#designated-hitter

#designated-hitter

Munetaka Murakami is a left-handed hitting 25-year-old who has been playing in Japan's NPB-and absolutely tearing it up offensively-since he was a teenager. Recently posted by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, he's about to become a big leaguer in MLB. He has until December 22 at 5 p.m. ET to pass a physical and sign on the dotted line. He played third base in Japan and spent a bit of time at first base too.

Eldridge tore up the Double-A level this year with a .280/.350/.512 slash line (147 wRC+) in 140 trips to the plate to start the season before being promoted to Triple-A, where he spent most of the year and posted a .249/.322/.514 slash line. That was good for a wRC+ of just 105 thanks to the inflated offensive environment of the Pacific Coast League, but Eldridge's 18 homers in 66 games is hard to argue with.

It was reported that Bo Bichette will be in the lineup no matter what, with his position depending on whether Springer starts. If Springer doesn't start, Bichette will play as the team's designated hitter, meaning that he'll likely stay in the game without being pulled. With Bichette filling in as the designated hitter, it means that the Jays will likely have to turn to Isiah Kiner-Falefa to play second base, which isn't ideal.

Smith has been adamant he wants to remain as the Dodgers' catcher, even after suffering a hand injury which kept him sidelined for most of September. He didn't entertain the idea of filling in as the team's designated hitter during his recovery. "We've got a pretty good DH," Smith said, referring to three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani. "I think we're pretty set on that."

Big Vlad is back in the starting lineup. The Toronto Blue Jays primary first baseman will hit third and play as the teams Designated Hitter on Monday night when they take on the Minnesota Twins at Rogers Centre to begin a three game set.

Jesse Winker was removed from the first game of a doubleheader against the Orioles for back tightness after just one at-bat, continuing his injury struggles.

Martinez, who was a solid designated hitter for the Dodgers in 2023, has been trying to find a new team after a lackluster 2024 season affected his free agency.

"We talk, but he's my DH," Cora told reporters when asked about Devers taking ground balls.