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.

Urias will start at third base and bat eighth in Thursday's game against the Blue Jays.

Entering spring training, Urias appeared likely to begin the season in a utility role, but he'll likely end up seeing at least semi-regular playing time through the first week of the campaign while Gunnar Henderson (intercostal) is on the shelf. Henderson is slated to begin a minor-league rehab assignment at Triple-A Norfolk, so barring any setbacks, he could be ready for activation when first eligible April 4.

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 Astros selected Smith's contract, and he'll start in right field and bat seventh in Thursday's season opener versus the Mets, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Smith will bypass the Triple-A level after hitting his way on the Opening Day roster with a .342/.419/.711 slash line to go with four home runs over 15 games during the Grapefruit League. The 22-year-old will have big shoes to fill as he steps into the everyday role in right field that used to belong to three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker, whom the Astros traded to the Cubs this winter in the deal that sent Smith to Houston.

Moncada (thumb) is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game against the White Sox.

Moncada made enough improvement with his right thumb to be included on the Angels' Opening Day roster, but he is not in the lineup for the opener. It's possible he'll be ready to play Saturday following Friday's off date for the Halos. Luis Rengifo is at third base and Tim Anderson is at second base Thursday.

The White Sox selected Maton's contract Thursday.

The 28-year-old made the Opening Day roster as a utility player, though it wouldn't be surprising if he ends up getting a look as a near-everyday player early on in the season in the wake of his huge spring. Over his 43 plate appearances in the Cactus League, Maton slashed .289/.357/.632 with four home runs. Second base or shortstop would likely represent the clearest path for Maton to see playing time.

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.