MLB Player News

Hamilton victimized Rockies’ closer Victor Vodnik in the second inning, crushing a 431-foot (107.3 mph EV) three-run shot that gave the Brewers an early lead that they’d never relinquish. He also plated a run with a groundout in the fifth inning that increased the Brewers’ edge to 7-2. Hamilton is having a solid spring overall at the plate, hitting .265 (9-for-34) with a homer, seven RBI and four stolen bases. He’s expected to function in a utility role for the Brewers, but could be an interesting late-round speed option in deeper leagues if he finds his way into regular at-bats.

Caissie was scheduled to sit against lefty Kyle Freeland, but a late scratch to first baseman Christopher Morel thrusted Caissie into the lineup as the DH. Caissie’s first hit as a Marlin came in the bottom of the second when he doubled off of Freeland to score Xavier Edwards from first. Caissie would come around to score on the next at-bat when Javier Sanoja responded with a double of his own to put the Marlins up 2-0. Caissie had a chance to add to the Marlins’ lead in the eighth inning with two outs and a runner on third, but was called out on strikes to end the inning. We wouldn’t expect Caissie to see too many starts with lefties on the mound, but this was an encouraging outing for the 23-year-old in a spot-start situation.

It was easy to forget that Griffin had never played a game at Triple-A during all of the fanfare around him this spring. He wasted no time making an impact out of the leadoff spot with a first inning walk and stolen base before coming around to score just after. He smacked a 102 mph single through the hole later on as well and looks like he’ll be able to handle this level just fine.

Freeland walked two batters in the first inning but escaped unharmed. It would be the only two batters he walked on the evening. In the bottom of the second, however, three-straight hits surrendered to Xavier Edwards, Owen Caissie, and Javier Sanoja, plated two runs for the Marlins in the frame to give them the early 2-0 lead. Freeland again found himself in trouble in the third inning when he put runners on the corners with one out via a hit and a hit batter, but back-to-back groundballs ended that threat. He was pulled after allowing a groundball out to Jakob Marsee to start the fifth inning to, putting an end to his first start of the season. Freeland did his part to limit runners after a shaky first two innings. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday in Toronto.

Alcantara was efficient early, needing just 24 pitches to get through the first three innings while striking out two. Alcantara was on target all night and got some help from his defense when Austin Slater gunned down Jake McCarthy at home on a throw from right field to temporarily keep the Rockies off the board in the fourth inning. However, an error at third base with two outs extended the inning, while an infield single by Jordan Beck drove in the Rockies’ first run of the night to cut the Marlins’ lead to 2-1. Alcantara’s day came to an end after he struck out Brenton Doyle to end the seventh inning. He threw only 73 pitches on the day, with 49 of those going for strikes. Things couldn’t have gone much better for Alcantara, who looked every bit the ace we saw in 2022. He’ll look to build on this start on Wednesday when the Marlins play host to the White Sox.

The Astros brought Lambert in on a minor league contract early this offseason after he returned from a year with the Yakyult Swallows of Japan. Since signing him, the Astros did a lot of beef up their starting pitching depth and wound up cutting Lambert loose after he didn’t make the big league club out of spring training. Now, he’s back and will report to Triple-A as organizational depth.

Kershaw’s role with the club is mostly unknown at this point and will reportedly remain fluid, but this is a fantastic next step for the legend. Having someone with Kershaw’s experience in the building will always be a plus and it’s wonderful that he can still fulfill a role with the only team he’s even known even after his playing career ended last season.

Holliday is the last of the spring training broken hamate trio yet to return. Playing in his first rehab game is a great step towards that, poor results notwithstanding. A return to the Orioles within the next week or so when’s eligible to return from the 10-day IL looks incredibly likely. Blaze Alexander is expected to retreat to the bench when Holliday is ready to return.

After being scratched with elbow soreness on Opening Day and allegedly set for an MRI, Pavin Smith will be in the Diamondbacks’ lineup as their designated hitter on Friday. As of now, he appears to be their favorite option at that spot against right-handed pitchers. Tim Tawa will retreat to the bench with Smith’s return.

This is the first real update we’ve had on Jobe’s status in a long time. The best case scenario to his recovery from Tommy John surgery last June was likely a late season return this year and Tigers’ president of baseball operations Scott Harris said the team was hoping he could be back in September at the Winter Meetings. Progressing to long-toss is the first step in that process and the electric young right-hander could find a small role during the Tigers hopeful playoff push.

Kwan hasn’t started a regular season game in center field since his rookie year. He slid to that spot exactly one time last season and played there a good bit during spring training ahead of this season, hinting that this was something the Guardians were considering. He’s an exceptional outfielder so there’s no reason to think he can’t be at least passable there. Kwan playing center will open up left field for CJ Kayfus in this game as the Guardians try to get some more thump in their lineup.