MLB Player News

The Rays assigned Lowe to their alternate training site Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lowe is one of the Rays' top power bats at any level of the system, but he wasn't an ideal fit for a bench role with two other lefty-hitting first basemen in front of him on the depth chart (Ji-Man Choi and Yoshi Tsutsugo). The Rays have ample depth at every position on the roster, so it could require multiple absences from lineup regulars before Lowe gets another look as a strong-side platoon bat.

Wade has made Minnesota's 30-man Opening Day roster, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Wade could get playing time in center field if Byron Buxton (foot) isn't able to play in the first few games. Wade could get regular playing time if Buxton is out for an extended period, but the Twins would likely use a mix of Jake Cave, Marwin Gonzalez and Wade to fill Buxton's spot. When Buxton returns, Wade will be a defensive replacement and pinch runner off the bench.

The Tigers reassigned Dixon to their alternate training site in Toledo on Thursday.

Though he led the Tigers with 15 home runs in 2019, Dixon was still a below-league-average hitter (86 wRC+) and didn't provide much value in the field. The Tigers non-tendered him over the winter before bringing him back on a minor-league deal, but he was unable to win a utility job with the club coming out of summer camp.

Rizzo (back) went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's scrimmage against the Twins.

Rizzo has been dealing with back problems for most of summer camp and recently missed some exhibition contests, but he looked comfortable in his return to the lineup. The 30-year-old seems ready to go for the regular season, though his back will be worth monitoring during a condensed schedule that is light on off days.

Bell hit his second summer-camp homer Wednesday against Cleveland.

The 27-year-old has hit home runs from both sides of the plate in the three-game set against the Indians. Bell batted fifth as the team's designated hitter Wednesday, with Jose Osuna playing at first base. Pittsburgh is looking for a repeat start similar to 2019 from the slugger. Through the team's first 60 contests last year, Bell slashed .333/.398/.685 with 18 homers and 52 RBI.

Blandino was optioned to the Reds' alternate training site Wednesday. C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

The 27-year-old was attempting to secure a spot on the roster in a utility role, but the Reds' offseason upgrades and current good health allows the team to put their priorities elsewhere. Blandino appeared in 23 games in the majors last season and had a .250/.420/.361 slash line in 50 plate appearances, and he could still make his way back to the big club at some point during the shortened season.

Hiura (arm) is starting at second base and batting third in Wednesday's exhibition game against the White Sox.

The 23-year-old was scratched from an intrasquad game with right arm fatigue a week ago, but his presence in Wednesday's lineup indicates it won't impact his availability for Opening Day. Hiura's should remain near the top of the lineup for the Brewers after slashing .303/.368/.570 with 19 home runs and 23 doubles in 84 games as a rookie in 2019.

O'Hearn (illness) has resumed baseball activities, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

O'Hearn tested positive for COVID-19 in early July, but he appears to be on the right track as he's been cleared to take part in baseball activities. Although he hasn't been activated from the COVID-19 injured list, the 26-year-old will work out at the satellite camp as he returns to full strength, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. If O'Hearn isn't ready to take the field for Opening Day on Friday, Ryan McBroom could take over at first base.

Rizzo (back) will bat second and play first base in Wednesday's final exhibition game against the Twins, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Rizzo has been dealing with back problems for most of summer camp, an issue that isn't new for him. He took live batting practice Tuesday and will get some game action in Wednesday. If he gets through the exhibition contest without issues, expect him to be on the field for Friday's Opening Day game against the Brewers.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Walker (groin) is expected to be ready for Friday's opener in San Diego, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Walker took at-bats at Chase Field on Tuesday but has not yet run the bases. He remains behind in Arizona while the rest of the team is preparing in Southern California.