MLB Player News

Madrigal will start at third base and bat eighth in Thursday's season opener versus the Rangers.

Madrigal was a question mark for Opening Day not long ago due to a hamstring injury, but he's avoided an injured list stint and is in the Cubs' Opening Day lineup. Presumed third baseman Christopher Morel is starting at designated hitter.

Senzel was scratched from the Nationals' lineup for Thursday's game against the Reds, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Senzel reportedly injured a finger while fielding grounders ahead of Thursday's contest, though it remains unclear how serious his injury is. In the meantime, Ildemaro Vargas will fill in at third base and bat eighth.

The Yankees placed Peraza (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Peraza is facing an expected recovery timeline of 6-to-8 weeks for a right shoulder strain, an injury that first cropped up in late February. Per MLB.com, manager Aaron Boone said last week that Peraza was expected to resume hitting soon, but it's unclear if the 23-year-old has advanced to that portion of his recovery program. Regardless, Peraza will be sidelined until around late April or early May, which likely gives Jahmai Jones a multi-week run on the active roster as a utility player.

Urshela is absent from the lineup for Thursday's season opener against the White Sox.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch has opted to roll with Andy Ibanez at third base against southpaw Garrett Crochet. Urshela could still be the favorite to see the bulk of the starts at the hot corner, but they might come mostly versus right-handers initially.

The Diamondbacks designated Rivera for assignment Thursday.

Heading into spring training, Rivera looked like a fairly safe bet to make the Opening Day roster as a reserve infielder, but Arizona's plans for him may have changed after he submitted a woeful .167/.268/.229 slash line over 21 Cactus League games. The Diamondbacks will instead move Rivera off the 40-man roster and make room for rookie infielder Blaze Alexander on the Opening Day bench.

Rendon will start at third base and bat leadoff in Thursday's season opener versus the Orioles.

Angels manager Ron Washington toyed with the idea of batting Rendon at the top of the order later on in spring training, and the veteran skipper decided to carry it into the season. Rendon will be followed by Aaron Hicks, Mike Trout and Taylor Ward.

The Yankees placed LeMahieu (foot) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

LeMahieu's rehab from a bone bruise in his foot is coming along but hasn't advanced enough for him to play in the opener. The veteran infielder will undergo an MRI on Friday to check his progress. Oswaldo Cabrera and Jon Berti will handle third base while LeMahieu is out.

The Marlins recalled Bride from Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Miami had sent Bride to minor-league camp earlier this month, but he'll now fill the roster spot vacated by the trade of Jon Berti. Bride will provide depth at multiple infield spots.

Garcia will start at third base and bat leadoff in Thursday's season opener against the Twins.

Garcia had a great spring in posting a .984 OPS and opens the season as the Royals' leadoff man, as expected. The young infielder has some breakout potential this season from the top of the batting order, boasting good wheels and some sneaky pop.

Farmer is starting at second base and batting seventh for the Twins in Thursday's opener versus the Royals.

Farmer gets the nod at the keystone with the Royals starting southpaw Cole Ragans. The 33-year-old utility player had a .781 OPS against left-handed pitching last season for Minnesota.