MLB Player News

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.

Goldschmidt hit .280 (7-for-25) with a home run, a double, five RBI and eight runs scored over seven games for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic.

While the Americans lost to Japan in Tuesday's final, Goldschmidt was a steady presence throughout the tournament. He'll now have about a week to get integrated back with the Cardinals as he puts the finishing touches on his preparation for the regular season. After slashing .317/.404/.578 with 35 homers, 115 RBI, 106 runs scored, seven stolen bases and 41 doubles last year, the first baseman remains a strong fantasy player entering his age-35 campaign.

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.

Singleton was reassigned Tuesday to the minor-league side of Brewers camp, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Singleton was released by the Brewers back in January before re-signing with the club on a minor-league pact a few weeks later. He hasn't appeared in a game at the major-league level since all the way back in 2015.

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.

Olson went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

The first baseman took Zach Eflin deep in the third inning, giving Olson six homers on the spring to lead all hitters, in either Florida or Arizona. His 1.549 OPS is also second among players with at least 30 at-bats, behind only the Phillies' Edmundo Sosa. Tiny samples aside, Olson has launched more than 30 homers in each of the last three full MLB seasons and topped 100 RBI in the last two campaigns. The 28-year-old already appears locked in at the plate ahead of Opening Day.

Hiura has brought back the toe tap in his swing, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

It's something that Hiura is trying to reincorporate on the fly as he struggles to find a groove in Cactus League play. Through his first 35 plate appearances this spring, the 26-year-old has batted just .156/.229/.219 with zero home runs and 15 strikeouts. He is out of minor-league options, so a tough decision could be coming soon as the Brewers sort out their Opening Day roster.

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.