Gattis activated off disabled list

Astros slugger Evan Gattis, who last year led the club in triples (11), homers (25) and RBIs (88), was activated from the disabled list following Houston’s 8-2 win over the Royals on Monday night. He will rejoin the club for Game 2 of the series on Tuesday. Infielder Matt Duffy was optioned to Triple-A Fresno to make room.

Murphy’s power surge no accident

Daniel Murphy keeps hitting like it’s October 2015. The second baseman — who briefly turned into Babe Ruth during last year’s postseason — collected two hits including a home run in Monday’s 6-4 Nationals win to raise his batting average on the season to .471 (8-for-17).

Hit parade: Cards deck Crew in home opener

A Cardinals offense that broke out for 31 runs during a weekend series sweep returned home on Monday and battered Brewers pitching with a barrage of extra-base hits. There were 10 in total, sending the Cardinals to a 10-1 victory that extended the home opener festivities well beyond the scheduled pregame ceremonies.