MLB Player News

Ellis was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Thursday.

Ellis made his major-league debut in 2021, but he failed to land a spot on Arizona's Opening Day roster this year after he went 2-for-15 with a run, two walks and six strikeouts across eight Cactus League appearances. He'll work on developing with Reno and will be an option of fill in as infield depth for the Diamondbacks during the regular season.

O'Hearn (groin) will bat third while serving as the Royals' designated hitter in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Giants.

O'Hearn's return to the lineup supports the notion that the Royals' decision to remove him from Tuesday's game against the Mariners was mostly a matter of caution while he dealt with a left groin injury. The 28-year-old has enjoyed a red-hot spring with 10 hits -- including a pair of home runs -- across 20 at-bats.

Lowe is expected to be the Opening Day cleanup hitter, Chris Halicke of SI.com reports.

The lefty-hitting Lowe is nice fit between two righties -- Mitch Garver and Adolis Garcia. The caveat with that strategy is that the jury is still out on whether Lowe mash like a traditional corner infielder and cleanup hitter. There's untapped potential in the bat, and Lowe has hinted at it during spring games. He's slashing .381/.381/.571 over 21 at-bats across seven games. Lowe's batted third, fourth or fifth in Cactus League contests.

Vaughn (hip) was able to take a limited number of swings in the batting cage Wednesday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Vaughn's availability for Opening Day is still up in the air after the White Sox announced Monday that the 23-year-old is tending to a right hip pointer that will keep him from playing for 1-to-2 weeks. Though his status may not become clearer until next week, Vaughn's ability to do at least some baseball activity Wednesday is a positive sign. For what it's worth, Vaughn also noted that he feels "tenfold better" Wednesday compared to earlier in the week.

Manager David Bell said Wednesday that Solano (hamstring) will begin the regular season on the injured list, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Solano sustained a left hamstring injury Tuesday against the Rangers and feels slightly better Wednesday, but he'll still be held out to begin the regular season. An exact timetable for his return isn't yet clear, though manager David Bell suggested that Solano's stint on the IL "may not be very long," per Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer. Solano was expected to be a fixture in the lineup against left-handed pitching, but his absence could clear the way for the righty-hitting Brandon Drury to make the Opening Day roster as a utility man.

White (groin) had successful sports hernia surgery and is expected to be out for the foreseeable future, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The 26-year-old suffered the injury Thursday and was able to get surgery to correct the issue relatively quickly. White is likely to be placed on the 60-day injured list, while Ty France is now solidified as the starting first baseman for the Mariners heading into the 2022 season.

Solano (hamstring) isn't starting Wednesday's Cactus League game against Oakland.

Solano left Tuesday's game with a left hamstring issue, and he'll be held out of the starting lineup Wednesday. The severity of the injury isn't yet known, and it's unclear whether he'll be available off the bench against Oakland.

O'Hearn (groin) isn't starting Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Giants.

O'Hearn was removed from Tuesday's matchup as a precautionary measure, and he'll be held out of the starting lineup Wednesday. He'll have just over a week to return to full health prior to Opening Day.

Detroit general manager Al Avila said he wants Torkelson to make the team out of spring training and help the Tigers push toward the playoffs, Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com reports.

"We want them to make the team," Avila said of Torkelson and fellow top prospect Riley Greene. "That would mean they've been successful and are in a position to help us make the playoffs this year." Avila added that service-time concerns won't factor into the decision, so if Torkelson looks ready, he figures to make the Opening Day roster. The 22-year-old is batting .286 through nine Grapefruit League games with an .851 OPS, so the performance has been there so far.

O'Hearn left Tuesday's Cactus League game with a left groin injury and is considered day-to-day.

O'Hearn's removal from the contest was labeled a precaution, so it doesn't appear to be a serious injury. Still, any injury this close to Opening Day is noteworthy, and he'll have just over a week to get back on the field before the start of the regular season April 7.