MLB Player News

Torkelson is batting eighth and playing first base in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, and manager A.J. Hinch said it could be a preview of his Opening Day lineup, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Hinch said more needs to be decided in spring training, but Torkelson seems to be positioned to serve as Detroit's regular first baseman as soon as the season begins. This is obviously good news for fantasy managers, as the 22-year-old is an exciting prospect and should be able to post solid numbers in his debut campaign, though some growing pains are always likely for a rookie.

Clemens was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Saturday.

Clemens made seven Grapefruit League appearances this year and went 3-for-12 with a homer, two runs, two RBI, a walk and two strikeouts. He'll begin the regular season in Toledo, where he slashed .247/.312/.466 with 18 homers, 66 runs, 59 RBI and four stolen bases across 97 appearances in 2021.

Steer was reassigned to minor-league spring training Saturday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Steer appeared in four Grapefruit League games to begin the year and went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts. The 24-year-old hit .241 with 14 homers, 45 runs, 42 RBI and four stolen bases across 65 games at Double-A Wichita last year, and he'll likely begin 2022 in Wichita or at Triple-A St. Paul.

White will undergo an MRI on his hip Friday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

White tweaked his surgically repaired hip during Thursday's Cactus League game against Cleveland, and his MRI should provide a better idea of the severity. If he's forced to miss any time to begin the season, Luis Torrens and Abraham Toro would likely serve as the primary backups at first base behind starter Ty France.

White tweaked his hip in Thursday's Cactus League matchup against the Guardians, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

White said he hurt his hip early in Thursday's matchup, and the issue bothered him more as the game progressed. The 25-year-old missed most of the 2021 campaign with a hip injury, so the Mariners will likely exercise caution before getting White back onto the field. However, the severity of the issue hasn't yet been revealed.

White was removed from Thursday's Cactus League game against the Guardians with an apparent injury, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

White appeared to be hobbled while running the bases in the top of the seventh inning, and he exited the game shortly after. The nature and severity of the injury aren't yet clear.

The Dodgers designated Beaty for assignment Wednesday.

The transaction clears room on the 40-man roster for the newly-signed Hanser Alberto, who effectively replaces Beaty as a utility option off the bench. Though consistent playing time was often difficult to come by for Beaty on a stacked Dodgers roster over the past three seasons, he should face an easier path to earning reps at his next stop, as he's a prime candidate to be traded or claimed off waivers now that he's in DFA limbo. The lefty-hitting Beaty has been particularly effective against opposite-handed pitching; over 493 career plate appearances versus righties, Beaty has slashed .267/.339/.440 (109 wRC+).

Naylor (lower leg) is scheduled to play in a minor-league game Thursday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Thursday's contest will mark Naylor's first game action since June 27, when he suffered a broken right leg in an on-field collision with teammate Ernie Clement. As Bell notes, Naylor has been cleared to play the outfield, but the Guardians are expected to ease him in as a designated hitter for his first game back before gradually allowing him to play defense. Naylor doesn't look like he'll be ready to go for Opening Day, though he shouldn't be in store for an extended stay on the injured list to begin the season.

Cronenworth (groin) is starting at second base and batting cleanup in Wednesday's game against the Angels.

The 28-year-old had been dealing with a groin injury this spring, but he'll make his debut Wednesday. Cronenworth had a strong season in 2021, hitting 21 home runs and driving in 71 runs while slashing .266/.340./.460. He will look to build on his All-Star campaign in 2022 on a Padres team that's set to contend for a pennant in the National League.

Smith agreed to a one-year, $3.95 million contract with the Mets on Tuesday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Smith struggled through 2021 with a .667 OPS in 145 games while playing through a partially torn labrum in his right shoulder in addition groin and wrist issues, but it appears he's back at full strength entering this season, which is his second year of arbitration eligibility. The implementation of the designated hitter to the National League should be a boost for the 26-year-old, but Robinson Cano is expected to open the year as the primary option at the position.