MLB Player News

Lowe went 1-for-3 with a double in Monday's spring game against the Angels.

Lowe is 3-for-15 through six Cactus League games, and all three hits are doubles. While he was unable to repeat his 2022 Silver Slugger Award last season, Lowe remains a good contact hitter that sits in the middle of a productive Texas lineup. The first baseman should see a good share of opportunities with runners in scoring position.

Naylor has gone 5-for-13 over five Cactus League games.

Naylor's five hits are all singles, and he's added three RBI so far. With Kyle Manzardo likely to start 2024 at Triple-A Columbus, Naylor's starting role between first base and designated hitter looks safe for now. Naylor broke out last year, batting .308 with an .843 OPS, 17 home runs, 97 RBI, 52 runs scored and 10 stolen bases over 121 contests. Depending on where Ramon Laureano ends up playing, there could be room for Naylor and Manzardo to coexist in the lineup at some point.

Casas went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts in Saturday's spring game against Washington.

Casas made his Grapefruit League debut after an illness delayed his appearance in game action. His timing may be off, which would explain the two punchouts.

Pratto is not projected to make the Royals' roster, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Pratto is blocked at first base by Vinnie Pasquantino and doesn't have enough experience in the outfield yet to be a realistic option there, especially with the competition for the extra outfielders expected to be strong. Nelson Velazquez is also expected to be the primary designated hitter, and Nick Loftin, who is also not included in Rogers' projection, offers more infield versatility. It's an uphill battle ahead for Pratto, who slashed a meager .232/.307/.353 with seven home runs and 35 RBI last year.

Dalbec is not projected to make the Opening Day roster in the latest roster projection from Ian Browne of MLB.com.

While the Red Sox have exposed Dalbec to the outfield, he had been expected to back up Triston Casas at first base. That all changed when Boston inked C.J. Cron to a minor-league deal with an invite to camp Friday. If Cron passes a physical, he could serve as the right-handed complement to Casas.

Casas (illness) is in the lineup for Saturday's split-squad game against the Nationals, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Having kicked the flu, Casas can now resume his preparations for the start of the 2024 season. Expectations are high for Casas entering his age-24 campaign after he hit .317/.417/.617 with 15 homers in the second half last year.

Rizzo went 2-for-2 with a walk, two home runs and five RBI in Friday's Grapefruit League win over Toronto.

Rizzo ended last season on the 60-day IL due to a concussion, but Yankees manager Aaron Boone said in early December that the veteran first baseman was expected to be fine for spring training. That has proven to be the case, as Rizzo has played in four Grapefruit League contests so far and is slashing .429/.600/1.429 with the pair of homers and six RBI over 10 plate appearances. Rizzo will be looking to bounce back in 2024 after playing in just 99 contests last year and posting a .706 OPS, his lowest mark since his 49-game stint as a rookie with the Padres in 2011.

Vaughn focused on adding strength and improving his agility this offseason, Scott Merkinof MLB.com reports.

Vaughn detailed that he worked with bands and focused on improving his footwork while eating better. He played a full season at first base for the first time in 2023, which also helped him post a career-best 615 plate appearances, and his offseason work could further improve his durability. Vaughn has yet to take a significant step forward from a skills perspective and has maintained a near identical line across the last two campaigns.

Loftin is preparing to fill a utility role in 2024, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Loftin has played all around the infield in his minor-league career, so it's not too much of a defensive adjustment. He's also working on the back fields in the corner outfield. Without a defined position, it's tough to see Loftin getting more than a short-side platoon role to begin the year. That said, the versatility will be valuable to help him stick in the majors. He hit .323 with an .803 OPS over 68 plate appearances in his first big-league audition last year. Those numbers, especially fueled by a .392 BABIP, likely won't last over a longer sample, but he can still be a useful bench bat and defender even if he is a little less consistent.

Cron signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The Red Sox had been looking for someone to compete with Bobby Dalbec for a role as a right-handed slugger off the bench, and Cron fits the bill. He slashed just .248/.295/.434 with 12 homers in 278 plate appearances last year while battling nagging back issues, so the 34-year-old is not a great bet to be healthy or effective. However, there's no risk in seeing what he might have left in the tank on a minor-league deal. Cron does not figure to be a major threat to Triston Casas' playing time at first base.