MLB Player News

Schanuel (back) could play in Saturday's Cactus League game against the A's, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Schanuel was a late scratch Monday due to back tightness but is closing in on his return to game action. The 22-year-old should be ready for Opening Day as long as he can return to the field within the next handful of days.

Flores (knee) is starting at first base and batting third in Friday's split-squad game against the Cubs.

The 32-year-old was scratched from Wednesday's lineup due to knee soreness, but he'll rejoin the starting nine two days later since it was a minor issue. Flores clubbed 23 homers in 126 games last season and should be a regular lineup piece again in 2024, but he'll likely need to move around the infield in order to see consistent playing time.

Rizzo was a late scratch from the Yankees' Grapefruit League lineup Friday due to a tight lat, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

The severity of the injury hasn't yet been made public, but the Yankees should have additional information on Rizzo's status after the game. The veteran first baseman has had a fantastic spring, putting up a 1.189 OPS with two home runs.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Votto (ankle) will incorporate more baseball activities Friday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The skipper said that Votto remains day-to-day as he recovers from a right ankle injury but is "doing better every day." Votto rolled his ankle during his first Grapefruit League game last weekend when he stepped on a bat in the dugout. The expectation is that he will begin the season in the minors or perhaps in extended spring training.

Cronenworth went 4-for-4 with a triple, a double, two runs and four RBI in Thursday's 15-11 win against the Dodgers in the second game of the Seoul Series.

Cronenworth had a rough season-opener Wednesday, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and committing a key error when a batted ball broke through the webbing of his glove. He bounced back with a big performance one day later, reaching in all five plate appearances (in addition to the four knocks, he was also hit by a pitch) and driving in four runs. Cronenworth's four hits tied his career-high mark, which he initially set July 16, 2021 against Washington.

Schanuel (back) will perform some baseball activities Thursday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Schanuel has been unavailable for a few days because of back tightness but is ready to ease back into things. It does not look to be an injury that could threaten his availability for Opening Day as long as he continues to progress. Schanuel is expected to bat second for the Angels this season.

Aranda will begin the season on the injured list after being diagnosed Thursday with a fractured right ring finger, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. He's scheduled to have surgery to insert a pin into his finger and will likely miss 4-to-6 weeks, per Topkin.

Aranda suffered the injury while fielding a grounder Tuesday. The 25-year-old had been slated to open the season as Tampa Bay's primary designated hitter against right-handed pitching, but the injury will likely keep him out for at least all of April. In Aranda's stead, Curtis Mead, Harold Ramirez and Amed Rosario could benefit from some added opportunities against right-handed pitching early on in the season.

The Tigers reassigned Hiura to minor-league camp Thursday.

Hiura recorded three hits in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game to raise his spring average to .323, but it ultimately wasn't enough to survive the latest round of cuts. Perhaps he can opt out of his minor-league deal and pursue another opportunity, though a bench player with his defensive limitations is tough for any team to carry.

Encarnacion-Strand started at third base and went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Wednesday's spring game against the White Sox.

Encarnacion-Strand belted his fourth Cactus League homer and is 12-for-41 (.293) with eight extra-base hits and 12 RBI through 13 games. While he started at the hot corner Wednesday, and third baseman Noelvi Marte (suspension) will miss the first 80 games of the season, Encarnacion-Strand is still expected to be the team's everyday first baseman. Jeimer Candelario will be the primary third baseman to open the season.

Steer started at second base and went 1-for-4 in Wednesday's spring game against the Rangers.

Steer made a third consecutive start at second base in the wake of Matt McLain's shoulder injury, which will land him on the injured list to start the season. The Reds have other options for the keystone, including Jonathan India and Santiago Espinal, who was acquired via trade Wednesday. Steer had been scheduled to see most of his time in the outfield this season, but McLain's injury and third baseman Noelvi Marte's 80-game suspension could alter the outfield plans for Steer.