-
Yoshinobu Yamamoto SP | LAD
Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Nabs Opening Day victory
Yamamoto (1-0) notched the win against Arizona on Thursday, allowing two runs on five hits and no walks while striking out six batters over six innings.
Yamamoto was rewarded for his MVP performance during last season's World Series with a second straight Opening Day start and guided the defending champs to a campaign-opening victory. He fell behind on a two-run Geraldo Perdomo homer in the fourth inning, but Los Angeles was able to storm back for four runs in the fifth, and the Japanese hurler otherwise kept the Diamondbacks from crossing home plate. Yamamoto threw 63 of 95 pitches for strikes while going just deep enough to notch a quality start. His second start is lined up to take place at home against Cleveland next week.
-
Ramon Laureano LF | SD
Padres' Ramon Laureano: Goes deep on Opening Day
Laureano went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's loss to Detroit.
The Padres couldn't get much going against Tarik Skubal and three other Tigers pitchers, but Laureano did connect on a 423-foot solo shot off reliever Drew Anderson in the seventh inning. That ensured the veteran outfielder had a promising beginning to the campaign after he tied a career-high mark with 24 long balls during the 2025 regular season. Laureano should have a near-everyday role in left field and could be a productive fantasy asset this season if he's able to build upon his strong 2025 showing.
-
Nick Pivetta SP | SD
Padres' Nick Pivetta: Roughed up on Opening Day
Pivetta (0-1) took the loss Thursday versus Detroit, allowing six runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four batters over three innings.
On the heels of his career-best 2025 campaign, Pivetta was awarded his first MLB Opening Day start. However, things didn't go well for the right-hander, as he gave up more earned runs Thursday than he did in all but one outing last year. Pivetta struggled from the get-go, giving up four runs in the first frame. His control was largely to blame -- Pivetta served up three free passes in that opening inning. He'll try to turn things around in his second start, which is tentatively slated to come at home against San Francisco next week.
-
Tarik Skubal SP | LAD
Tigers' Tarik Skubal: Kicks off season with victory
Skubal (1-0) earned the win over San Diego on Thursday, allowing one unearned run on three hits and no walks while striking out six batters over six innings.
Skubal already had a 4-0 lead when he took the mound in the bottom of the first inning, and the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner never let the Padres get back into the game. He didn't yield a run until the sixth frame, and that came about only after a fielding error behind him. Skubal tossed 49 of 74 pitches for strikes and racked up 11 whiffs while cruising toward a season-opening victory. It was a major improvement upon his start to 2025, when he went 0-2 in his first two outings and gave up seven runs over 10.2 frames. Skubal is tentatively slated to make his second start next Wednesday in Arizona.
-
Tanner Bibee SP | CLE
Guardians' Tanner Bibee: Leaves with shoulder inflammation
Bibee exited Thursday's start against the Mariners with right shoulder inflammation, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.
Bibee was in discomfort while warming up ahead of the bottom of the sixth inning and walked off with the training staff. The right-hander will likely undergo further testing in the coming days. Prior to leaving Thursday, Bibee allowed three runs on four hits and two walks across five innings. He struck out seven and gave up three solo home runs. It's unclear if Bibee will be able to make his next scheduled start against the Dodgers next week.
-
Chase Meidroth 2B | CHW
White Sox's Chase Meidroth: Homers on Opening Day
Meidroth went 1-for-2 with two walks and a solo home run Thursday against the Brewers.
Meidroth was one of the few bright spots for the White Sox in a blowout loss. He led off the game with his first home run of the season and also continued to showcase his ability to get on base after posting a .418 on-base percentage across 52 at-bats this spring. Meidroth led off against righty Jacob Misiorowski, and the middle infielder's skill set suggests he should continue to hit toward the top of the order and play nearly every day.
-
Nick Gonzales 3B | PIT
Pirates' Nick Gonzales: Knocks in two
Gonzales went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored Thursday against the Mets.
Gonzales started at third base and hit eighth to begin the new season. He did his damage in a late rally for Pittsburgh in the ninth inning, as he doubled in two after splitting a pair of outfielders in right-center field. Gonzales should continue to play nearly every day at third base for the time being, though his outlook could change once Konnor Griffin is in the majors.
-
Ryan O'Hearn 1B | PIT
Pirates' Ryan O'Hearn: Productive in Pirates debut
O'Hearn went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored Thursday against the Mets.
O'Hearn took Tobias Myers yard in the sixth inning to tally his first home run of 2026 as well as with the Pirates. O'Hearn led off the final frame with a single and came around to score his second run of the contest. He started in right field and hit fifth in the order, and he should continue to hold a prominent role in Pittsburgh's lineup against right-handed pitchers.
-
Jonathan Aranda 1B | TB
Rays' Jonathan Aranda: Clubs Opening Day homer
Aranda went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk and an additional RBI in Thursday's 9-7 loss to the Cardinals.
The left-handed-hitting Aranda managed to take southpaw Matthew Liberatore yard for his first long ball of the season. The first baseman hit third in his season debut, which should help his fantasy upside while occupying a premium lineup spot. Aranda was a strong four-category producer when available for the Rays in 2025, batting .316 with 14 homers, 59 RBI and 56 runs scored over 370 regular-season at-bats (106 games).
-
Pavin Smith 1B | ARI
Diamondbacks' Pavin Smith: Will have MRI on elbow
Smith will undergo an MRI on his left elbow Friday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Smith was initially in Thursday's Opening Day lineup against Yoshinobu Yamamoto but was scratched with left elbow soreness. Tim Tawa instead made the start at designated hitter and hit ninth for Arizona. Tawa, Jorge Barrosa and Ildemaro Vargas would be candidates for increased playing time if Smith needs to miss more action.