MLB Player News

The Pirates recalled Valdez from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

With Nick Gonzales (ankle) headed for the injured list, the Pirates will bring Valdez up from the minors to replenish their infield depth. The 26-year-old is likely to remain on the bench most days while Adam Frazier starts at the keystone until Gonzales returns.

Riley went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Thursday's loss to the Padres.

Hitting second in the Atlanta order, Riley took Alek Jacob deep in the fourth inning on a changeup that stayed up and over the heart of the plate. The 27-year-old third baseman dealt with injuries last season for the first time since his breakout 2021 campaign, but if Riley can stay healthy in 2025 he should be able to return to his usual 30-homer, 90-RBI ways.

Machado went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI, three runs scored and a pair of stolen bases in Thursday's 7-4 win over Atlanta.

Machado served as a catalyst in San Diego's Opening Day victory with some unexpected base-stealing ability. While the stolen bases are nice, they're not likely to be a major facet of Machado's game in his age-32 season. He swiped 11 bags in 2024 while posting a .275/.325/.472 slash line with 29 home runs and 105 RBI.

Suarez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Thursday's 10-6 loss to the Cubs.

Suarez got all of a Justin Steele changeup in the bottom of the second inning to pull the Diamondbacks within a run. He was later hit by a pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly. The third baseman is looking to avoid a season-starting slump like the one that nearly cost Suarez his starting job last year, although he wound up putting together his best numbers since 2019 once he got going.

Hayes went 1-for-4 with two stolen bases Thursday against the Marlins.

Hayes helped create some offense for Pittsburgh in the fifth inning, reaching base on a single with two outs. He proceeded to steal both second and third base, the latter of which was on a double steal. Hayes has been a fantasy disappointment for much of his career, though he has the potential for stolen base upside at an atypical position.

Arenado went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Thursday against the Twins.

Arenado delivered an insurance home run in the ninth inning to help the Cardinals to an Opening Day win. He turned on a 97-mph fastball, which is encouraging, though his struggles in 2024 came primarily against off-speed and breaking pitches.

Candelario started at third base and went 2-for-3 with a walk and three RBI in Thursday's 6-4 loss to San Francisco.

Candelario was part of crowded corner infield spots during spring training, but a late injury to outfielder Austin Hays (calf) led to Gavin Lux playing left field Thursday. That should give Candelario a near-daily role at third base, first base or DH in the early going. He underwhelmed overall at the plate in 2024, his first with the Reds, but he managed to hit the 20-homer mark for a second consecutive season.

Hernandez (illness) won't start but could be available off the bench Friday against the Tigers, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Hernandez is dealing with the flu and was not at the ballpark for Thursday's domestic home opener against the Tigers. His exact availability remains to be seen, though it sounds as if he is nearing a return to the club.

Hernandez is not expected to be available for the Dodgers' domestic opener Thursday against the Tigers due to the flu, Buster Olney of ESPN reports.

Hernandez is not in the lineup versus lefty Tarik Skubal, and it sounds like he probably won't be available off the bench, either. Consider the utility player day-to-day.

Dunn is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Yankees.

Though he'll be on the bench Thursday versus Yankees lefty Carlos Rodon, the lefty-hitting Dunn looks poised to open the season as Milwaukee's primary option at third base versus right-handed pitching. Vinny Capra will get the nod at the hot corner Thursday and will bat eighth.