MLB Player News

Lewis (knee) was cleared to run the bases recently and is hoping to begin playing in minor-league games by mid-April, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

When asked recently how his surgically repaired right knee was feeling, Lewis indicated it was 90-100 percent, with a goal of getting it to 120 percent. Sketchy math aside, the plan is for Lewis to go through a month-long progression with his minor-league at-bats before advancing to a rehab assignment. He's on the 60-day injured list, but it sounds like he could have a chance to return when eligible or shortly afterward.

Devers went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI in Thursday's 10-9 loss to Baltimore.

Devers offered his usual production from the two-hole, but he was the victim of a pitch-clock strikeout to lead off the eighth inning. The Red Sox were down 10-4 at the time but mounted a three-run rally after Devers' gaffe and left a runner on. There's no telling what the team might have done with an extra out and baserunner. The third baseman accepted blame when talking to Matt Ventour of MassLive.com, noting he's still adjusting to the new rules.

Arenado went 2-for-5 with a double and three RBI in Thursday's 10-9 loss to the Blue Jays.

Arenado was one of five Cardinals to post multiple hits in the back-and-forth game. The third baseman battled a minor hand injury after he was hit by a pitch at the World Baseball Classic, but he appears to be in great form to open the season. Arenado is expected to bat cleanup throughout the year as he looks to follow up a strong 2022 that saw him slash .293/.358/.533 with 30 home runs and 103 RBI over 148 contests.

Urias went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 10-9 win over the Red Sox.

Urias went yard in the fourth inning to help the Orioles establish a lead in the contest. The 28-year-old displayed solid power last year with 16 homers and a .414 slugging percentage over 118 contests. He's expected to fill a versatile role in the Orioles' infield this season, though hot hitting out of the gate could help him stay in the lineup regularly.

The Tigers placed Nevin (oblique) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Nevin is coming along with his oblique strain but needs a little more time. He's slated to begin a rehab assignment this weekend, with a return when first eligible possible.

The White Sox optioned Burger to Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday.

Burger was in the running for a roster spot until the end but came up short. He will play regularly at Charlotte and wait for another chance at the big-league level.

Hayes is batting sixth in the Pirates' season opener Thursday at Cincinnati.

It's not an ideal lineup spot for what Hayes brings to the table in fantasy, though he could move up quickly if he shows improved power and OBP skills out of the gate. The 26-year-old third baseman posted a highly underwhelming .244/.314/.345 slash line with seven home runs (and 20 stolen bases) over 136 games for Pittsburgh in 2022.

Vargas will begin the season as the Nationals' primary utility infielder.

The 31-year-old switch hitter posted a surprising .280/.308/.398 slash line in 196 plate appearances for the Nats last season after coming over from the Cubs, earning a one-year deal in the offseason for his efforts. Vargas saw action at three different infield spots as well as left field for Washington in 2022, but his main role this year will probably be to spell Luis Garcia at second base against tough left-handers, although Garcia will get the nod Opening Day against Atlanta's Max Fried.

Urias is starting at third base and batting sixth for the Orioles on Thursday versus the Yankees.

The O's are, surprisingly, going with Gunnar Henderson in the designated hitter spot for the opener while Urias handles the hot corner. Urias should also play a good bit of second base this season, but that spot belongs to Adam Frazier on Thursday.

The Reds placed Senzel (toe) on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Senzel did wind up appearing in a few Cactus League games at the end of spring camp, but he still has a bit more work to do as he recovers from a pair of surgeries for a left toe fracture. He should be an option for the Reds by mid-April if all continues to go well.