MLB Player News

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.

The Marlins placed Norby (oblique) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Norby was diagnosed with a Grade 1 left oblique strain and will be sidelined to begin the season, paving the way for Graham Pauley, Eric Wagaman and Jonah Bride to see extra playing time at third base. According to MLB.com, Norby resumed baseball activities Wednesday, but he's still expected to be sidelined until around late April.

The Marlins recalled Pauley from Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday.

Pauley will bat eighth and start at third base in Thursday's season opener versus the Pirates. He'll get reps at the hot corner along with Eric Wagaman and Jonah Bride while Connor Norby (oblique) is on the injured list to begin the season. Pauley produced a .784 OPS over 11 Grapefruit League games.

The Phillies designated Kennedy for assignment Thursday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

The Phillies told Kennedy earlier this week that he would not be on the Opening Day roster and the club was unable to find a trade partner. He could draw interest on waivers.

Lux will start in left field and bat cleanup Thursday against the Giants.

With Austin Hays (calf) shelved, Lux slides into the lineup in the corner outfield and also gets a prime spot in the lineup, batting behind TJ Friedl, Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz. Most of Lux's playing time could ultimately come at third base, but he's in line for regular reps in left field versus righties while Hays is out.

Tena earned a spot on the Nationals' Opening Day roster, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

The 24-year-old was competing for a bench job during spring training and secured a roster spot despite posting a .156/.240/.200 slash line in 50 plate appearances. Tena had a .668 OPS in 41 games with Washington in 2024 and is unlikely to be fantasy-relevant this year.

The Mets informed Baty on Wednesday that he'll be included on the Opening Day roster, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports.

The revelation comes as no surprise after Baty slashed .353/.441/.745 with four home runs and a 6:8 K:BB over 20 Grapefruit League contests. Baty also proved adept defensively at second base, and he is slated to open the season as the Mets' primary option at the keystone versus right-handers while Jeff McNeil (oblique) is on the shelf.

Atlanta placed Alvarez on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with left wrist inflammation.

Alvarez tweaked the wrist in late February and the injury lingered long enough to force an IL stint. The 21-year-old will be eligible to return April 4, but it's unclear whether he'll be ready at that time and he seems likely to be sent to the minors once healthy.

Wagaman could be in store for steady playing time at third base or designated hitter to begin the season after manager Clayton McCullough announced Tuesday that Connor Norby (oblique) will be out for about four weeks, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Norby's injury will likely pave the way for Graham Pauley to make the Opening Day roster as an extra infielder, but De Nicola relays that the Marlins are likely to lean primarily on Wagaman and Jonah Bride at the third base and DH spots early on. After making his MLB debut with the Angels late last season, the 27-year-old Wagaman was non-tendered in November before signing a one-year deal with Miami. He earned his spot on the Marlins' 26-man active roster after producing a .738 OPS over 53 plate appearances in Grapefruit League play.