MLB Player News

Kirilloff (wrist) played four innings at first base Saturday and went 0-for-2 in a minor-league game, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Kirilloff continues to make progress as he ramps up following surgery last August to shorten the ulnar bone in his right wrist and clean up scar tissue. His return to game action is a significant step and gives hope he'll be ready for the start of the regular season. Kirilloff has a minor-league option remaining, so the Twins could have him report to Triple-A St. Paul to begin the season in order to continue his ramp-up process rather than stashing him on the injured list if he needs more time.

Manzardo was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Rays on Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Manzardo was strong in his time in camp with the Rays, with a .280/.357/.600 slash along with two home runs over 28 plate appearances. Considered among the top prospects at the first base position, Manzardo will start 2023 in the upper levels -- possibly with Triple-A Durham -- and has a realistic path to playing for the Rays in 2023.

Mervis finished the World Baseball Classic 1-for-13 with a walk while playing for Team Israel.

Mervis faced some stiff MLB-level competition in a pool that featured the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Venezuela, so the struggles aren't too surprising. The 24-year-old is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Iowa, though he likely isn't that far away from his debut in the majors. Mervis had an OPS north of .900 at both Double-A and Triple-A in 2022 and could make a fantasy impact if he sees regular playing time for the Cubs at any point.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol told reporters Saturday that Vaughn is going to be out a few more days with lower back soreness, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Vaughn has been out of the lineup with what has been described as "general soreness," but Grifol offered more specifics Saturday. It sounds like the White Sox are taking precautions with the right-handed hitter, but it's obviously a situation to monitor for managers who have rostered or are considering a draft pick on the 24-year-old.

Walker (hip) is starting at first base and batting cleanup Saturday against the Guardians.

He was removed from Monday's game after a hit-by-pitch and took a few days to get right, but the injury was apparently quite minor. Walker should be Arizona's everyday first baseman this season.

Voit's opt-out clause has been pushed to Friday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

There is apparently mutual interest in things working out with Voit in Milwaukee, which is why he did not exercise his opt-out clause this week. The Brewers will look to find a way to add him to the 40-man roster before next weekend, but even if Voit makes the team, he is unlikely to start against righties, with Rowdy Tellez at first base and Jesse Winker presumably getting most of his starts at designated hitter.

Freeman (hamstring) is starting at designated hitter and batting second Saturday against the White Sox, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

As expected, Freeman will make his return to the lineup after exiting Tuesday's World Baseball Classic game for Team Canada with hamstring tightness. It's good to see that this injury wasn't a strain. Freeman should be a full-go for the start of the regular season.

Olson went 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

Both blasts came off Tanner Houck -- Olson crushed a solo shot to left-center field in the first inning before pulling a massive blast out of the ballpark entirely in the fifth for a two-run shot. The first baseman appears more than ready for Opening Day, hitting .444 (12-for-27) this spring with five homers and two doubles. He has drawn only one walk, but given how well he's been seeing the ball, it's hard to blame him for swinging away.

Dalbec will make his fourth consecutive start at shortstop Saturday, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

Dalbec is producing this spring but doesn't have an everyday home on the diamond. When a player goes 11-for-34 (.324) with three doubles, two triples and a home run, a manager will try to find spots. Dalbec has experience at first and third base and played some shortstop before. "Bobby's a great athlete," manager Alex Cora told Abraham. "He understands what he can do with his body and his internal clock is great. Off-balance throws, double plays... he understands the game and he's a good defender." The biggest question about Dalbec is if he can hit enough to maintain a steady role in the regular season. Over the last two seasons, Dalbec hit a combined .229 over 250 games.

O'Hearn (knee) is starting at first base and batting sixth Saturday against the Red Sox.

He missed a week with knee soreness but an MRI came back clean and this won't impact O'Hearn's ability to get a fair look at a roster spot as a non-roster invitee. O'Hearn is hitting .474 with one home run, three strikeouts and three walks in 19 at-bats this spring.