Fermin is not in the lineup for Friday's contest versus the Tigers.

Fermin was behind the dish for Thursday's opener, but he will yield to Luis Campusano for the second game of the series. The playing time between the two catchers this season will likely tilt slightly toward Fermin.

Baldwin will start at designated hitter and bat second in Friday's opener versus the Royals.

Per Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Atlanta manager Walt Weiss noted Thursday that he planned to use Baldwin at DH and Jonah Heim at catcher against left-handed pitching, and that's how things are set up Friday against Royals southpaw Cole Ragans. The left-handed-swinging Baldwin had virtually even splits in his rookie season, slashing .299/.358/.460 against lefties and .267/.336/.472 versus righties. Being used in the DH slot on days he doesn't catch is a big boost to Baldwin's counting status outlook.

The Rockies recalled Fulford from Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

He's taking the roster spot vacated by Mickey Moniak (finger). Fulford was beaten out by Brett Sullivan for the No. 2 catcher job in Colorado but will wind up making the Opening Day roster after all. With three catchers available, the Rockies could give Hunter Goodman more time at designated hitter while Moniak is shelved.

Contreras went 1-for-3 with two walks, a double, three RBI and a run scored in Thursday's 14-2 win against the White Sox.

The 28-year-old carried a hot bat during spring training with three homers and a 1.025 OPS in eight Cactus League games, and he carried over that success into Opening Day. Contreras came to the plate with the bases loaded in the second inning Thursday and cleared them with a double, and he followed with a single and a run scored in the sixth. His offensive production dipped last year with a .754 OPS in 150 regular-season games while playing through a left middle finger fracture, but Contreras is positioned to produce something closer to his career .805 OPS in 2026 now that he's healthy.

Alvarez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a second run scored in Thursday's win over the Pirates.

The 24-year-old catcher went back-to-back with rookie Carson Benge in the sixth inning off Justin Lawrence. Alvarez has been slowed by injuries the last couple seasons and hasn't come close to the 25 homers he launched in his first full big-league season in 2023, but he could be ready to put things together in 2026 if he can stay in the lineup.

Smith went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and an additional RBI in an 8-2 victory versus Arizona on Thursday.

Smith's first RBI came on an infield single in the fifth inning. He followed up that hit with a two-run blast in the seventh frame to cap the scoring in the contest. Smith probably isn't going to challenge for the NL home run crown, but he's been pretty consistent in the long-ball department with between 17 and 25 homers each of the past five regular seasons. He batted .296 across 436 plate appearances during the regular season last year and is one of fantasy's most productive backstops.

France will start at first base and bat seventh in Friday's game versus the Tigers.

After the lefty-swinging Gavin Sheets started at first base Opening Day against southpaw Tarik Skubal, the Padres will go with the right-handed-hitting France versus lefty Framber Valdez. San Diego is expected to give Sheets plenty of run at first base against lefties this season, but France and Nick Castellanos will also be in the mix at the position.

Rice is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Giants.

After going 1-for-4 with a walk and a run scored Wednesday, Rice will take a seat Friday afternoon against southpaw Robbie Ray. Paul Goldschmidt will draw the start at first base.

Caglianone isn't part of the starting lineup for Friday's game against Atlanta.

The lefty-hitting Caglianone will dodge a matchup with Chris Sale on Friday, allowing Starling Marte to draw the start in right field. Caglianone and Marte are expected to platoon to begin the season, but Caglianone could earn looks against left-handed pitching with a strong start.

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.

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).

Murakami went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and two walks in Thursday's 14-2 loss against the Brewers.

Murakami made a great impression in his big-league debut, reaching base three times and launching a 384-foot solo shot to lead off the ninth inning for his first career MLB home run. The 26-year-old also showed strong plate discipline, drawing two walks in the contest and looking comfortable at the plate on a day when Brewers pitchers recorded 20 strikeouts. The homer, which he pulled into the right-field corner, offered an early glimpse of the power that Murakami showcased in Japan, where he hit 246 home runs across eight seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball.

Julien will start at designated hitter and bat eighth in Friday's opener in Miami.

The placement of Mickey Moniak (finger) on the 10-day injured list will free up some at-bats at DH and in the outfield for the Rockies. Julien will get the first crack at DH, though the spot is likely to be a revolving door. The 26-year-old was acquired from the Twins over the offseason.

Donovan went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a double in Thursday's 6-4 loss to the Guardians.

Donovan got the Mariners offense going in his first regular-season at-bat with the team, as he led off the bottom of the first inning with a home run off Tanner Bibee, tying the game at 1-1. Donovan picked up where he left off in spring training, when he slashed .413/.491/.543 across 57 plate appearances. The 29-year-old is expected to open the year as Seattle's primary third baseman and leadoff batter.

Schneemann started in center field and went 1-for-2 with a run scored in Thursday's 6-4 win over Seattle.

Schneemann, a utility infielder that has added outfield to his resume since arriving in the majors in 2024, was a mildly surprising addition to the Opening Day lineup over Angel Martinez and prospect CJ Kayfus. Any of the three would have had a platoon advantage against Seattle righty Logan Gilbert, as Kayfus and Schneemann hit left-handed and Martinez is a switch hitter. A report from the National Daily indicates manager Stephen Vogt used Schneemann because of his experience and the matchup against the pitcher. However, Schneemann entered the game hitless over three career at-bats against Gilbert. Given the hot spring Martinez turned in and the fact that Steven Kwan saw time in center field often during spring training, Schneemann is not expected to be close to an everyday player there.

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.

Wetherholt went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 9-7 win over the Rays.

The top prospect made an immediate splash in his major-league debut, taking Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen deep in the third inning. After making St. Louis' Opening Day roster this spring, Wetherholt is set up in a favorable lineup spot right away after batting leadoff Thursday, which should aid his run-scoring potential.

Tawa started at designated hitter and went 1-for-3 in Thursday's 8-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Tawa was a late addition to the starting lineup when Pavin Smith (elbow) was scratched leading up to first pitch. Smith's injury doesn't sound serious, but it could result in more playing time for Tawa in the short term.

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), but even with Pena back in action, Paredes remains in the lineup. Houston moved 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.

Giants manager Tony Vitello said Friday that Devers has started at designated hitter in the first two games of the season in part because of lingering tightness in his left hamstring, John Shea of The San Francisco Standard reports.

Devers first tweaked his hamstring in late February, and Vitello said there's "still little bit of a feeling in there." The skipper noted that Devers is capable of handling first base, if necessary, but it sounds like the club could keep him in the DH slot for a bit longer as a precaution. Casey Schmitt has started at first base in each of the Giants' first two contests.

House went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run and a second run scored in Thursday's win over the Cubs.

The 22-year-old third baseman also struck out twice, but the contact he did make was extremely hard -- House scorched a single to center field in the fourth inning that left his bat at 106.7 mph, before crushing a first-pitch fastball from Jacob Webb in the ninth that had an exit velocity of 110.8 mph as it soared over the right-field wall. House was batting third for the Nationals on Opening Day against left-hander Matthew Boyd, and while he might slip down the lineup against righties, he'll retain a spot in the heart of the order on an everyday basis if he unlocks his power in 2026.

Bohm went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run and a walk during Thursday's 5-3 win over the Rangers.

Bohm's fantasy value appears to be on the rise right off the bat, as he hit fourth in Philadelphia's Opening Day lineup over other candidates such as Adolis Garcia and J.T. Realmuto. On top of that, Bohm is coming off a torrid spring that saw him bat .310 with three homers, two doubles and 10 RBI across 42 Grapefruit League at-bats to perhaps seize the cleanup role.

Burger went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 5-3 loss to Philadelphia.

Burger, who started at first base and batted cleanup, picked up where he left off in the Cactus League. The righty slugger posted a .327/.413/.592 slash line with four home runs and 14 RBI over 19 games in spring training. His spring production and Opening Day homer suggest a potential rebound campaign for Burger, who endured a trying 2025 season. He dealt with a couple of soft-tissue injuries and eventually underwent offseason surgery to address a condition in his left wrist that bugged him during the season.

Lewis hit eighth in the batting order and went 0-for-2 and grounded into a double play in Thursday's 2-1 loss against Baltimore. He was also hit by a pitch before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the ninth inning with the tying run on base.

Lewis struggled during spring training by hitting .133 (6 for 45) with two home runs and a .449 OPS. The third baseman was once thought to be a future star who would hit in the heart of the order, but new manager Derek Shelton moved him lower in the lineup and didn't trust him in a key spot in the ninth inning. It shows that Lewis has a way to go to get back to his promising 2023 season, when he clubbed 15 homers and had a .920 OPS in 58 games.

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.

The Marlins released Cappe on Friday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Cappe received a $3.5 million bonus from the Marlins during the 2020-2021 international signing period, but he didn't develop as hoped, slashing just .250/.296/.354in five seasons. The 23-year-old reached the Double-A level for the first time in 2025, playing in six games for Pensacola.

Schmitt will start at first base and bat seventh in Friday's game versus the Yankees.

Schmitt started at first base against lefty Max Fried in the opener and is now back at the position versus righty Cam Schlittler for the second game of the season. Meanwhile, Rafael Devers is again at designated hitter and Jerar Encarnacion is on the bench. Schmitt will likely need to get off to a hot start to remain an everyday player, but it's clear he's at least the preferred defensive option at first base for new manager Tony Vitello.

Nunez went 0-for-2 with a walk, a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base in Thursday's win over the Cubs.

Getting the start at second base and batting seventh, Nunez made an immediate impact with his speed when he drew a one-out walk and stole second in the sixth inning before scoring on a Ben Brown wild pitch. Nunez came into the season with 17 steals in 20 attempts over 90 big-league games in a utility role, giving him significant stolen-base upside if he hits enough to hang onto a starting spot at the keystone for the Nats.

Lindor went 0-for-2 with three walks and three runs scored in Thursday's win over the Pirates.

The All-Star shortstop set the table for a Mets attack that erupted for 11 runs on Opening Day and chased Paul Skenes from the game in the first inning. Lindor didn't get much of a chance to show just how much he's recovered from his mid-February hamate bone surgery, but if this performance was a preview of things to come for the new-look New York offense, he could approach the career-high 129 runs he scored back in 2018 for Cleveland.

Perdomo went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 8-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Perdomo gave the Diamondbacks the lead with his fourth-inning home run off Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but that was all the offense the team could muster. After the homer, Los Angeles pitching retired 18 of the final 19 Arizona batters. So far so good for Perdomo as he looks to prove that his breakout 2025 season (20 HR, 100 RBI) was no fluke.

Caissie will bat eighth and DH during Friday's game against the Rockies.

Caissie was left off the initial lineup due to the same-handed matchup against southpaw Kyle Freeland. However, Caissie will join the starting nine after Christopher Morel (oblique) was scratched. Morel's departure meant Connor Norby could move from DH to first base, opening the DH spot for Caissie. It'll be Caissie's Marlins debut.

Sheets is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Tigers.

The left-handed-hitting Sheets starting Opening Day versus lefty Tarik Skubal, going hitless in three plate appearances before being removed for a pinch hitter. He will take a seat in this one as the Tigers send southpaw Framber Valdez to the bump. Ty France is getting the call at first base for San Diego.

The Brewers acquired Keith from the Dodgers on Friday in exchange for cash consideration, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Keith spent the 2025 season at Double-A Tulsa, where he slashed .226/.296/.386 with 11 home runs and nine stolen bases over 89 contests. The 25-year-old can handle all three outfield spots and is likely to be assigned to Double-A Biloxi.

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.

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 on Opening Day while batting ninth.

Sanchez isn't part of the Blue Jays' starting nine for Friday's game against the Athletics.

Sanchez, after being acquired via trade in Feburary, had been in contention for the starting left field role, but the Blue Jays will opt for a different left-handed-hitting outfielder to fill the spot Friday in Nathan Lukes. Sanchez slashed just .199/.269/.342 in 48 games after being sent to the Astros midway through the 2025 campaign, and he may have some work to do in order to etch out consistent playing time with the Blue Jays.

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.

Henderson (elbow) is starting the season on the 60-day injured list at Triple-A Memphis.

Henderson reported to Cardinals camp in spring training with a flexor strain in his pitching arm and is now slated to miss at least the first two months of the minor-league season. It's unclear whether the left-hander has resumed throwing or remains shut down. Henderson had a breakout 2025 season at Double-A Springfield, holding a 2.59 ERA and 134:51 K:BB in 132 innings across 25 starts.

The Guardians believe Bibee's right shoulder injury isn't serious, but he'll be re-evaluated Friday, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Bibee was forced to depart Thursday's start in Seattle due to right shoulder inflammation that he felt while warming up prior to the bottom of the sixth inning. Even if the injury is as minor as the Guardians suspect, there's a good chance the right-hander's next start will be pushed back or skipped. Logan Allen is a likely candidate to fill in, if needed.

Gilbert allowed three runs on five hits and no walks while striking out seven batters over 5.1 innings in a no-decision against Cleveland on Thursday.

Gilbert gave up a solo homer to the second batter he faced in the game (Chase DeLauter), but he was able to get through four frames with only that tally on his line. However, he served up two more runs in the fifth inning and was pulled after retiring the only batter he faced in the sixth. Gilbert didn't get the win, but he did show good strikeout stuff with 12 whiffs and seven punchouts. The right-hander posted a career-best 11.9 K/9 last season and could be among the AL's strikeout leaders if he's able to stay healthy throughout the current campaign.

Gallen (0-1) took the loss against the Dodgers on Thursday, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two batters over four-plus innings.

Gallen looked strong through four frames, holding Los Angeles scoreless while allowing just two baserunners. However, things unraveled for him in the fifth, as he gave up a pair of singles followed by an Andy Pages homer to squander a 2-0 lead. Gallen remained in the game after the long ball, but he gave up another single followed by a walk and was subsequently pulled. Overall, he threw 47 of 76 pitches for strikes and got nine whiffs. It's an underwhelming start to the season for Gallen, who posted a career-worst 4.83 ERA in 33 starts last year.

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.

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 camp. The reliever made one appearance late in spring training, and he'll continue his rehab at Triple-A.

Sousa's oblique injury has been identified 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 after. Once healthy, Sousa should serve as one of the Astros' top relievers.

Hader (biceps) threw a bullpen 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.

Seattle recalled Wilcox from Triple-A Tacoma on Friday.

Wilcox, after initially falling short of the Opening Day roster, will join the big-league club after reliever Carlos Vargas (lat) was placed on the 15-day injured list. Wilcox has appeared in just one MLB game during his career.

The Mariners placed Vargas on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to March 24, due to a right lat strain.

Vargas threw 77 innings of relief for the Mariners in 2025 and figured to play an important role out of the bullpen once again in 2026. However, his season debut will be pushed back at least two weeks as he tends to a strained lat. Cole Wilcox was called up from Triple-A Tacoma in a corresponding move.

Alcala has opted out of his minor-league contract and will become a free agent, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports.

Alcala failed to make the Blue Jays' big-league roster and triggered the opt-out clause in his contract. The 29-year-old will now hit the open market. He appeared in 56 MLB games last season between the Twins, Red Sox and Cardinals, posting a 6.22 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 61:30 K:BB across 55 innings.

Morel was scratched from the lineup for Friday's game against the Rockies due to a left oblique strain, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Morel is set to undergo further evaluation, after which the Marlins will have more information regarding his status. In the meantime, Connor Norby will fill in as Miami's first baseman while Owen Caissie enters the lineup as the designated hitter.

McCutchen started at designated hitter and went 1-for-2 with a double in Thursday's 5-3 loss to the Phillies.

McCutchen got the start against Philadelphia lefty Cristopher Sanchez but was removed the moment a right-hander entered the game. The lefty-batting Joc Pederson pinch hit for McCutchen in the seventh inning. Those two are expected to make up a DH platoon to start the season.

Torrens has claimed a spot on the Mets' Opening Day roster, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The 29-year-old gives New York a reliable option behind Francisco Alvarez, who has had some trouble staying healthy so far in his MLB career. Torrens slashed .226/.284/.345 in 283 plate appearances last season with five homers and 29 RBI.

Vientos is not in the lineup for Thursday's opener versus the Pirates.

With right-hander Paul Skenes on the bump for the Pirates, the Mets will go with Jorge Polanco at first base and the left-handed-hitting Brett Baty at designated hitter. The right-handed-hitting Vientos is unlikely to be a strict short-side platoon bat, but he could sit regularly against tougher righties.

The Rangers selected McCutchen's contract from Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

Despite remaining unsigned through the first couple weeks of spring training, McCutchen was able to hit the ground running after joining the Rangers on a minor-league pact. Over nine games in the Cactus League, McCutchen slashed .429/.556/.714 with one home run and a 6:5 BB:K across 27 plate appearances en route to securing his spot on the Opening Day roster. The 39-year-old is likely to fill the short side of a platoon at designated hitter with the left-handed-hitting Joc Pederson, though McCutchen may occasionally see action in the corner outfield.

The Mariners selected Garver's contract from Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday.

Garver re-signed with Seattle as a non-roster invitee after camp opened and beat out Jhonny Pereda and Andrew Knizner for the backup catcher job. The 35-year-old will see some starts at catcher on days Cal Raleigh serves as the designated hitter, but Garver's playing time should be fairly limited.