MLB Player News

Strickland signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Friday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Strickland gave up one earned run over five innings this spring with the Angels, and after exploring his options in free agency, he'll now return to the organization. The 37-year-old righty has turned in a 3.30 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 95.1 innings since he originally joined the Halos in 2024, and he could be welcomed back into the big-league bullpen if he bounces back nicely in Triple-A from the season-ending shoulder injury he suffered last July.

Keith is out of the lineup for Friday's game against San Diego.

The ascension of Kevin McGonigle has nixed Keith's opportunity to land a regular role at third base. While the Tigers found a spot for Keith at designated hitter on Opening Day, the 24-year-old is out of the starting nine Friday as Gleyber Torres serves as the DH and Zach McKinstry plays second base. McGonigle, after going 4-for-5 in the opener, is manning third once again.

De Los Santos (knee) will make a rehab appearance at Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

De Los Santos opened up the season on the 15-day injured list because of a right knee strain he sustained at the start of spring training. The reliever made one appearance late in camp, and he'll continue his rehab at Triple-A.

Sousa's oblique injury has been diagnosed as a Grade 1 strain, and he isn't expected to miss more than the minimum 15 days, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Sousa was officially placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, and further testing showed he's not dealing with a severe injury. While he may not be ready for activation immediately after the minimum 15 days, he should be back shortly thereafter. Once healthy, Sousa will likely serve as one of the Astros' top relievers.

Hader (biceps) threw a bullpen session Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Hader's scheduled bullpen seemingly went as planned, which means the veteran lefty is still on schedule. Astros general manager Dana Brown said Thursday that Hader will begin facing hitters by mid-April, so he's still a ways away from returning.

Paredes will bat third and DH in Friday's game against the Angels.

Paredes started at third base on Opening Day due to the absence of Jeremy Pena (finger), and even with Pena back in action, Paredes remains in the lineup. Houston will move Yordan Alvarez to left field to avoid a same-handed matchup between Joey Loperfido and Halos starter Yusei Kikuchi. While Paredes may not have an everyday role, he could force his way into the lineup if his bat gets hot.

Loperfido isn't part of the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels.

Loperfido will avoid a matchup with left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, which means Yordan Alvarez will draw a start in left field and Isaac Paredes will DH. Loperfido went 2-for-4 with a double on Opening Day.

The Orioles signed Baz to a five-year, $68 million contract extension Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Baz was traded to Baltimore this offseason after delivering a 4.87 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP and a 176:64 K:BB across 166.1 innings in 2025 at Tampa Bay. Now, the talented 26-year-old right-hander has a long-term home with the Orioles, where he'll look to improve upon his 2025 campaign. He's slated to make his season debut Sunday against the Twins.

Meyers is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Angels.

Meyers will cede center-field duties to Brice Matthews on Friday. Meyers went 0-for-3 with a strikeout and a walk while batting ninth on Opening Day.

Pena (finger) is leading off and playing shortstop Friday against the Angels.

Pena was held out on Opening Day, but he's back in action for game No. 2. His return to the lineup pushes Carlos Correa to third base, while Isaac Paredes moves to DH and Yordan Alvarez fills left field. Pena sustained a fractured finger March 4.