MLB Player News
-
Kevin Ginkel RP | ARI
Diamondbacks' Kevin Ginkel: Takes loss Friday
Ginkel (0-1) allowed one run on two hits over one inning, picking up the loss in Friday's game against the Dodgers.
Ginkel was handed a tough assignment in his first appearance of the season, entering a tie game in the eighth inning with a switch hitter and two lefties due up. The Diamondbacks have an all-righty bullpen, and manager Torey Lovullo tabbed Ginkel is one of the relievers designated to get lefties. He gave up a leadoff double to Alex Freeland and a run-scoring single by Kyle Tucker two batters later. Ginkel will be part of a late-game crew along with Ryan Thompson, who pitched the seventh inning Friday, and Paul Sewald, who has yet to pitch.
-
Sandy Alcantara SP | MIA
Marlins' Sandy Alcantara: Sharp in win over Rockies
Alcantara (1-0) allowed an unearned run on four hits and two walks over seven innings in Friday's 2-1 win over Colorado. He struck out five.
The veteran right-hander didn't give up an extra-base hit in an impressive effort to begin the season, firing 49 of 73 pitches for strikes. Alcantara struggled early last season in his return from Tommy John surgery, but he seemed to turn a corner in August, posting a 2.68 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 52:10 K:BB over his final eight starts and 53.2 innings in 2025. He seems to have carried that form into 2026, and his next outing lines up to be a clash with the White Sox at home next week.
-
Enmanuel De Jesus RP | DET
Tigers' Enmanuel De Jesus: Earns first MLB win Friday
De Jesus (1-0) worked around a hit to toss a scoreless inning of relief and earn the win in Friday's 5-2 victory over the Padres. He struck out two.
After starter Framber Valdez covered six solid innings, De Jesus got the seventh and kept things rolling for the Detroit pitching staff. The lefty is back in the majors for the first time since a brief appearance in 2023, and his win in relief Friday marked his first ever at the MLB level. De Jesus looked good for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, and if he can carry over that success into the regular season, he could emerge as a trusted bullpen option for the Tigers in 2026.
-
Kyle Freeland SP | COL
Rockies' Kyle Freeland: Inefficient in Friday's loss
Freeland (0-1) took the loss Friday as the Rockies fell 2-1 to the Marlins, giving up two runs on five hits and two walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out two.
The veteran southpaw limited the damage against him, but Freeland needed 81 pitches (53 strikes) to record 13 outs before getting lifted. Freeland's been a fairly reliable innings eater for Colorado, averaging 27 starts and about 145.1 innings over the last five seasons, but his 4.82 ERA and 1.43 WHIP during that time aren't just a product of calling Coors Field home. He lines up to make his next start on the road next week against the Blue Jays.
-
Kerry Carpenter RF | DET
Tigers' Kerry Carpenter: Reaches twice from leadoff spot
Carpenter went 0-for-3 with two walks and a run scored in Friday's 5-2 win over the Padres.
For the second game in a row to start the year, Carpenter found himself in the leadoff spot for Detroit. He's yet to get a hit while striking out five times, but the Tigers clearly have confidence in the 28-year-old as a key offensive catalyst. Carpenter batted leadoff 41 times for Detroit during the 2025 regular season, though he most frequently batted third. A regular switch to the No. 1 spot could allow the outfielder to score more runs but might also reduce his RBI output.
-
Gleyber Torres 2B | DET
Tigers' Gleyber Torres: Reaches four times in win
Torres went 1-for-2 with three walks and two runs scored in Friday's 5-2 win over the Padres.
Back in his familiar No. 2 spot in the lineup this season, Torres is quickly displaying the patience at the plate that makes him a good fit for the role. The infielder has already walked four times in two games versus just one strikeout. As someone who sees the ball well and knows how to get on base, Torres could be in line to score a lot of runs this year batting ahead of the likes of Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson and potential breakout candidate Kevin McGonigle.
-
Ryan Thompson RP | ARI
Diamondbacks' Ryan Thompson: Works back-to-back days
Thompson threw a scoreless seventh inning in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Dodgers.
Thompson made quick work of the Dodgers, needing just seven pitches (all strikes) to retire the side in order. He's worked both regular-season games thus far and has retired all six batters faced. The right-hander is in the mix for save opportunities and will generally appear in high-leverage situations.
-
Pavin Smith RF | ARI
Diamondbacks' Pavin Smith: Makes season debut
Smith started at designated hitter and went 0-for-2 with two walks and a run scored in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Dodgers.
Smith returned from an elbow issue that got him scratched from Thursday's season-opener. The lefty-batter should be in the lineup whenever Arizona faces a right-hander, either at DH or first base. The switch-hitting Carlos Santana has started the first two games at first base.
-
Kyle Manzardo 1B | CLE
Guardians' Kyle Manzardo: Serves as DH again
Manzardo started as the designated hitter and went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in Friday's 5-1 loss to the Mariners.
Manzardo has been stuck at DH the first two games of the season, both coming against right-handed starters. The right-handed batting Rhys Hoskins started at first in both games. There was some thought that Manzardo would see more time at first base this season with Carlos Santana no longer around, but those plans apparently changed when the Guardians signed Hoskins after training camp started.
-
Steven Kwan LF | CLE
Guardians' Steven Kwan: Gets first start in center field
Kwan started in center field and went 2-for-4 in Friday's 5-1 loss to the Mariners.
Kwan made his first start of the regular season in center field after being exposed to the new position during spring training. His move to center cleared the way for prospect CJ Kayfus to operate in left field.