MLB Player News

The Rays placed Aranda (finger) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Aranda is expected to be out until at least early May after having surgery March 21 to insert a pin in his fractured right ring finger. The 25-year-old had been slated to open the season as Tampa Bay's primary designated hitter against right-handed pitching, and he should eventually reclaim that role once healthy.

Manager Ron Washington confirmed Tuesday that Sano has made the Angels' Opening Day roster, Greg Beacham of The Associated Press reports.

Sano signed a minor-league contract with the Angels in January and was reported to have lost 58 pounds entering spring training. He did not play professional baseball last season but did suit up for Estrellas Orientales in the Dominican Winter League before spring training. Sano posted a .778 OPS with 30 home runs across 532 plate appearances in 135 games for the Twins during his last full season in 2021, and he'll break camp with the Angels despite mustering a .200/.298/.400 slash line, albeit with three home runs, this spring. Sano is expected to see most of his playing time at designated hitter as the Angels attempt to address the void created by the departure of Shohei Ohtani.

Guerrero is expected to open the season batting second for the Blue Jays, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

The overwhelming majority of Guerrero's starts last season came from the third (110 games) or fourth (36 games) spots in the Toronto batting order. However, manager John Schneider basically confirmed Tuesday that he planned to slide Guerrero up to the No. 2 hole in between George Springer and Bo Bichette. Justin Turner will follow them in the cleanup spot.

Walsh is expected to be named to the 26-man roster Tuesday, Dave Sessions of MLB.com reports.

Walsh and Justin Foscue battled it out during spring training -- each recorded more than 50 plate appearances during Cactus League games -- but the Rangers are apparently leaning toward Walsh, a non-roster invitee that needs to be added to the 40-man roster. That much was confirmed Monday, when the transactions page of MiLB.com posted the Rangers had optioned Foscue to Triple-A Round Rock. Ultimately, it was Walsh's wealth of experience at first base that was the deciding factor. With Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) set to open the season on the injured list, the Rangers wanted a more experienced first baseman, and Foscue only started playing there this spring. The right-handed hitting Ezequiel Duran will serve as the backup and possible platoon mate for the lefty-swinging Walsh. Texas faces left-hander Justin Steele on Opening Day, which may dictate that Duran draws the start in that matchup.

Dalbec appears to have won a spot on the roster, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Confirmation of Boston's 26-man roster is still pending, but the Red Sox released Dalbec's main competition, C.J. Cron, on Sunday. The team could still be in the market for right-handed complement to Triston Casas at first base, although manager Alex Cora told reporters that there is a "good chance" Dalbec sticks. He finished the Grapefruit League batting .255 (12-for-47) with three home runs and nine RBI. His position versatility could be helpful, as Dalbec can play both corner infield spots.

Votto (ankle) is likely to stay back in extended spring training at the start of the season, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Votto has made improvement with his right ankle injury but has yet to resume full baseball activities, though manager John Schneider said Monday that the veteran first baseman could do so within the next few days, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. The 40-year-old is likely to be assigned to Triple-A Buffalo once healthy, with the hope that he can eventually earn a look with the big club.

Rizzo (lat) will start at designated hitter and bat cleanup for the Yankees in Monday's game against the Mets, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Rizzo had to be scratched from the lineup Friday due to some lat tightness, but he's feeling well enough to hit Monday and should be fine to play first base in Thursday's opener in Houston. The 34-year-old has looked sharp at the dish this spring, sporting a 1.189 OPS with two home runs.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Sunday he expects Rizzo (lat) to be available for Thursday's Opening Day matchup with the Astros, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

The veteran first baseman recently expressed confidence that he'd be available for the season opener, and Boone is now reinforcing that idea. Rizzo was scratched from Friday's spring lineup due to lat tightness, and it's not surprising the Yankees are exercising caution in the lead-up to Opening Day.

Manager Matt Quatraro informed Loftin that he made the Royals' Opening Day roster, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports Saturday.

Loftin will provide cover all around the infield. His best chance for playing time early in the season is at second base, as Michael Massey (back) is set to begin the season on the injured list. Loftin provides a right-handed bench bat for the Royals, so he shouldn't be expected to see more than a short-side platoon role initially. Loftin has hit .325 over 16 Cactus League games, displaying his solid contact-hitting skills.

Schanuel (back) is starting in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Athletics, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Schanuel has been out of action since Monday due to back tightness, but the issue appears to have subsided ahead of Saturday's contest. Schanuel is 10-for-41 this spring with a homer and four RBI, and he should be ready to start at first base on Opening Day now that his back issues are seemingly behind him.