MLB Player News

Norby is dealing with soreness on his side, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

The Orioles don't seem to consider Norby's injury much of an issue, and he's expected to return within a couple of days. Norby is considered one of the better prospects in Baltimore's farm system, but he's unlikely to break camp with the major-league squad given the Orioles' already-crowded infield.

Lowe (illness) returned to team workouts Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lowe missed much of the last week with an illness but was able to join his teammates Thursday. He'll serve as the Rays' primary second baseman in 2024, though he'll likely cede at-bats when lefties are on the mound.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told Jung on Thursday the infielder will not be part of the Opening Day roster, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

It never really seemed like a consideration, but Hinch apparently wanted to nip the possibility in the bud at the start of camp. Jung slashed .265/.376/.502 with 28 home runs between High-A West Michigan and Double-A Erie in 2023. He's played only second base in the minors so far, but Jung was used at third base in the Arizona Fall League and that appears to be his long-term home with Colt Keith settling in at the keystone. Detroit has a big hole at the hot corner, so it's possible Jung could push to debut in 2024 if he gets off to a nice start.

Angels manager Ron Washington said Thursday that Rengifo and Mickey Moniak are candidates to bat leadoff, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The switch-hitting Rengifo is much better against left-handed pitching, so it might make sense to put him at the top of the order versus southpaws while Moniak bats leadoff against right-handers. Whichever of the two are in the leadoff spot will be followed by Nolan Schanuel, Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon. Rengifo might not have a set position for the Halos, but he should get lots of his starts at third base while Rendon serves as the designated hitter.

Biggio (shoulder) was able to take a round of batting practice Thursday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider noted one week ago that Biggio was dealing with left shoulder tendinitis upon reporting to spring training, but the issue doesn't look to be anything too concerning. The fact that Biggio is already hitting without any apparent limitations bodes well for his chances of being available for Grapefruit League action in the near future, even if he's not included in the Blue Jays' initial spring lineups.

The Red Sox will have Yorke work into outfield drills during spring training in an attempt to increase his versatility, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Yorke is in big-league camp as a non-roster player, and while he doesn't have a realistic shot to make the team, he will get a chance to make an impression while also showing what he can do in the outfield. He has played second base exclusively so far in the minor leagues. A first-round pick in 2020, Yorke spent last season at Double-A Portland, slashing .268/.350/.435 with 13 homers and 18 steals across 506 plate appearances.

Rengifo said Sunday that he is fully healthy after tearing his left biceps tendon last September, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Rengifo underwent surgery in mid-September last year following the biceps injury, and he was able to resume baseball activities in January. That allowed him to have a normal offseason in terms of training, and he said Sunday that he feels "really good." Rengifo is likely to fill a utility role for the Angels this year, but he should have an opportunity to play on a near-everyday basis as he looks to build upon his strong second half last season. Between the All-Star break and the biceps injury, Rengifo slashed .318/.374/.587 with 11 home runs and 29 RBI over 50 contests.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that he envisions Torres batting in the 4-to-6 range in the lineup, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Boone added that Torres could also fill in at leadoff on occasion. DJ LeMahieu appears to be the heavy favorite to open the season at the top of the batting order and will likely be followed by Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.

Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said Tuesday that Caballero is still expected to be the Opening Day shortstop even after the addition of Amed Rosario, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays are viewing Rosario as more of a utility player than a regular at any one position. Acquired via trade from the Mariners in January, Caballero slashed .221/.343/.320 with four homers and 26 stolen bases over 104 games with Seattle in 2023. Taylor Walls (hip) will also eventually be in the mix for starts at shortstop, but he'll miss at least the first month of the season.

Torres said Wednesday that he's interested in signing a long-term contract extension with the Yankees, David Lennon of Newsday reports.

However, Torres added that he and his representation have yet to engage in negotiations with the club regarding a long-term deal, confirming what general manager Brian Cashman said last week. Torres is set to earn $14.2 million in 2024 in his final year under contract before reaching free agency next offseason. While it does not appear the Yankees are eager to lock him up to an extension, Torres' market figures to be fairly robust. He's posted a 120 wRC+ over the last two seasons and will be only 28 heading into free agency.