MLB Injury News & Starting Lineups (April 1): Josh Donaldson Leaves With Injury; 2 Games Postponed

MLB Injury News & Starting Lineups (April 1): Josh Donaldson Leaves With Injury; 2 Games Postponed article feature image
Credit:

Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images. Pictured: Josh Donaldson

Below are the projected starting lineups for each team playing on Thursday's MLB slate. For real-time updates to these lineups, check out our Action Labs MLB lineups page.

Update, 3:15 p.m. ET: Minnesota Twins third baseman Josh Donaldson left the team's Opening Day game against the Brewers with an apparent injury. Luis Arraez moved from left field to third base and Jake Cave entered the game in left field. We'll update with Donaldson's injury status as more is known.


Update, 11:30 a.m. ET: Thursday's game between the New York Mets and Washington Nationals has been postponed because of COVID-19 issues.


Thursday's Opening Day contest between the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox has been postponed because of rain. The teams had a built-in off day on Friday and the game will simply be moved back one day. First pitch is expected for 2:10 p.m. on Friday.


The Toronto Blue Jays begin a season with high expectations against the New York Yankees in the Bronx at 1:05 p.m. ET, but they'll be without their prized offseason acquisition.

George Springer, who signed a six-year, $150 million contract in the offseason, was placed on the IL ahead of the start of the season with a Grade 2 oblique strain. Toronto manager Charlie Montoya said Springer's latest MRI showed improvement and that they hoped to have him back "as soon as possible."


The Minnesota Twins start the season in Milwaukee against the Brewers, and a National League park coupled with no DH in the National League means they will be without slugger Nelson Cruz. Third baseman Josh Donaldson is expected to play.


Be sure to check the Action Labs MLB page for real time updates throughout Opening Day.

Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees, 1:05 p.m. ET

Probable Starting Pitchers

  • Blue Jays: Hyun-Jin Ryu (L)
  • Yankees: Gerrit Cole (R)

Projected Lineups

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Cole (R)Position
Marcus SemienCF
Cavan Biggio3B
Bo BichetteSS
Teoscar HernandezRF
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.1B
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.LF
Rowdy TellezDH
Randal GrichukCF
Danny JansenC

Key Players Projected In: Hyun-Jin Ryu, Marcus Semien, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Key Players Projected Out: George Springer

New York Yankees vs. Ryu (L)Position
DJ LeMahieu2B
Aaron JudgeRF
Aaron HicksCF
Giancarlo StantonDH
Gleyber TorresSS
Gio Urshela3B
Gary SanchezC
Jay Bruce1B
Clint FrazierLF

Key Players Projected In: Aaron Judge, DJ LeMahieu, Gary Sanchez, Giancarlo Stanton, Gio Urshela, Gleyber Torres

Key Players Projected Out: None

Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers, 1:10 p.m. ET

Projected Starting Pitchers

  • Indians: Shane Bieber (R)
  • Tigers: Matthew Boyd (L)

Projected Lineups

Cleveland Indians vs. Boyd (L)Position
Jordan LuplowCF
Cesar Hernandez2B
Jose Ramirez3B
Eddie RosarioLF
Franmil ReyesDH
Josh NaylorRF
Yu Chang1B
Roberto PerezC
Andres GimenezSS

Key Players Confirmed In: Jose Ramirez

Key Players Confirmed Out: None

Detroit Tigers vs. Bieber (R)Position
Robbie GrossmanLF
Jeimer Candelario3B
Willi CastroSS
Miguel Cabrera1B
Jonathan Schoop2B
Nomar MazaraDH
Wilson RamosC
Victor ReyesRF
JaCoby JonesCF

Key Players Confirmed In: None

Key Players Confirmed Out: None

Baltimore Orioles at Boston Red Sox, PPD

Minnesota Twins at Milwaukee Brewers, 2:10 p.m. ET

Probable Starting Pitchers

  • Twins: Kenta Maeda (R)
  • Brewers: Brandon Woodruff (R)

Projected Lineups

Minnesota Twins vs. Woodruff (R)Position
Luis ArraezLF
Josh Donaldson3B
Jorge Polanco2B
Miguel Sano1B
Max KeplerRF
Byron BuxtonCF
Mitch GarverC
Andrelton SimmonsSS
Kenta MaedaP

Key Players Projected In: Josh Donaldson

Key Players Projected Out: Nelson Cruz

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Maeda (R)Position
Kolten Wong2B
Keston Hiura1B
Christian YelichLF
Avisail GarciaRF
Travis Shaw3B
Lorenzo CainCF
Omar NarvaezC
Luis UriasSS
Brandon WoodruffP

Key Players Projected In: Christian Yelich

Key Players Projected Out: None

Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 p.m. ET

Probable Starting Pitchers

  • Pirates: Chad Kuhl (R)
  • Cubs: Kyle Hendricks (R)

Projected Lineups

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Hendricks (R)Position
Adam Frazier2B
Ke'Bryan Hayes3B
Bryan ReynoldsLF
Colin Moran1B
Kevin NewmanSS
Gregory PolancoRF
Jacob StallingsC
Anthony AlfordCF
Chad KuhlP

Key Players Projected In: None

Key Players Projected Out: None

Chicago Cubs vs. Kuhl (R)Position
Ian HappCF
Willson ContrerasC
Anthony Rizzo1B
Kris Bryant3B
Joc PedersonLF
Javier BaezSS
Jason HeywardRF
David Bote2B
Kyle HendricksP

Key Players Projected In: Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Willson Contreras

Key Players Projected Out: None

Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies, 3:05 p.m. ET

Probable Starting Pitchers

  • Braves: Max Fried (L)
  • Phillies: Aaron Nola (R)

Projected Lineups

Atlanta Braves vs. Nola (R)Position
Ronald Acuna Jr.RF
Ozzie Albies2B
Freddie Freeman1B
Marcell OzunaLF
Travis d'ArnaudC
Dansby SwansonSS
Austin Riley3B
Cristian PacheCF
Max FriedP

Key Players Projected In: Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuna Jr.

Key Players Projected Out: None

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Fried (L)Position
Andrew McCutchenLF
Rhys Hoskins1B
Bryce HarperRF
J.T. RealmutoC
Alec Bohm3B
Didi GregoriusSS
Jean Segura2B
Adam HaseleyCF
Aaron NolaP

Key Players Projected In: Aaron Nola, Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Rhys Hoskins

Key Players Projected Out: None

St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds, 4:10 p.m. ET

Probable Starting Pitchers

  • Cardinals: Jack Flaherty (R)
  • Reds: Luis Castillo (R)

Projected Lineups

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Castillo (R)Position
Tommy Edman2B
Paul Goldschmidt1B
Nolan Arenado3B
Paul DeJongSS
Tyler O'NeillLF
Yadier MolinaC
Dylan CarlsonCF
Justin WilliamsRF
Jack FlahertyP

Key Players Projected In: Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt

Key Players Projected Out: None

Cincinnati Reds vs. Flaherty (R)Position
Jesse WinkerLF
Nick CastellanosRF
Joey Votto1B
Eugenio SuarezSS
Mike Moustakas3B
Nick SenzelCF
Jonathan India2B
Tucker BarnhartC
Luis CastilloP

Key Players Projected In: Eugenio Suarez, Mike Moustakas, Nick Castellanos

Key Players Projected Out: None

Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres, 4:10 p.m. ET

Probable Starting Pitchers

  • Diamondbacks: Madison Bumgarner (L)
  • Padres: Yu Darvish (R)

Projected Lineups

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Darvish (R)Position
Josh RojasSS
Ketel MarteCF
Christian Walker1B
David PeraltaLF
Asdrubal Cabrera3B
Eduardo Escobar2B
Pavin SmithRF
Stephen VogtC
Madison BumgarnerP

Key Players Projected In: David Peralta, Ketel Marte, Madison Bumgarner

Key Players Projected Out: None

San Diego Padres vs. Bumgarner (L)Position
Tommy PhamCF
Fernando Tatis Jr.SS
Manny Machado3B
Eric Hosmer1B
Wil MyersRF
Jake Cronenworth2B
Jurickson ProfarLF
Victor CaratiniC
Yu DarvishP

Key Players Projected In: Eric Hosmer, Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Tommy Pham

Key Players Projected Out: None

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies, 4:10 p.m. ET

Probable Starting Pitchers

  • Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw (L)
  • Rockies: German Marquez (R)

Projected Lineups

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Marquez (R)Position
Mookie BettsRF
Corey SeagerSS
Justin Turner3B
Cody BellingerCF
Max Muncy1B
Chris TaylorLF
Gavin Lux2B
Austin BarnesC
Clayton KershawP

Key Players Projected In: Clayton Kershaw, Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner, Max Muncy, Mookie Betts

Key Players Projected Out: None

Colorado Rockies vs. Kershaw (L)Position
Raimel TapiaLF
Josh Fuentes3B
Trevor StorySS
Charlie BlackmonRF
C.J. Cron1B
Elias DiazC
Chris Owings2B
Garrett HampsonCF
German MarquezP

Key Players Projected In: Charlie Blackmon, Trevor Story

Key Players Projected Out: None

Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins, 4:10 p.m. ET

Probable Starting Pitchers

  • Rays: Tyler Glasnow (R)
  • Marlins: Sandy Alcantara (R)

Projected Lineups

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Alcantara (R)Position
Yoshitomo Tsutsugo1B
Austin MeadowsLF
Randy ArozarenaRF
Brandon Lowe2B
Yandy Diaz3B
Kevin KiermaierCF
Willy AdamesSS
Mike ZuninoC
Tyler GlasnowP

Key Players Projected In: Austin Meadows

Key Players Projected Out: None

Miami Marlins vs. Glasnow (R)Position
Corey DickersonLF
Starling MarteCF
Jesus Aguilar1B
Adam DuvallRF
Brian Anderson3B
Jazz Chisholm2B
Jorge AlfaroC
Miguel RojasSS
Sandy AlcantaraP

Key Players Projected In: Starling Marte

Key Players Projected Out: None

Texas Rangers at Kansas City Royals, 4:10 p.m. ET

Probable Starting Pitchers

  • Rangers: Kyle Gibson (R)
  • Royals: Brad Keller (R)

Projected Lineups

Texas Rangers vs. Keller (R)Position
Isiah Kiner-FalefaSS
David DahlLF
Joey GalloRF
Nick Solak2B
Nate Lowe1B
Brock Holt3B
Eli WhiteDH
Leody TaverasCF
Jose TrevinoC

Key Players Projected In: Joey Gallo

Key Players Projected Out: None

Kansas City Royals vs. Gibson (R)Position
Whit Merrifield2B
Andrew BenintendiLF
Carlos Santana1B
Salvador PerezC
Jorge SolerDH
Hunter Dozier3B
Kyle IsbelRF
Michael A. TaylorCF
Nicky LopezSS

Key Players Projected In: Andrew Benintendi, Jorge Soler, Salvador Perez, Whit Merrifield

Key Players Projected Out: None

New York Mets at Washington Nationals, PPD

Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels, 10:05 p.m. ET

Probable Starting Pitchers

  • White Sox: Lucas Giolito (R)
  • Angels: Dylan Bundy (R)

Projected Lineups

Chicago White Sox vs. Bundy (R)Position
Tim AndersonSS
Adam EatonRF
Jose Abreu1B
Yoan Moncada3B
Yasmani GrandalC
Leury GarciaLF
Luis RobertCF
Zack CollinsDH
Nick Madrigal2B

Key Players Projected In: Jose Abreu, Tim Anderson, Yasmani Grandal, Yoan Moncada

Key Players Projected Out: Eloy Jimenez

Los Angeles Angels vs. Giolito (R)Position
David Fletcher2B
Shohei OhtaniDH
Mike TroutCF
Anthony Rendon3B
Justin UptonLF
Albert Pujols1B
Jose IglesiasSS
Max StassiC
Dexter FowlerRF

Key Players Projected In: Anthony Rendon, Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani

Key Players Projected Out: None

Houston Astros at Oakland Athletics, 10:07 p.m. ET

Probable Starting Pitchers

  • Astros: Zack Greinke (R)
  • Athletics: Chris Bassitt (R)

Projected Lineups

Houston Astros vs. Bassitt (R)Position
Jose Altuve2B
Michael BrantleyLF
Alex Bregman3B
Kyle TuckerRF
Carlos CorreaSS
Yordan Alvarez1B
Yuli Gurriel1B
Myles StrawCF
Martin MaldonadoC

Key Players Projected In: Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve

Key Players Projected Out: None

Oakland Athletics vs. Greinke (R)Position
Mark CanhaLF
Ramon LaureanoCF
Matt Olson1B
Matt Chapman3B
Mitch MorelandDH
Jed Lowrie2B
Sean MurphyC
Chad PinderRF
Elvis AndrusSS

Key Players Projected In: Matt Chapman, Matt Olson

Key Players Projected Out: None

San Francisco Giants at Seattle Mariners, 10:10 p.m. ET

Probable Starting Pitchers

  • Giants: Kevin Gausman (R)
  • Mariners: Marco Gonzales (L)

Projected Lineups

San Francisco Giants vs. Gonzales (L)Position
Austin SlaterLF
Mike YastrzemskiRF
Donovan Solano2B
Evan Longoria3B
Brandon Belt1B
Wilmer FloresDH
Buster PoseyC
Brandon CrawfordSS
Mauricio DubonCF

Key Players Projected In: None

Key Players Projected Out: None

Seattle Mariners vs. Gausman (R)Position
Mitch HanigerRF
Ty FranceDH
Kyle Seager3B
Evan White1B
Taylor TrammellCF
Dylan Moore2B
Jake FraleyLF
Tom MurphyC
J.P. CrawfordSS

Key Players Projected In: Mitch Haniger

Key Players Projected Out: None

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