MLB Player News

Longoria (finger) could return within four weeks rather than six as previously expected, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

A four-week timetable would give him a shot at returning before the end of April. While the Giants could still wind up playing things cautiously with the veteran third baseman, it appears as though he's making great progress in his recovery from finger surgery. He'll get his stitches out Friday and has already begun grip exercises.

Walls will be on the bench for Friday's game against the Orioles, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Walls is a switch hitter who performed nearly identically against righties and lefties in his 54-game debut last year. He'll hit the bench here against lefty John Means, with Yandy Diaz sliding to third base and Harold Ramirez starting at first, though it's too early to say whether that will be the Rays' default plan against every southpaw.

Duffy went 2-for-3 in Thursday's loss against the Astros.

Tyler Wade is expected to see most of the playing time at the keystone, but Duffy ended up starting the opener with lefty Framber Valdez on the mound for Houston. Duffy spent the 2021 season with the Cubs and hit .287 with a .738 OPS across 322 plate appearances.

Bregman went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two RBI on Thursday against the Angels.

Bregman was responsible for driving in Houston's first run of the season when he delivered a single to score Michael Brantley in the third inning. He then homered in the top of the eighth frame, providing the game-winning run. Bregman was limited to only 91 games in 2021 due a quadriceps injury, though he appears to be fully healthy for the new campaign with the potential to return to his past form.

Riley went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run Thursday in an Opening Day loss to the Reds.

Atlanta's offense had a hard time against Cincinnati's five pitchers Thursday, collectively registering only four hits. Riley was responsible for three of those, and his eighth-inning two-run homer accounted for two of the team's three runs. The third baseman is coming off a career-best 33-homer, 107-RBI campaign in 2021 and figures to be among fantasy's top third-base options again this season.

Arenado went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk in Thursday's 9-0 win over the Pirates.

Arenado's first hit of the season left the yard, accounting for the Cardinals' last two runs in a blowout win. The third baseman has clubbed no fewer than 34 homers in each full season since 2015, and he's already off to a strong start in the power department this year. Arenado can be penciled in as a near-everyday option once again in 2022.

Hayes (thumb/forearm) expects to be in the lineup Saturday, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Hayes exited Thursday's game against St. Louis in the bottom of the first inning. He explained to reporters after the game that he experienced a cramp from his thumb down to his forearm, though the sensation went away quickly. The Pirates could opt to be cautious with Hayes, though it doesn't appear as if the injury will affect him in the long term. The team also has a day off Friday, which will give Hayes some additional rest.

Hayes was removed from Thursday's game against the Cardinals due to cramping in his left thumb/forearm, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Although Hayes' first-inning exit on Opening Day led to some concern, he isn't experiencing any pain hours after his departure, and the issue is considered "very minor." The 25-year-old should be considered day-to-day, and he'll have Friday's scheduled off day to rest up before potentially missing any time. Prior to the season opener, Hayes agreed to the richest contract in franchise history when he signed a seven-year, $70 million extension.

Hayes was removed from Thursday's game against the Cardinals in the bottom of the first inning due to an apparent left wrist injury, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.

Hayes struck out in the top of the first inning Thursday but was removed from the game with no outs in the bottom half of the frame. While the exact nature and severity of the issue aren't yet clear, trainers appeared to be looking at his left wrist/forearm as he left the field. That same wrist cost Hayes extended time in 2021 and sapped some of his power upon his return, so his fantasy managers have reason to be concerned. If the 25-year-old is forced to miss any additional time, Diego Castillo and Josh VanMeter are the likely options to fill in at third base.

Donaldson will bat leadoff in Friday's matchup against the Red Sox, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Manager Aaron Boone indicated late in camp that Donaldson could lead off on occasion during the regular season, and the 36-year-old will get the opportunity to do so on Opening Day. Donaldson mainly hit in the No. 2 spot with the Twins last year, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Yankees move him around between different prominent spots in the order to find the best fit early in his tenure with the club.