MLB Player News

Walker said Thursday that he underwent an ultrasound on his left oblique but is waiting for the inflammation to subside before having additional imaging done, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Walker had to be scratched from Wednesday's Grapefruit League lineup versus the Cardinals due to the oblique injury. The first baseman missed five weeks of action for the Diamondbacks with a similar injury during the second half last season, but he said Thursday that his current injury isn't as severe. A stint on the injured list to begin the season remains a distinct possibility, but more will be known about Walker's status following the additional imaging.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider plans for Guerrero to bat second and Anthony Santander to hit third this season, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Guerrero began last season in the No. 2 spot but wound up hitting third for the bulk of the campaign. Schneider has not decided on a leadoff man or cleanup hitter, noting that Bo Bichette is an option for both spots "depending on who we're facing." Seemingly, George Springer is another prime candidate to hit ahead of Guerrero.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider indicated Wednesday that he doesn't expect to use Guerrero much at third base this season, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The Blue Jays have been open to the idea of using Guerrero more at the hot corner. However, there's currently not an obvious alternative at first base to push Guerrero to third base and maximize the team's offensive potential. Vlad Jr. is still likely to make an occasional start at the hot corner, but fantasy managers shouldn't be counting on him picking up third base eligibility on platforms where he doesn't already have it.

Walker was scratched from Wednesday's lineup versus the Cardinals due to left oblique soreness, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The severity is not yet known, but any injury to the oblique is cause for concern. More information on Walker's condition should be available later Wednesday. Jon Singleton will replace Walker in Wednesday's lineup and would also likely take his spot at first base should Walker need time on the injured list at the start of the season.

Casas has been scratched from the lineup for Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates due to an illness, Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reports.

Casas is the latest victim of a bug that's been making its way through the Red Sox clubhouse. He should be ready to play in a day or two. Nathan Hickey will sub in at first base and bat cleanup Tuesday.

Mountcastle went 1-for-2 with a run scored and an RBI in Monday's Grapefruit League game against Boston.

Mountcastle is off to an encouraging start this spring, having gone 4-for-11 with three runs scored and the aforementioned RBI. The offseason departure of Anthony Santander has created an opening in the top half of Baltimore's lineup for other members of the club to fill, with Mountcastle being one of the candidates to do so in 2025. While it's unknown where Mountcastle will slot in most days, the 28-year-old slugger is slated to serve as the Orioles' primary first baseman and is making an early case to hit in the heart of the order more often than not.

O'Hearn went 1-for-3 with one strikeout in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

O'Hearn was able to get his first hit of the spring out of the cleanup spot in Baltimore's lineup, as he's now gone 1-for-12 during spring training. The 31-year-old veteran slugger is set to function as the Orioles' primary designated hitter versus right-handed pitching in 2025, but he does have 2020 first-rounder Heston Kjerstad fighting for at-bats as well. O'Hearn is likely to be on the strong side of a platoon, so he is best deployed in daily leagues or deeper formats.

Singleton made a few strong defensive plays in Friday's Grapefruit League game, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Singleton lost roughly 25 pounds this offseason and manager Joe Espada had positive remarks about Singleton's play in the field, noting that he looked more athletic and fluid at first base. His ability to field the position will be a key to earning a bench role this spring, as he had negative eight defensive runs saved in 2024 as Houston's primary first baseman. With the addition of Christian Walker, Singleton would be limited to small-side platoon at-bats at most during the regular season.

Loftin was scratched from the lineup for Sunday's Cactus League game against the Padres due to right wrist soreness.

Loftin was penciled to bat fifth as the designated hitter but will instead sit out at least one game due to the wrist injury. The 26-year-old is competing for a utility role in spring training after he posted a .518 OPS in 57 regular-season games last year.

Isaac (elbow) will start at designated hitter and bat seventh in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

He'll see his first spring game action since Feb. 21, after a sore left elbow had limited him in recent workouts. Though the elbow issue no longer seems to be affecting Isaac at the dish, it's unclear when he'll be able to complete his throwing program and resume playing first base and in the outfield. In any case, Isaac doesn't look like he'll require a season-opening stint on Double-A Montgomery's injured list since he'll be able to serve as a DH until he's fully healthy.