Alfonso Rivas
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2024Stars1866613115017160000.1970.2930.318
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Mar 23 2024The Cardinals optioned Rivas to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas only managed seven hits in 36 at-bats during his first spring with the Cards while driving in three RBI and scoring six runs. The 27-year-old also only carried a .229 batting average across 48 major-league games last season, but his average jumped up to .332 over 58 games in Triple-A.
Mar 14 2024Rivas has gone 3-for-26 (.115) over 15 Grapefruit League games. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas' hold on a 40-man roster spot is tenuous at best after being waived by three teams in the offseason. He's stuck around with the Cardinals for a while, but his poor hitting in the spring has left him with little chance of leapfrogging Alec Burleson for a spot as a backup first baseman/outfielder. Rivas hit a poor .229 with a .725 OPS over 48 games between the Pirates and the Padres last season.
Jan 29 2024The Cardinals claimed Rivas off waivers from the Angels on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Even though spring training games are still about three weeks away, Rivas has already been well traveled this offseason. After being booted off the Pirates' 40-man roster shortly following the regular season, Rivas has been claimed and waived by both the Guardians and Angels before catching on with St. Louis on Monday. The Cardinals cleared room on the 40-man roster for Rivas by designating outfielder Moises Gomez for assignment, but the 27-year-old first baseman could be at risk of being cut once again if St. Louis needs to open up another roster spot at any point in the near future. Even though he was frequently shielded against left-handed pitching this past season, the lefty-hitting Rivas still finished with an unremarkable .229/.303/.422 slash line over 123 big-league plate appearances between the Padres and Pirates.
Dec 22 2023The Angels claimed Rivas off waivers from Cleveland on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas will switch teams for the second time this winter after being claimed and later DFA'd by the Guardians earlier in the offseason. The 27-year-old Rivas will compete with Nolan Schanuel for reps at first base during spring training after slashing .229/.303/.422 with 15 RBI across 123 plate appearances last season.
Dec 15 2023The Guardians designated Rivas for assignment Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas was pushed off the 40-man roster in order to clear room for Austin Hedges, who officially signed with the Guardians on Friday. Rivas slashed .229/.303/.422 across 123 plate appearances with the Pirates and Padres last season, and he could potentially attract interest on the waiver wire from teams looking for options at first base.
Nov 2 2023The Guardians claimed Rivas off waivers from Pittsburgh on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas slashed .229/.303/.422 across 123 major-league plate appearances in 2023. He likely won't get the majority of reps at first base with Josh Naylor already in Cleveland, but Rivas could certainly contend for a spot on the bench next season.
Sep 23 2023Rivas went 3-for-5 with a double, a run and five RBI in a 13-12 win over the Reds on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After the Pirates fell behind 9-0 through three frames, Rivas put Pittsburgh on the board with an RBI single in the fourth. He then came through with two clutch hits later in the contest, clearing the bases and tying the score with a three-run double in the seventh and adding an RBI single in the eighth. The five RBI were one more than Rivas had collected in his previous 29 games combined coming into Saturday. This was also his first multi-hit game since Aug. 28.
Sep 22 2023Rivas remains out of the lineup Friday versus the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas sat against a righty Thursday and will remain on the bench to begin Friday's game with left-hander Andrew Abbott set to take the mound for Cincinnati. The left-handed-hitting Rivas has gone 3-for-18 (.167) with five strikeouts this year against southpaws.
Sep 21 2023Rivas isn't in the Pirates' lineup Thursday against the Cubs, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas will sit out Thursday after going 3-for-14 with a homer and two RBI across his last five games. Jared Triolo will instead start at first base while batting sixth.
Sep 20 2023Rivas is absent from the lineup Wednesday versus the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Connor Joe will start at first base and bat cleanup with left-hander Justin Steele toeing the slab for Chicago. Rivas has batted .167 with a .445 OPS in only 19 major-league plate appearances against lefties this year.
Sep 17 2023Rivas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game versus the Yankees, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas has a .721 OPS through 13 games in September and will head to the bench Sunday with southpaw Carlos Rodon pitching for New York. Jared Triolo will take over at first base and bat seventh.
Sep 11 2023Rivas is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though he'll hit the bench Monday against southpaw Patrick Corbin, the lefty-hitting Rivas may have recaptured a strong-side platoon role at first base. He started in each of the Pirates' last three matchups with right-handers, going 1-for-8 with a walk and a stolen base.
Sep 3 2023Rivas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas will take a seat for the second day in a row while the Pirates oppose another lefty (Zack Thompson) in the series finale. The righty-hitting Connor Joe will spell the lefty-hitting Rivas at first base.
Aug 29 2023Rivas went 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI on Monday against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas has split starts at first base with Connor Joe evenly across the last 12 games. He's struggled to collect hits consistently since joining the Pirates on Aug. 3 by going 11-for-53, though seven of his 11 knocks have gone for extra bases. Rivas had one of his more productive games in the last month, which was highlighted by an RBI double in the eighth frame.
Aug 29 2023Rivas went 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI on Monday against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas has split starts at first base with Connor Joe evenly across the last 12 games. He's struggled to collect hits consistently since joining the Pirates on Aug. 3 by going 11-for-53, though seven of his 11 knocks have gone for extra bases. Monday, Rivas had one of his more productive games in the last month, which was highlighted by an RBI double in the eighth frame.
Aug 26 2023Rivas isn't in the Pirates' lineup Saturday against the Cubs, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With left-hander Jordan Wicks making his MLB debut Saturday, the lefty-hitting Rivas will take a seat to begin the game. Connor Joe will fill in at first base and bat fourth while Josh Palacios starts in right field.
Aug 23 2023Rivas is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Rivas will give way to platoon mate Connor Joe at first base while southpaw Zack Thompson toes the rubber for St. Louis. Since being acquired from the Padres on Aug. 1, Rivas has struggled to a .186/.308/.395 batting line thus far during his time in Pittsburgh.
Aug 21 2023Rivas is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cardinals, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas will hit the bench for the third straight game while the Pirates face a left-handed pitcher (Drew Rom) for the second consecutive day. Connor Joe will step in for the lefty-hitting Rivas as the Pirates' starting first baseman.
Aug 20 2023Rivas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Rivas will get a second straight day off, this time against southpaw Dallas Keuchel after he was on the bench for Saturday's 7-4 win while right-hander Sonny Gray took the hill for Minnesota. Since joining the Pirates in an Aug. 1 deadline deal with the Padres, Rivas is hitting just .179 in 15 games. His ongoing struggles could prompt the Pirates to pull the plug on him as a strong-side platoon player at first base and instead install the right-handed-hitting Connor Joe as a full-time option at the position.
Aug 19 2023Rivas isn't in the Pirates' lineup Saturday against Minnesota, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas will take a day to regroup after going 0-for-18 at the plate across his last seven games. Connor Joe will step in as Pittsburgh's first baseman and bat sixth.
Aug 15 2023Rivas is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Connor Joe will play first base and bat cleanup for the Pirates as they take on left-hander David Peterson. Rivas holds a brutal .120 batting average and .316 OPS in 57 career major-league plate appearances versus lefties.
Aug 12 2023Rivas isn't in the Pirates' lineup Saturday against the Reds, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Left-hander Brandon Williamson is starting on the mound for the Reds, so the left-handed bat of Rivas will take a seat to begin Saturday's game. Connor Joe will start at first base instead and bat fourth.
Aug 9 2023Rivas is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Rivas will hit the bench Wednesday while Atlanta brings southpaw Max Fried to the bump. Platoon mate Connor Joe will get the starting nod at first base and will bat cleanup.
Aug 7 2023Rivas is out of the lineup for Monday's game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being acquired from the Padres and activated by the Pirates, Rivas started at first base in each of his first four games with Pittsburgh while going 4-for-14 with three extra-base hits and a pair of walks. He should be in line for the majority of the starts at first base when the Pirates face right-handed pitching, but Rivas will give way to Connor Joe on Monday even with a righty (Spencer Strider) taking the hill for Atlanta. Pirates manager Derek Shelton may have just wanted to reward Joe with a second straight start after Joe came through with a clutch solo home run in Sunday's win over the Brewers.
Aug 6 2023Rivas will start at first base and bat third in Sunday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas will receive his fourth consecutive start after going 3-for-11 with a home run, a triple, two walks, three RBI and an additional run in his first three contests with the Pirates. He looks set to occupy the strong side of a platoon at first base with Connor Joe now that Carlos Santana and Ji-Man Choi are playing elsewhere in the aftermath of Tuesday's trade deadline.
Aug 4 2023Rivas went 3-for-5 with a three-run homer and a triple in Friday's victory against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas put the Pirates on the board early with his three-run shot in the first inning. It was his second game with Pittsburgh after being dealt by the Padres before the trade deadline. He's slashing .261/.346/.565 through 26 MLB plate appearances. Rivas is expecting to get a bulk of the playing time at first base for the Pirates down the stretch.
Aug 1 2023Rivas was traded from the Padres to the Pirates on Tuesday along with Jackson Wolf and Estuar Suero in exchange for Ji-Man Choi and Rich Hill, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Rivas and Choi essentially switching spots, it's possible Rivas could see a significant uptick in playing time in the short term. The 26-year-old first baseman has a career .245/.330/.323 slash line with four home runs and six steals in 127 games. Rivas has long been known for his strong command of the strike zone in the minor leagues, but he has never been able to tap into the requisite power of a traditional big-league first baseman. He's slashed .332/.462/.582 with nine home runs, eight steals and a .400 BABIP this year in the Pacific Coast League.
Jul 18 2023San Diego recalled Rivas from Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas played well in a brief stay on the Padres' major-league roster back in early June and has delivered a stellar .332/.462/.582 batting line with nine homers and eight steals in 58 games this season at the Triple-A level. The 26-year-old might get looks at DH against right-handed pitching after Rougned Odor was designated for assignment Tuesday as part of a parade of roster moves.
Jun 13 2023Rivas was optioned Tuesday to Triple-A El Paso, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Nelson Cruz (hamstring) is back from the injured list in a corresponding move. Rivas, 26, went 2-for-7 with a double during his short stay on the Padres' major-league roster. He'll return to a shiny .319/.440/.571 slash line at Triple-A.
Jun 2 2023Rivas had his contract selected from Triple-A El Paso by the Padres on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas will join the Padres in San Diego ahead of their four-game series with his former team, the Chicago Cubs. The 26-year-old has produced a .319 average with eight homers, 33 RBI, 40 runs and four stolen bases over 163 at-bats with El Paso this season. In a corresponding move, Jose Azocar was sent down to Triple-A on Friday.
Dec 23 2022Rivas was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas slashed .235/.322/.307 and drove in 25 RBI over 287 plate appearances last season while playing first base in the majority of Chicago's games. As someone who doesn't hit the ball that hard and tends to strike out quite a bit, he may not be suited for a contributing role in the majors, though he has found success in Triple-A. The move comes as a result of the Cubs claiming Anthony Kay off waivers from the Blue Jays.
Oct 5 2022Rivas is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After going 0-for-5 with two walks while starting the past two games, Rivas will take a seat in the season finale. David Bote will spell Rivas at first base.
Oct 1 2022Rivas isn't starting Saturday against Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas has started against just three left-handed pitchers this year, and he'll be on the bench for a third consecutive game with southpaw Nick Lodolo starting for the Reds. David Bote is taking over at first base and batting seventh.
Sep 30 2022Rivas will sit Friday versus the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas will remain on the bench for a second game in a row Friday. P.J. Higgins will replace him at first base and bat eighth against Cincinnati.
Sep 29 2022Rivas is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas has been the Cubs' primary first baseman in September, but he will be held out Thursday with manager David Ross loading up on right-handed hitters against Phillies southpaw Ranger Suarez. David Bote will cover first base in Rivas' place.
Sep 24 2022Rivas isn't starting Saturday against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas started the last two games and went 2-for-8 with a run, a steal and a strikeout. Jared Young is taking over at first base and batting eighth Saturday.
Sep 22 2022Rivas went 1-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base in a 3-2 win Thursday in Pittsburgh. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas singled, stole second and scored in the seventh and executed a sacrifice bunt in the ninth. It was his sixth stolen base of the season and third since Sept. 8. Since being recalled by the Cubs on Aug. 27, he's compiled a .275/.351/.333 line. Just 10 of his 55 hits this season have gone for extra-bases and his .079 ISO is unlikely to be enough to secure him a starting role at first base in future seasons.
Sep 21 2022Rivas isn't starting Wednesday against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas has started against just three left-handed pitchers this season, and he'll get a breather with southpaw Jesus Luzardo on the mound Wednesday. P.J. Higgins is starting at first base and batting seventh.
Sep 19 2022Rivas is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas went 2-for-7 while making a pair of starts against right-handed pitchers to close out the Cubs' weekend series with the Rockies, but he'll take a seat Monday with right-hander Edward Cabrera on the hill for Miami. P.J. Higgins will step in at first base, but Rivas still looks to be the preferred option in a crowded group at the position that also includes Jared Young and Patrick Wisdom.
Sep 14 2022Rivas is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas went 5-for-20 with a triple, two walks and two stolen bases while starting each of the past six games at first base, but he'll give way to P.J. Higgins in the series finale while lefty David Peterson takes the hill for the Mets. Both Rivas and Higgins could lose out on playing time at the position in the near future if the Cubs decide to give Patrick Wisdom more work at first base following his recent return from the injured list.
Sep 11 2022Rivas went 2-for-4 with a triple and a run scored in Saturday's loss to the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas, who was recalled from Triple-A Iowa at the end of August, has been seeing regular playing time at first base recently. Saturday marked his fifth start there over the last six games, and he responded with his second triple of the season. Rivas may sit against lefties moving forward, though it looks like he'll play regularly against righties.
Sep 7 2022Rivas isn't starting Wednesday against Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas started the last three games but will head to the bench with southpaw Mike Minor on the mound for the Reds. P.J. Higgins is starting at first base and batting eighth.
Aug 30 2022Rivas is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Rivas is on the bench against a right-hander (Kevin Gausman), perhaps hinting that he won't be part of a strict platoon at first base with P.J. Higgins while Patrick Wisdom (finger) is on the injured list. In his first three games since being called up from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Rivas went 3-for-6 with a run scored.
Aug 28 2022Rivas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty-hitting Rivas, who was called up from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, is expected to occupy the large side of a platoon at first base following Patrick Wisdom's (finger) placement on the injured list in a corresponding move. With southpaw Eric Lauer on the hill for Milwaukee in the series finale, Rivas will give way to the righty-hitting P.J. Higgins at first base.
Aug 27 2022Rivas was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas spent two weeks in the minors but will rejoin the Cubs after Patrick Wisdom (finger) was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday. Rivas hit .232 with three home runs, 24 RBI, 19 runs and three steals over 71 big-league games earlier this year and will compete with P.J. Higgins for playing time at first base in Wisdom's absence.
Aug 13 2022Rivas was returned to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas was called up as the 27th man for Thursday's Field of Dreams Game against the Reds, but he'll head back to the minors following the matchup. Over 16 games in Iowa this year, he's slashed .344/.394/.508 with a home run, 11 runs and eight RBI.
Aug 11 2022Rivas was recalled from Triple-A Iowa to serve as the 27th man for Thursday's Field of Dreams Game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas was demoted to Iowa in late July but will rejoin the big-league club Thursday. The 25-year-old has a .232/.313/.316 slash line in 201 plate appearances this season and is likely to return to Triple-A after the contest.
Jul 31 2022The Cubs optioned Rivas to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll surrender his spot on the 26-man active roster to utility man Zach McKinstry, whom the Cubs acquired from the Dodgers on Saturday. Rivas had been serving as the Cubs' primary starting first baseman against right-handed pitching since the middle of June, but he's turned in an unremarkable .232/.313/.316 slash line across 201 plate appearances with the big club. His demotion should pave the way for Frank Schwindel to see most of the reps at the position.
Jul 28 2022Rivas isn't starting Thursday's game against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas went 1-for-5 with a double, a walk and two strikeouts over the last two games but will get a breather with left-hander Alex Wood on the mound Thursday. Frank Schwindel is shifting to first base while Yan Gomes starts behind the dish.
Jul 25 2022Rivas will start at first base and bat eighth in Monday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas looked primed to lose playing time when Frank Schwindel was activated from the injured list shortly before the All-Star break, but manager David Ross has been able to find more frequent work for both players by handing fewer starts to Yan Gomes, who appears to have settled back in as the team's No. 2 catcher. With Willson Contreras handling more work behind the plate of late, Rivas will be able to stay in the lineup at first base for the third time in four games, while Schwindel serves as the Cubs' designated hitter.
Jul 17 2022Rivas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though the lefty-hitting Rivas is on the bench with New York bringing a lefty (David Peterson) to the hill, Rivas' time as the Cubs' primary first baseman looks to be over in any case. Frank Schwindel (back), who was reinstated from the injured list Thursday, will be making his third consecutive start to close out the Cubs' first-half schedule and should serve as the Cubs' main option at the position moving forward.
Jul 10 2022Rivas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Dodgers have brought left-handed pitchers to the hill for each of the final three games of the series, with the lefty-hitting Rivas having now taken a seat on each occasion. David Bote will fill in at first base Sunday in place of Rivas, who should be back in the lineup Tuesday against the Orioles. Baltimore is expected to bring right-hander Jordan Lyles to the hill for that contest.
Jul 8 2022Rivas isn't starting Friday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas has started against just two southpaws this season, and he'll get a breather with left-hander Tyler Anderson on the mound Friday. P.J. Higgins is starting at first base and batting seventh.
Jul 1 2022Rivas is not in the starting lineup for Friday's contest against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas will be on the bench for a second consecutive game after he had started the previous five. P.J. Higgins will draw another start at first base and bat seventh in the series opener. With Frank Schwindel (back) still on the 10-day injured list without a timetable for his return, Rivas and Higgins will likely continue splitting time at first base.
Jun 30 2022Rivas isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against Cincinnati, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas started in the last five games and went 4-for-18 with two runs, two RBI, a stolen base, a walk and five strikeouts during that span. P.J. Higgins is starting at first base and batting seventh Thursday.
Jun 23 2022Rivas knocked a two-run single and stole a base in his lone plate appearance against the Pirates on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas didn't start the contest, but he was called upon to pinch hit in the eighth inning. The 25-year-old came through with a clutch single that plated two runs and gave Chicago a short-lived lead. Since being recalled from the minors June 18, Rivas has gone 7-for-18 (.389) with a home run, seven RBI and five runs in six games.
Jun 22 2022Rivas went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and five RBI in Wednesday's win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The home run was a memorable one, as Rivas went deep in the ninth inning with the bases loaded. It was the third home run of the season for the 25-year-old and the first grand slam of his career. Rivas spent some time at Triple-A Iowa recently, but with Frank Schwindel (back) landing on the injured list, the former may see more playing time in the short term.
Jun 20 2022Rivas will start at first base and bat ninth in Monday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After going 3-for-6 with a walk and two runs scored in the Cubs' final two games of their weekend series with Atlanta, Rivas will stick in the lineup for the third contest in a row. He looks like he'll serve as the Cubs' primary first baseman while Frank Schwindel (back) is on the 10-day injured list.
Jun 18 2022Rivas was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas was sent to the minors last week but will rejoin the Cubs after Frank Schwindel (back) was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday. Although Rivas' playing time in the majors dropped before being sent to Iowa, he's starting at first base and batting eighth Saturday and should have a chance to carve out at-bats in Schwindel's absence.
Jun 10 2022Rivas was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas held the starting job at first base for Chicago earlier this season, but he'll head to the minors while in the midst of a 1-for-22 slump, during which he's struck out nine times. Overall this year the 25-year-old has a .194/.296/.301 slash line in 38 games.
Jun 7 2022Rivas is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas is on the bench for the fifth time in six games after producing a lowly .455 OPS dating back to May 1. Frank Schwindel has since recaptured the Cubs' primary first-base job, and the Cubs are likely content to rotate a number of different players at the designated-hitter spot rather than clearing out everyday at-bats for the struggling Rivas.
Jun 4 2022Rivas isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas entered Saturday's matinee as a defensive replacement in the top of the ninth inning, but he'll remain out of the lineup once again to close out the doubleheader. Frank Schwindel is starting at first base while Willson Contreras serves as the designated hitter.
Jun 2 2022Rivas isn't starting Thursday's game against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas drew two starts against left-handed pitchers over the last three games, but he'll get a breather with southpaw Matthew Liberatore on the mound for the Cardinals on Thursday. Frank Schwindel is shifting to first base while P.J. Higgins takes over behind the dish.
May 29 2022Rivas is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Even with a right-hander (Dylan Cease) toeing the rubber for the White Sox, the lefty-hitting Rivas will find himself on the bench in the series finale. Rivas has gone 0-for-8 over the Cubs' past two games to drop his average for May down to .148, and he could be in danger of losing out on a regular spot in the lineup once the Cubs return Jason Heyward (illness) from the COVID-19-related injured list and Nick Madrigal (back) from the 10-day IL.
May 24 2022Rivas is starting at first base and batting seventh Tuesday against the Reds, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old was absent from Chicago's initial lineup, but he'll join the starting ninth with Tuesday's designated hitter, Yan Gomes, a late scratch with an oblique issue. Rivas is 3-for-26 with 12 strikeouts across his past 10 games.
May 21 2022Rivas isn't starting Saturday against Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas has gone 0-for-11 with a run, two walks and six strikeouts over the last four games, and he'll get a breather with left-hander Madison Bumgarner starting for the Diamondbacks on Saturday. Frank Schwindel will start at first base while Willson Contreras serves as the designated hitter.
May 19 2022Rivas isn't starting Thursday against Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Right-hander Zac Gallen is starting for the Diamondbacks on Thursday, but Rivas will get a day off after going 0-for-6 with a run, two walks and three strikeouts over the last two games. Frank Schwindel will start at first base while Yan Gomes enters the lineup behind the dish.
May 16 2022Rivas isn't starting Monday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas will take a seat for the second time in the last three games since left-hander Dillon Peters is on the mound for Pittsburgh on Monday. Frank Schwindel will start at first base and bat cleanup.
May 14 2022Rivas will sit Saturday against Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas appears to have moved into the large side of a platoon role at first base, but he'll sit here even with righty Zac Gallen on the mound for Arizona. Frank Schwindel starts at first base.
May 11 2022Rivas went 1-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and two RBI in Wednesday's win over the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas got off to a scorching hot start to the season, though he had cooled down some to begin May. Before Wednesday's contest, the 25-year-old was batting just .118 this month with nine strikeouts in seven games. Rivas still seems to be on the strong side of a first base platoon with Frank Schwindel, but the former could lose playing time if he cools down too much.
May 9 2022Rivas will sit Monday against the Padres, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas hasn't started against a southpaw all season, a trend which will continue here against MacKenzie Gore. Frank Schwindel will get the start at first base.
May 7 2022Rivas will remain on the bench for the second half of Saturday's doubleheader against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs' commitment to keeping Rivas out of the lineup against lefties apparently outweighs their desire to avoid having too many players start twice in one day. Rivas was on the bench against southpaw Clayton Kershaw in the first game of the day and will remain there against Tyler Anderson in the nightcap. Frank Schwindel remains the starter at first base.
May 3 2022Rivas will start at first base and bat leadoff in Tuesday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas will be making his second straight start out of the leadoff spot after going 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Sunday's 2-0 win over the Brewers. He'll also be making his fourth start in the past five games, signaling that he's moved into a near-everyday role at first base. Frank Schwindel has seen more opportunities at designated hitter as a result, making Rafael Ortega the primary loser with Rivas' role increasing.
May 1 2022Rivas went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Sunday's 2-0 win over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs found just enough offense to win against Milwaukee ace Corbin Burnes, and Rivas helped lead the way from the leadoff spot. The 25-year-old has been a pleasant surprise so far this season with a .429 batting average and 1.139 OPS through nine games. Rivas has started three of the team's last four contests, with the exception being a Saturday matchup against Brewers' lefty Eric Lauer. A first-base platoon seems to be forming in Chicago, with the left-handed hitting Rivas on the strong side. Frank Schwindel will likely be the preferred option against southpaws and can also serve as the DH when Rivas starts, which was the alignment Sunday.
Apr 23 2022Rivas went 3-for-6 with a three-run home run and five total RBI in Saturday's win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs exploded for 21 runs, but Rivas hit the only home run for Chicago in the second inning. It was the first long ball of the season for the 25-year-old, who now has a robust 1.182 OPS, albeit in just 11 at-bats. The regular playing time isn't there yet for Rivas, but he could potentially earn an expanded role at some point.
Apr 22 2022Rivas was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas spent just under a week in the minors, but he'll now rejoin the Cubs after Clint Frazier (appendicitis) was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday. Rivas has appeared in two major-league games this year and has gone 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI. He'll serve in a depth role while Frazier is unavailable.
Apr 16 2022Rivas was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas earned an Opening Day roster spot but didn't have a path to regular at-bats, going 2-for-4 at the plate in limited action. He'll play regularly in the minors as he waits for his next chance. Mark Leiter's contract was selected in a corresponding move.
Apr 7 2022Rivas has officially made the Cubs' Opening Day roster. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas will benefit from the expanded April rosters, as the Cubs will open the year with 14 hitters and 14 pitchers. The 25-year-old isn't a big prospect but hit .318/.388/.409 in his 18-game debut last season after slashing .284/.405/.411 for Triple-A Iowa. He doesn't have an obvious path to playing time but could make the occasional start at first base or the corner outfield.
Apr 6 2022Rivas was spotted at Wrigley Field on Wednesday and could make the Opening Day roster if the Cubs keep 14 position players, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It sounds like the roster breakdown could determine Rivas' fate. If the Cubs opt for 15 pitchers and 13 position players, the 25-year-old might not make the cut. But selecting one extra hitter might keep Rivas in the majors. He likely won't play a ton even if he does stick around, but Rivas offers some interesting offensive potential if his role expands. The season starts Thursday and that will bring more clarity on how Rivas fits in.
Apr 3 2022Rivas has been playing well this spring and could make the Opening Day roster, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Through 11 games of Cactus League action, Rivas is batting .391 with a 1.109 OPS. The 25-year-old is on the Cubs' 40-man roster, so the team could more easily keep him around as a reserve infielder to begin the season. Rivas also has options remaining, so Chicago could move him between the majors and Triple-A Iowa as needed. Right now, it doesn't look like Rivas will play enough to have much fantasy appeal, but he could be intriguing if his role expands.
Mar 19 2022Rivas (finger) is starting Saturday's Cactus League game against the Padres, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas missed the final few weeks of the 2021 season after he tore a tendon in his right middle finger in late September, but he completed his rehab in December and had a relatively normal offseason. He'll start at first base and bat fifth against San Diego.
Nov 11 2021Rivas is expected to complete rehab on his finger in December and will have a normal offseason thereafter, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas tore a tendon in his right middle finger in late September and was quickly ruled out for the season. However, it appears as if the injury won't cause any long-term issues, as he is expected to return to full health in plenty of time for spring training, Prior to going down with the injury, Rivas hit .318/.388/.409 across 49 plate appearances in his major-league debut.
Oct 3 2021The Cubs transferred Rivas (finger) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas had already been ruled out for the season after landing on the 10-day IL on Sept. 21 with an injury to his right middle finger. His move to the 60-day IL frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for minor-league catcher Tyler Payne, who will serve as the backup to starter Erick Castillo in Sunday's season finale in St. Louis. The transaction won't affect Rivas' recovery timeline, as the 25-year-old rookie is expected to be in line for a relatively normal offseason.
Sep 21 2021Rivas (finger) will miss the rest of the season after being placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas is eligible to return for the final few games of the season, but the tendon injury in his right middle finger will instead end his campaign. The 25-year-old appeared in 18 games during his first taste of big-league action and hit .318/.388/.409 with one homer, three RBI and seven runs. Assuming he's healthy in time for spring training, Rivas should have a chance to earn a spot on Chicago's Opening Day roster in 2022.
Sep 14 2021Rivas went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's win over the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rivas took Philadelphia starter Kyle Gibson deep in the fifth inning for his first MLB home run in his 13th career game. The 25-year-old made his second straight start Tuesday and should see increased playing time in the outfield moving forward with Jason Heyward (concussion) landing on the 7-day injured list. Rivas posted an .816 OPS at Triple-A this year across 58 games and is worth a look if he's able to carry over some success in the majors.
Aug 29 2021Rivas will start at first base and bat eighth in Sunday's game against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old Rivas was recalled from Triple-A Iowa before Saturday's game but did not appear in the contest. He'll now make his MLB debut Sunday after slashing .284/.405/.411 with four home runs, 32 RBI and 35 walks in 237 plate appearances for Iowa. Rivas will give the Cubs some depth at first base, though Frank Schwindel has emerged as the starter there in the wake of the Anthony Rizzo trade.
Aug 28 2021The Cubs selected Rivas' contract from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old has enjoyed a strong offensive season in Iowa, hitting .284/.405/.411 with four home runs, 32 RBI and 35 walks in 237 plate appearances. With the Cubs, Rivas will be primed to make his major-league debut. He'll to provide first base and corner outfield depth for however long he remains on the major-league roster.
Jun 5 2018The A's have selected Rivas with the 113th overall pick in the 2018 first-year player draft.Rivas demonstrated impressive on-base and contact skills during his time at Arizona, though he has yet to consistently display the slugging production organizations typically look for from corner-infield prospects. Fortunately for the lefty-hitting Rivas, his 5-foot-11, 180-pound build gives him a solid framework from which to tap into more power. Additionally, the competence he showed as a corner outfielder during his college career will give him a degree of utility if his bat doesn't play up enough for an everyday role at first base.