MLB Player News

Vaughn has only one extra-base hit across 26 at-bats in Cactus League action.

Vaughn has seven hits this spring, leading to a decent .269 average. The lack of pop could be a concern, though he's been very consistent across his four big-league seasons by posting ISOs between .156 and .171 in each campaign. Vaughn doesn't appear to have much upside heading into the 2025 season -- especially considering the state of the White Sox's lineup -- but he should be a near everyday player hitting in the middle of the order.

Walker (oblique) hit in the batting cage Thursday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

It's the first time he's swung a bat since coming down with left oblique soreness last week. Walker has also gone through defensive workouts and is "coming along nicely," per Astros manager Joe Espada. It's not clear when Walker might be ready to play in games, but it shouldn't be long.

Casas went 1-for-2 with a walk and a three-run home run in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

This was Casas' second game back in Grapefruit League action after missing a week battling an illness that swept through Boston's camp. He swatted his first spring home run in the first inning. The lefty-hitting first baseman is batting .133 (2-for-15) through seven Grapefruit League games.

Isaac won't play Thursday in the Rays' Spring Breakout game against Red Sox prospects due to a sore left wrist/elbow, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Outfielder Matthew Etzel was added to the roster as a replacement for Isaac, who was reassigned to minor-league camp Sunday. Isaac first experienced soreness in his left arm in late February, resulting in him being limited to designated hitter duties in his final four Grapefruit League games prior to being reassigned. The Rays had intended to get Isaac some reps in the corner outfield in addition to first base this spring, but the elbow injury has thwarted those plans. Isaac should be ready to go for the start of the minor-league season in late March, but it's uncertain whether he'll be cleared to play first base by then.

Walker (oblique) will take infield practice Tuesday but has not yet been cleared to swing a bat, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Walker injured his left oblique a little less than a week ago, but an MRI didn't show a strain and he's easing back into baseball activities. It's not clear when he might be ready to swing a bat and play in games, but he should be able to avoid a stint on the injured list if he can avoid a setback.

Casas (illness) is starting at first base and batting third Tuesday against the Phillies, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Casas missed a week with an illness but should still have time to get ready for the start of the season. Wilyer Abreu and Roman Anthony are still sidelined with their illnesses while Rafael Devers (shoulder) is tracking towards his spring debut Wednesday.

Goldschmidt went 2-for-2 with a solo home run, an additional run and a walk Monday in a Grapefruit League win over Detroit.

The Yankees tagged Tigers starter Kenta Maeda for three first-inning homers Monday, with Goldschmidt's long ball being the second of the trio. It was the veteran slugger's second home run this spring, and he's slashing .250/.280/.542 with 10 strikeouts over nine games. Goldschmidt is slated to take over as New York's primary first baseman after signing with the organization in December.

The Rays are considering removing Diaz from the leadoff spot for the 2025 season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Diaz has spent the vast majority of the last three seasons occupying the leadoff spot in the Rays' lineup, a logical choice given his .383 on-base percentage in that span. However, the Rays are looking for ways to jumpstart their offense in 2025, which includes moving Diaz down the order to give him more opportunities to drive in runs. Despite the report, Diaz has hit from the top spot in the order in all but one of the games he has started this spring.

Loftin (illness) played three innings at third base and went 1-for-2 in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Brewers in Cactus League play.

Jonathan India drew the start at third base, but Loftin was available off the bench and made his return to action for the first time since Thursday, when he was forced out of a game against the Guardians after coming down with an illness. Now that he's healthy again, Loftin will look to close the spring on a high note with the hope of securing a reserve role on the Royals' season-opening 26-man active roster.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Casas (illness) returned to camp Sunday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Casas hasn't been included in a Grapefruit League lineup since March 2 due to a bug, but the first baseman looks like he'll begin ramping up again. The interruption in his spring routine shouldn't put Casas at any major risk of missing the Red Sox's March 27 season opener versus the Rangers.