MLB Player News

Casas and Alex Verdugo will be the preferred options in the leadoff spot against right-handed pitching, Red Sox manager Alex Cora told Ian Browne of MLB.com on Friday.

Cora will use Enrique Hernandez and Christian Arroyo at leadoff versus left-handers as he mixes and matches at the top of the batting order. Casas would have more pop than most leadoff hitters, but his excellent batting eye makes him a fit. He's reached base at a .400 clip this spring while slugging a couple dingers.

Vaughn (back) will play in a minor-league game Friday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Vaughn will be able to take as many at-bats as he needs in a controlled setting. Assuming it goes well, the first baseman could be able to play in a Cactus League during the final stretch of spring training. Vaughn has been dealing with lower-back soreness for the last week but should be ready for Opening Day as long as he can avoid setbacks.

Casas (finger) is in the lineup for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

As expected, Casas will return Thursday after missing a couple days with left fifth finger pain. The swing-and-miss in Casas' game has been prevalent this spring (11 strikeouts in 41 at-bats), but he's done damage when he's put bat to ball with five extra-base hits in exhibition play. The 23-year-old is primed to begin the season as Boston's primary first baseman.

Kirilloff (wrist) will begin the season on the injured list, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

We're barely more than a week away from Opening Day and Kirilloff still hasn't played in a Grapefruit League game, so this news doesn't come as a surprise. The good news is that he has been participating in some minor-league contests lately and has been taking live batting practice for a while. Kirilloff's stint on the injured list seems like it has the potential to be a relatively short one, but we'll have to wait and see how he progresses in the coming days and weeks. The Twins are expected to utilize multiple players at first base while Kirilloff is sidelined, with Jose Miranda, Joey Gallo and Donovan Solano among those in the mix.

Casas (finger) is slated to return to the Red Sox' Grapefruit League lineup Thursday versus the Pirates, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Casas had to be scratched from Tuesday's lineup and will remain out Wednesday due to a left pinkie injury he suffered while catching a medicine ball in the weight room, but he'll be back in there Thursday. The young first baseman has clubbed a pair of home runs this spring while putting up a .952 OPS.

The Royals optioned Pratto to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

Pratto was a solid contributor in Cactus League play before his demotion, producing a .313/.378/.438 slash over 37 plate appearances. The 24-year-old will get regular playing time at Omaha, and a strong start to his campaign in the minors could earn him a promotion over the summer, if not sooner.

Padlo was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Angels on Tuesday.

Padlo was signed in December as a non-roster invitee. The infielder has seen MLB action with four different clubs, but he has gone just 5-for-46 in his chances with those teams. He'll be a depth option with Triple-A Salt Lake, assuming he stays in the organization.

Arias has hit .350 (14-for-40) with three doubles, three RBI, 10 runs scored and four stolen bases across 15 Cactus League games.

Tyler Freeman was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, paving the way for Arias to serve as the Guardians' main utility man off the bench. Arias' bat has certainly earned him the chance to start the season at the major-league level, and his contact-and-speed approach fits well with the team. The 23-year-old slashed .191/.321/.319 with three extra-base hits and a stolen base in a 16-game sample last season.

Casas was scratched from the Red Sox's Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday because of left fifth finger pain, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

The Red Sox are calling the first baseman day-to-day, with manager Alex Cora telling Ian Browne of MLB.com he expects him back in a day or two. Casas is having a great spring, sporting a .952 OPS with two home runs.

Casas was scratched from the Red Sox's Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday due to unspecified reasons, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

It's unclear whether Casas is dealing with an injury, but that should be revealed soon. Daniel Palka took his place in the lineup.