MLB Player News

Busch went 3-for-4 with a walk, two doubles, an RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's 10-4 loss to the Nationals.

Like he did much of last season, Busch hit leadoff Opening Day, and the Chicago first baseman picked up right where he left off after an impressive 2025 campaign. Busch batted first with Washington starting righty Cade Cavalli, and the Cubs have said the left-handed bat won't be deployed strictly in a platoon, so he should have plenty of opportunities against southpaws moving forward.

The Orioles assigned Ramos to Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

After failing to make the Opening Day roster and with no minor-league options left, the Orioles opted to designate Ramos for assignment Tuesday. He cleared waivers Thursday and has opted to remain in the organization with Norfolk. Ramos spent most of the 2025 season in Triple-A, but he could see some major-league action in 2026 if Baltimore requires depth at third base.

Tena will begin the season on the Nationals' 26-man roster, Jessica Camerato and Paige Leckie of MLB.com report.

Washington scooped up Jorbit Vivas from the Yankees late in camp to be its top utility option, but Tena is out of minor-league options and will remain on the bench as well, at least for now. Tena slashed .243/.314/.355 over 169 plate appearances last season with zero homers and three steals while seeing most of his time at third base.

Peraza will start at second base and bat ninth in Thursday's opener against the Astros.

The right-handed-hitting Peraza will get the first crack at the keystone even as the Astros send righty Hunter Brown to the mound. Lefty bat Adam Frazier will also see reps at second base, but it seems he's behind Peraza in the early pecking order.

Okamoto will be the Blue Jays' primary third baseman to begin the season, Gregor Chisholm and Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star report.

After signing a four-year, $60 million contract this offseason to take his talents to North America, Okamoto will have a significant role for Toronto in 2026. The 29-year-old appeared to adjust to his new environment quickly this spring, slashing .316/.435/.632 in 23 Grapefruit League plate appearances.

Paredes will start at third base and bat third in Thursday's opener versus the Angels.

Jeremy Pena (finger) is on the active roster but not quite ready to play yet, so Paredes will occupy the hot corner while Carlos Correa slides over to shortstop. When the Astros' roster is fully healthy, it's going to be more difficult for Paredes to find a regular spot in the lineup.

House will start at third base and bat third in Thursday's opener versus the Cubs.

The righty-swinging House will likely hit toward the bottom of the batting order against right-handed pitching, but he'll occupy a prime spot in the lineup versus lefty Matthew Boyd. House stung the ball in spring training, slashing .429/.444/.786 with three home runs, though his usual plate-discipline issues (1:11 BB:K) remained.

The Nationals released Bernabel on Saturday.

Bernabel reached the big leagues with the Rockies in 2025 and produced a .698 OPS in 146 plate appearances, but after being non-tendered following the season, he landed with the Nationals on a minor-league deal. Though he looked to be a serious candidate for Washington's wide-open first-base job heading into spring training, Bernabel was cut early in camp and will now be in search of a new organization after getting released.

Baty will start at designated hitter and bat sixth in Thursday's opener against the Pirates.

With righty Paul Skenes on the bump, the left-handed-hitting Baty gets the call over righty-swinging Mark Vientos. Baty is also likely to see starts at first base against right-handed pitching, but Jorge Polanco is getting his first career start there Thursday.

After an underwhelming spring training, Keith may end up splitting time at third base with several other players, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Keith sported a .662 OPS and no home runs across 17 Grapefruit League games. His middling results, along with a deep Detroit roster that features Zach McKinstry and Matt Vierling as primary options at the hot corner, could force Keith into something of a timeshare. Top prospect Kevin McGonigle is on the roster as well and is expected to see most of his time at shortstop, though he could also slide over to third on days when Javier Baez plays up the middle. Either way, Keith will likely need to produce at the plate if he wants to hold onto regular playing time.