MLB Player News

Castillo is not in the lineup for Thursday's Opening Day contest against the Cardinals.

A strong spring for Castillo earned him an Opening Day call-up despite the fact that he'd only played in 18 Triple-A games. The promotion was perhaps even more surprising given that the Pirates are in no rush to win and didn't call up fellow middle infield prospect Oneil Cruz. Castillo's inclusion apparently doesn't mean he'll have an everyday role, however. Kevin Newman starts at shortstop, while Hoy Park starts at second base. Castillo is a righty while Park bats left-handed, so it's possible Pittsburgh plans to utilize a platoon at the keystone.

Abrams is expected to be included on the Padres' Opening Day roster, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Look for San Diego to make the move official by adding Abrams to the 40-man roster in the hours leading up to Thursday's season opener in Arizona, which starts at 9:40 p.m. ET. Abrams' inclusion on the Opening Day roster isn't a major surprise, as he stuck with the Padres throughout big-league camp and wasn't assigned to Triple-A El Paso when the affiliate began its season Tuesday. The 21-year-old is a middle infielder by trade, and he'll likely see most of his initial action at shortstop, where he and Ha-Seong Kim are expected to serve as the primary replacements for Fernando Tatis (wrist), who is expected to be sidelined into June. Abrams also made a start in right field late in Cactus League play, potentially giving him another avenue to at-bats. Even if he heads into Opening Day as more of a part-time player than a lineup regular, Abrams' elite speed and hit tool make him an appealing player to stash at the back end of a fantasy roster in most mixed leagues.

The Pirates optioned Marcano to Double-A Altoona on Wednesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Marcano was previously demoted to Triple-A Indianapolis on March 24, only to move down another level two weeks later since the Pirates determined an everyday role wouldn't be available to him with the top affiliate. The move to Double-A is a disappointing one for Marcano, who made the Padres' Opening Day roster last season before being dealt to Pittsburgh in the deal that sent Adam Frazier to San Diego. Upon joining the Pirates, Marcano reported to Indianapolis and fizzled over 48 games with the affiliate, slashing .230/.325/.279 with only six extra-base hits in 210 plate appearances.

Arcia batted .250 (8-for-32) over 14 games this spring and appears set as Atlanta's primary backup around the infield.

The defending champs have a set infield with Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson and Austin Riley, but Arcia could see action a couple times a week giving any of the latter three a breather. The 27-year-old actually spent more of his time with the team last year in left field, but with Eddie Rosario and Alex Dickerson on the roster, Arcia likely won't be needed there too often. The former Brewer managed only a .567 OPS last season, but Atlanta is hoping he can supply something closer to the .733 mark he produced over 189 plate appearances in 2020.

Manager Dave Martinez informed Strange-Gordon on Tuesday that the utility man made the Nationals' Opening Day roster, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

The 33-year-old joined Washington on a minor-league deal in December and was able to earn a roster spot by hitting .469 in 12 spring training games. Strange-Gordon didn't play in the majors last season and hit .248/.288/.370 at the Triple-A level with the Cubs, Brewers and Pirates. He'll fill a utility role with Ehire Adrianza (quadriceps) beginning the season on the injured list.

Camargo will be on the Phillies' Opening Day roster, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Camargo spent the bulk of last season in the minors, going hitless in 18 trips to the plate at the MLB level, but it was always likely he'd break camp with the Phillies after signing a big-league deal in December. He doesn't have a clear path to regular at-bats, however, as the Phillies have an extra infielder even without him after electing to break camp with both Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm.

Barrero (hand) will begin the season on the 10-day injured list, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Barrero underwent surgery on the hamate bone in his left hand in late March and was given a six-week timetable. That means he'll get to avoid the 60-day injured list, but it will still be awhile before he's ready to go. Kyle Farmer should be the everyday shortstop until he returns.

DeJong will be the Cardinals' Opening Day shortstop, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

DeJong lost his starting role to Edmundo Sosa last year amidst a down season which saw him hit .197/.284/.390. He had to win his job back this spring, but he's managed to do so, slashing .435/.536/.826 in 11 spring games. Sosa is still around and is ready to take the job back should DeJong stumble again, but DeJong should get the majority of the playing time to start the year.

Adrianza (quadriceps) will open the season on the 10-day injured list, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

The 32-year-old suffered a quadriceps strain March 31 and it now appears it will keep him out of commission for the first couple series of the 2022 campaign. When healthy, Adrianza will likely operate as super-utility option in the infield off the bench for the Nationals this season. He will look to build upon his .247 batting average and 14 extra-base hits from 2021.

Reyes was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Monday.

Reyes was unable to earn a spot on Milwaukee's Opening Day roster, so he'll begin the season at the Triple-A level. He played in 53 games for the Brewers in 2021 and hit. 256/.333/.359 with one home run, three RBI and four stolen bases in 87 plate appearances.