MLB Player News

Hernandez (elbow) took on-field batting practice at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Hernandez underwent left elbow surgery in mid-November and is currently on the 60-day IL. Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that the utility man is progressing well and indicated that he would be "shocked" if Hernandez isn't ready to return when first eligible. Once he's activated, Hernandez isn't likely to be an everyday player, but he'll give the Dodgers positional versatility with his ability to play nearly everywhere in the infield and outfield.

Shaw is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals.

Shaw went 1-for-6 with an RBI and a run scored in the Cubs' first two games of the season, but he'll cede right field to Michael Conforto in the series finale. While Seiya Suzuki (knee) is on the shelf, Shaw appears to be the preferred option in right field against left-handed pitching, but Shaw and Conforto could operate in more of a timeshare versus righties.

Hamilton is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox.

After starting at third base in the first two games of the season, Hamilton will retreat to the bench against southpaw Anthony Kay. Luis Rengifo will cover the hot corner in his place. Hamilton has helped fantasy managers early on by going 1-for-4 with four walks, three stolen bases and three runs.

Abrams (personal) will start at shortstop and bat sixth Sunday against the Cubs, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

The 25-year-old shortstop was away from the team for Saturday's contest due to a death in his family, but he's rejoined the club in Chicago for Sunday's series finale. Abrams went 1-for-4 with two RBI in the season opener Thursday.

De La Cruz went 1-for-4 with two walks and a solo home run in Saturday's 6-5 extra-innings win over the Red Sox.

De La Cruz clubbed his first home run of the season in the fifth inning to give Cincinnati a 5-3 lead. The shortstop, who clouted 20-plus home runs in each of his first two full MLB seasons, is looking to rebound from a second-half dip in production in 2025. To that end, Reds manager Terry Francona stated it was an organizational goal to keep De La Cruz fresh, so he may get more rest this season.

Tovar went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run Saturday against the Marlins.

Tovar pulled an offering from Eury Perez over the left-field fence in the fourth inning for his first home run of the season. He's hit cleanup in each of Colorado's first two games, collecting two hits in eight plate appearances.

McLain went 3-for-4 with an RBI, a run scored and two walks in Saturday's 6-5 win over the Red Sox.

McLain tore the cover off the ball during spring training and is carrying it over to begin the regular season. The second baseman drew an eight-pitch walk in the first inning and later scored on a fielder's choice. He then drove in Ke'Bryan Hayes with an RBI double in his second plate appearance. Through two games, McLain is 3-for-7 at the plate with three walks.

Lawlar isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Lawlar has started the new season 1-for-7 with three strikeouts across Arizona's first two contests, and he'll now rest his legs during Saturday's series finale. His absence will allow Jorge Barrosa to start in left field and bat ninth.

Cruz isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Mets.

A couple of defensive miscues from Cruz allowed the Mets to take an early 5-2 lead in the first inning of Thursday's contest, so the Pirates will keep the 27-year-old on the bench to begin Saturday's game while Jake Mangum patrols center field.

Sanoja went 3-for-3 with an RBI in Friday's win over the Rockies.

Getting the start at third base and batting ninth, Sanoja consistently flipped the lineup over in a 2-1 victory. The 23-year-old utility player was in the lineup against a left-hander in Kyle Freeland, and he could work as a platoon partner for Graham Pauley at the hot corner in the short term while Connor Norby covers for Christopher Morel (oblique) at first base. Pauley missed most of training camp due to a forearm strain, but he was able to enter Friday's game as a late-inning defensive replacement, bumping Sanoja out to left field.