MLB Player News

Lively will start Thursday's season opener versus the Royals in Kansas City, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Lively had been expected to make his 2025 debut during the Guardians' second series next week in San Diego, but he'll instead draw the Opening Day nod after Tanner Bibee was scratched from the assignment due to a stomach illness. The 33-year-old right-hander will be pitching on five days' rest after covering six innings and 81 pitches in his final Cactus League start March 21.

The White Sox placed Thorpe (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for outfielder Travis Jankowski, whose contract was selected in a corresponding move. Thorpe will miss all of the 2025 season while he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

Seager (calf) will start at designated hitter and will bat second in Thursday's season opener versus the Red Sox.

Though Seager's availability for Opening Day wasn't in much doubt after he took live batting practice Wednesday without incident, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy was unsure whether the five-time All-Star would be able to play shortstop Thursday while he manages a sore calf. Per Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com, Seager was able to do some light running in the outfield earlier Thursday, but the Rangers ultimately chose to exercise some caution by deploying him in a non-defensive role in the first game of the season. Josh Smith will draw the start at shortstop in the opener, but Seager could resume playing in the infield at some point this weekend.

The White Sox placed Ramos on the 10-day injured list Thursday due to a right elbow strain.

Ramos came into spring training with elbow soreness and ultimately wasn't able to avoid the IL. He's eligible for activation next week, but it's not clear how long he might be sidelined.

Moncada (thumb) is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game against the White Sox.

Moncada made enough improvement with his right thumb to be included on the Angels' Opening Day roster, but he is not in the lineup for the opener. It's possible he'll be ready to play Saturday following Friday's off date for the Halos. Luis Rengifo is at third base and Tim Anderson is at second base Thursday.

Walker (oblique) will start at first base and bat cleanup in Thursday's season opener versus the Mets, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Walker didn't make any Grapefruit League appearances after March 2 due to left oblique soreness, but he resumed taking swings in batting practice nearly two weeks ago and was able to get in some competitive at-bats in minor-league games this past weekend. The first baseman also played the field in a simulated game Monday, clearing up most of the concern about his health heading into Opening Day. The Astros are counting on Walker providing some thump in the middle of the order after Houston traded away Kyle Tucker and let Alex Bregman walk in free agency this offseason.

Bibee has been scratched from his scheduled start Thursday against the Royals due to acute gastroenteritis, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Bibee is recovering from a bout with food poisoning and will get some extra time off to recuperate. Ben Lively will be pushed up in the pitching schedule and will get the Opening Day nod in place of Bibee, who could still make his season debut later on in the three-game series in Kansas City, depending on how quickly he bounces back from the stomach bug.

The White Sox selected Maton's contract Thursday.

The 28-year-old made the Opening Day roster as a utility player, though it wouldn't be surprising if he ends up getting a look as a near-everyday player early on in the season in the wake of his huge spring. Over his 43 plate appearances in the Cactus League, Maton slashed .289/.357/.632 with four home runs. Second base or shortstop would likely represent the clearest path for Maton to see playing time.

The White Sox selected Jankowski's contract Thursday.

Despite not joining the White Sox until mid-March after the Cubs granted him his release earlier in spring training, Jankowski was able to secure an outfield job with the South Siders. Unless the White Sox commit to right-handed hitters Austin Slater and Michael Taylor as full-time starters in the outfield while Mike Tauchman (hamstring) is on the injured list to begin the season, the lefty-hitting Jankowski could be a candidate to handle a large-side platoon role in the early going.

The White Sox selected Clevinger's contract Thursday.

Clevinger attended spring training as a non-roster invitee but quickly solidified his spot in the White Sox's Opening Day bullpen after excelling in camp as he made the transition from starting to relieving. Over his six Cactus League outings, Clevinger didn't allow a run while striking out eight and allowing three hits and one walk over six innings. The veteran righty looks to be a strong candidate to open the season as Chicago's closer, though manager Will Venable has previously suggested that he could use multiple relievers in save situations.