MLB Player News

Rengifo said Wednesday that his left hamstring feels "way better" than it did when he was forced to leave Tuesday's Cactus League game, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Rengifo also hurt the same hamstring back on Feb. 26 but contends that the injury isn't as serious this time around. It's not clear when he might be ready to play in a game again, however, and his readiness for Opening Day certainly still seems to be very much up in the air.

Foscue may not have the edge to fill in at first base while Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) is on the injured list, according to Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com.

Wilson reported the Rangers' preference at first base is to have Ezequiel Duran and Jared Walsh platoon as a replacement for Lowe. For that to happen, shortstop Corey Seager (groin) would need be ready by Opening Day, freeing Duran to play first base. Foscue, who was projected to start at first base in the latest roster projection compiled by Kennedi Landry of MLB.com, would be on the bubble. Designated hitter is a possibility, but Wyatt Langford appears to have the edge for that job.

Massey was scratched from the Royals' spring lineup Tuesday against the Giants due to lower-back tightness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Massey's removal seems to have been precautionary, though a better idea of the severity of Massey's injury should come once the team's trainers finish evaluating him. The 25-year-old has had a decent spring thus far, recording seven hits in 30 at-bats while hitting two homers and driving in five runs.

Westburg is expected to be fine after exiting Tuesday's Grapefruit League game versus the Blue Jays following a hit by pitch on the left elbow, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Westburg was lifted from the contest as a precaution after being plunked, but he checked out fine. It's possible the Orioles will hold him out for a day or so just to be safe, but there doesn't look to be any concern here.

Rengifo was removed from Tuesday's Cactus League contest versus the Reds with left hamstring tightness, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Rengifo came up lame after running to first base and exited the field with the trainer. It would appear to be an aggravation of the same hamstring injury he suffered back in late February. A trip to the injured list to begin the season seems likely, but the Angels should have more on Rengifo's condition after the game.

The Astros optioned Hensley to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Hensley went just 6-for-34 with 17 strikeouts this spring. The 27-year-old will be utilized in a utility role with Sugar Land.

Westburg was removed from Tuesday's Grapefruit League contest versus the Blue Jays after being hit on the left elbow by a pitch, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Westburg initially stayed in to run the bases after being struck by an Anders Tolhurst pitch in the top of the fourth inning but was removed before the bottom of the frame. The Orioles were likely just being cautious here, but more should be known on Westburg's condition after the game.

Ibanez has played well this spring and likely has locked up an Opening Day roster spot, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Ibanez was a pleasant surprise for the Tigers last season and he's carried that over into camp, as he's now popped four home runs in 15 Grapefruit League contests to go along with a .963 OPS. The utility player doesn't have a regular home on the diamond, but if he keeps swinging a hot bat, he may force his way into the lineup more often.

The Yankees optioned Vivas to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday.

Vivas was traded to the Yankees in December after spending last season in the Dodgers' minor-league system between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. He slashed .269/.381/.407 with 13 home runs and 63 RBI over 609 plate appearances while stealing 25 bases in the minors in 2023. Vivas will start 2024 in Triple-A and could make his major-league debut should the Yankees be in need of an infielder or left-handed bat.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Monday that Valdez will be part of a platoon at second base to open the season, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

While Cora didn't specify which players would platoon at the keystone, he was presumably referring to Valdez as the long side of the platoon and Pablo Reyes as the short side. It will be a short-term arrangement, as Vaughn Grissom (groin) is due back in mid-to-late April and will be in line to take over everyday duties at the position at that time.