MLB Player News

Carpenter is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rockies, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

After getting the Opening Day start Thursday, the lefty-hitting Carpenter will take a seat Friday against Kyle Freeland. Nelson Cruz will take his place as San Diego's designated hitter Friday, and Cruz likely will do so against lefty starters for the rest of the season.

Hummel is hitting eighth as the designated hitter for Friday's game against the Guardians.

The Mariners have rotated bench options at designated hitter to begin the season, and Hummel will get the nod Friday after Tommy La Stella hit eighth as the DH in Thursday's opener. Acquired in a deal for Kyle Lewis in the winter, Hummel posted just a .581 OPS in 176 at-bats with the Diamondbacks last year but impressed during his time in the Cactus League this spring. He'll have a chance to win a consistent role with strong results in the early portion of the season.

Brantley (shoulder) took batting practice Friday at Minute Maid Park, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Brantley was placed on the injured list ahead of Opening Day as he completes his recovery from labral repair surgery last August. It's notable -- and probably encouraging -- that he is doing pregame work with the Astros rather than rehabbing at the club's spring training complex in Florida. The 35-year-old looks likely to be activated in mid-April.

Vogelbach isn't in the Mets' lineup for Friday's game against Miami, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The left-handed slugger holds just a .402 OPS against lefties since 2021, so he will sit out Friday against Jesus Luzardo. Mark Canha will instead serve as the Mets' designated hitter, opening up a chance for Tommy Pham to start in left field and bat eighth.

Buxton started at DH and went 2-for-5 with a triple in Thursday's season-opening win at Kansas City.

Buxton underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in late September, and the Twins eased him into action during the spring. He only played in major-league spring games at the end of March and then only DH. The Twins say they plan to play Buxton at DH almost exclusively in April and maybe beyond to ease him into action and keep him healthy. If he continues to perform like he did Opening Day, the plan will more than offset his loss of defensive value in center field.

Miller started at designated hitter and went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 11-7 win over the Phillies.

The lefty-hitting Miller slotted into the Opening Day lineup against Philadelphia righty Aaron Nola. The Rangers should rotate players through the DH spot this year as Miller shares the role with catchers Jonah Heim and Mitch Garver, as well as other starters who might need a partial rest day.

Ohtani did not factor into the decision Thursday against Oakland, completing six scoreless innings and allowing two hits and three walks while striking out 10. He went 1-for-3 with a walk at the plate.

Ohtani was a bit wild in the season opener, throwing only 55 of his 93 pitches for strikes. Aside from that, the two-way star was as dominant as ever, racking up 13 swinging strikes en route to his 10 punchouts. Ohtani recorded 10 double-digit strikeout performances last season, and after leading Japan to a title in the World Baseball Classic this spring, he already looks primed to build upon the career-best pitching numbers he posted with the Angels in 2022.

Alvarez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the White Sox.

Alvarez scored Houston's first run of the season in the seventh inning when he crossed the plate on a wild pitch after reaching base on a hit-by-pitch. The talented outfielder then slammed a solo homer in the ninth to bring the Astros to within a run, though the team ultimately came up short. Alvarez hit a combined 70 homers across 2021 and 2022, and he appears on his way to another big season despite playing in just two spring training games due to a left hand injury.

The Astros placed Brantley (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

Brantley will be eligible to come off the IL next week, but since he didn't appear in any spring training games while working his way back from right shoulder surgery and remains in rehab mode at Astros camp in Florida, he's not expected to make his 2023 debut until mid-to-late April. His absence could open up more opportunities at designated hitter for Yainer Diaz, who made the Opening Day roster as a backup catcher but is occupying the DH spot in Thursday's season opener versus the White Sox.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Thursday that Alvarez will not be an everyday player at the beginning of the season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez is pain-free and in the lineup Opening Day, but his nagging left hand issue limited him to just two Grapefruit League games during spring training. The extra rest is likely more about easing the slugger back into action as a precaution. Alvarez is playing left field and batting third against the White Sox on Thursday.