers' gaffe and left a runner on. There's no telling what the team might have done with an extra out and baserunner. The third baseman accepted blame when talking to Matt Ventour of MassLive.com, noting he's still adjusting to the new rules.

Urias went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 10-9 win over the Red Sox.

Urias went yard in the fourth inning to help the Orioles establish a lead in the contest. The 28-year-old displayed solid power last year with 16 homers and a .414 slugging percentage over 118 contests. He's expected to fill a versatile role in the Orioles' infield this season, though hot hitting out of the gate could help him stay in the lineup regularly.

The Tigers placed Nevin (oblique) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Nevin is coming along with his oblique strain but needs a little more time. He's slated to begin a rehab assignment this weekend, with a return when first eligible possible.

The White Sox optioned Burger to Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday.

Burger was in the running for a roster spot until the end but came up short. He will play regularly at Charlotte and wait for another chance at the big-league level.

Urias is starting at third base and batting sixth for the Orioles on Thursday versus the Yankees.

The O's are, surprisingly, going with Gunnar Henderson in the designated hitter spot for the opener while Urias handles the hot corner. Urias should also play a good bit of second base this season, but that spot belongs to Adam Frazier on Thursday.

Farmer is not in the lineup for Thursday's Opening Day game against the Royals.

Jose Miranda is ready to play third base after battling a shoulder injury early in spring training, and the Twins will go with Joey Gallo and Nick Gordon on the right side of the infield against right-hander Zack Greinke. Trevor Larnach gets the start in left field. Farmer hit .308 with four homers during exhibition play and figures to be active early on -- just not as an everyday starter.

Urshela will start at shortstop for the Angels on Opening Day, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Urshela played only two games at shortstop with Minnesota last season, but he saw action there in 28 contests with the Yankees in 2021. The veteran will likely cede starts at shortstop to Luis Rengifo and David Fletcher (abdomen) occasionally, but he can also play all three other infield positions, so Urshela may have a near-everyday role with Los Angeles during the coming campaign.

Nevin (oblique) is on track to begin a rehab assignment at a minor-league affiliate this weekend, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

The Tigers will formally place Nevin (oblique) on the 10-day injured list at some point prior to Thursday's season opener at Tampa Bay, but the fact that he'll be taking part in games this weekend suggests he'll likely be in line for a minimum-length stay on the shelf. Once he's activated, the righty-hitting Nevin could occupy the smaller side of a platoon at third base with the lefty-hitting Nick Maton.