MLB Player News

Guerrero hit his first Grapefruit League home run of the spring Friday against the Tigers, crushing a line drive 412 feet to center field that left his bat at 111.2 mph, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. "He just feels good about himself right now," said Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo after the game. "He's in great shape. He had a great offseason. Not only that, in the intrasquad game we had yesterday, he hit two home runs. His last five at-bats have been hard-hit balls like that. We know what he can do, so that's a good sign for all of us."

The 21-year-old came to camp in much better physical condition in an effort to prove he can handle third base defensively, but a slimmed-down Guerrero has looked great at the plate as well, going 5-for-12 so far with four walks and only one strikeout. Friday's homer was his first extra-base hit in Grapefruit League action however, and it remains to be seen whether improved fitness will help him solve the launch-angle issues that have prevented him from blossoming as expected in the majors.

Tellez has continued to focus on improving his approach with two strikes after chopping his strikeout rate nearly in half in 2020, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Working with Blue Jays special assistant Dante Bichette last year, Tellez saw his strikeout rate drop to 15.7 percent after he'd whiffed at a 28.4 percent rate in 2019, and putting more balls in play allowed his natural power to surface more often. "He's going to hit home runs on accident," Bichette said this week. "He doesn't have to try to. He can hit a line drive out of the park; he can pop up a ball out of the park. To me ... his goal was to put the ball in play more often and just square the ball up more often. And he's done that so far. Since we've worked together, he's been really good." Regular at-bats could be tough to come by for Tellez with Vladimir Guerrero at first base and DH being used to occasionally give starters at other positions a partial rest, but if the 25-year-old shows that last season's .283/.346/.540 line was no fluke, Tellez is capable of bashing his way into a consistent spot in the lineup.

Cronenworth has logged time at first and second base during spring training, and he is expected to spend some time in the outfield as well, according to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com.

Cronenworth emerged as San Diego's primary second baseman last season, but the team's offseason acquisition of Ha-seong Kim is likely to result in a split in playing time at the position between the pair in 2021. As such, Cronenworth could move around more defensively, including logging time in the outfield -- which he has not yet done in his professional career. The 27-year-old is a solid defender and showed his versatility last season by spending time at all four infield positions, so he is a logical candidate to fill a super-utility role for the Padres. Cronenworth is slashing .375/.412/.438 through seven Cactus League games, giving manager Jayce Tingler ample reason to get his bat into the lineup on a near-everyday basis.

Detroit manager A.J. Hinch said Torkelson will continue to play regularly in Grapefruit League games despite his struggles at the plate, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Torkelson, the No. 1 pick of the 2020 draft, is 0-for-15 this spring with nine strikeouts. "We're gonna keep rolling him out there and getting him some experience," Hinch said. "He wants to make a big impression, and it feels like it's piling up on him, but we still think he's a pretty good player." Torkelson could begin the season at High-A West Michigan, and he has the talent and pedigree to turn things around in a hurry and start piling up hits.

Higgins could serve as the Cubs' backup catcher if Austin Romine (knee) remains sidelined into the regular season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Romine's knee sprain isn't thought to be too serious, but the team hasn't provided any timeline for his return, so Higgins could emerge as the backup to Willson Contreras, though veteran Jose Lobaton is also an option. Manager David Ross referenced Higgins' ability to play multiple infield positions, which could help him earn a roster spot. However, if Romine gets healthy, Higgins will likely start the season with Triple-A Iowa.

Rizzo said he is "very optimistic" about reaching a contract extension with the Cubs during spring training, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The star first baseman is set to become a free agent next offseason unless he and the Cubs agree on an extension. Rizzo is currently playing on a $16.5 million team option for the 2021 season, and he'll be looking to bounce back after his OPS dipped to .756 during the shortened 2020 season, his lowest mark since 2013.

Casas received full clearance to participate in all activities and could play in a spring game this weekend, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Casas had been away in Boston for a non-baseball medical issue and recently cleared intake protocols. The plan will be to get him at-bats during Cactus League games before the well-regarded prospect is reassigned to minor-league camp.

Voit went 1-for-3 with an RBI in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Voit missed a few games due to a sore right knee, but the issue was clearly minor given the slugger's ability to play -- albeit at DH -- Thursday. Voit felt well enough to test the knee on a tag-up from second base following a flyball to left, and though he was thrown out, he appeared to come out of it none the worse for wear. Per Marly Rivera of ESPN.com, Voit will have a planned day off Friday.

Torkelson went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

Through seven games this spring, Torkelson is 0-for-13 with eight strikeouts. There will be better days ahead for the uber-talented 21-year-old, but he clearly needs a little seasoning in the minors. Torkelson could begin the season at High-A West Michigan and potentially move up the ladder fairly quickly if he performs well.

Smith is expected to play in left field during Friday's spring game against Miami, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith had been serving as the designated hitter for the Mets over the past week as the team brought him along slowly to begin spring training. He'll make his first defensive appearance in Friday's matchup since the Mets want to give him ample playing time at his primary position ahead of Opening Day. The 25-year-old has gone just 1-for-11 with a two-run homer and six strikeouts over his first four Grapefruit League games.