MLB Player News

The Orioles reassigned Westburg to minor-league camp Monday, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.

Westburg fared well this spring but ultimately there wasn't a spot yet for him on the major-league roster. The 24-year-old should make his debut at some point in 2023, though, and his ability to play shortstop, second base and third base helps him in that regard.

Julien departed Monday's Grapefruit League contest against the Pirates with a left ankle sprain, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Julien sustained the injury while avoiding the first baseman as he ran through the bag. The Twins are calling him day-to-day. Julien was already sent to minor-league camp earlier this month but could become an option at second base before long if Jorge Polanco's knee issue continues to linger. He'll have to get healthy himself first, of course.

The Rays optioned Brujan to Triple-A Durham on Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Brujan appeared in 17 games this spring, producing a disappointing .118 average with a double, an RBI, four runs scored and four stolen bases over 34 at-bats. Considering how much he struggled at the plate, it's not overly surprising that the 25-year-old will start the season with Durham. The switch-hitter played in 52 games with the Rays in 2022, batting .163 with three homers, 16 RBI, 13 runs and five stolen bases over 162 at-bats. He'll look to get his bat right in Triple-A before making the leap back to the major-league level at some point in 2023.

Hernandez (wrist) will start at shortstop and bat eighth in Monday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Hernandez was removed from Sunday's loss to the Twins after suffering a right wrist contusion when he was hit by a pitch, but his re-entry into the lineup a day later confirms that his early exit was precautionary. With Trevor Story (elbow) likely to miss the first half of the season, Hernandez is expected to serve as Boston's everyday shortstop to begin the campaign, so he should quickly gain eligibility at the position in all fantasy leagues after making only four starts at shortstop in 2022.

Hernandez (wrist) is expected to play in Monday's exhibition versus Atlanta after exiting Sunday's Grapefruit League loss to the Twins, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Hernandez was diagnosed with a right wrist contusion after being pulled from Sunday's contest shortly after being hit by a pitch. He was initially able to stay in the game to run the bases and play defense, but the Red Sox removed him from the contest once his next turn in the batting order came up. Hernandez's early exit looks to have been mostly precautionary, and so long as he doesn't experiencing any major swelling on his wrist overnight, it looks like he won't be in danger of being sidelined for Opening Day.

Hernandez was removed from Sunday's spring game with a right wrist contusion after being hit by a pitch, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 31-year-old initially remained in the contest following the hit-by-pitch, but he was pulled before making his next plate appearance. Hernandez could be headed for X-rays, and his status for Opening Day is now in question.

Gonzalez could lose out on a roster spot to begin the season in favor of Leury Garcia, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Gonzalez has had an inconsistent spring, leaving his status for Opening Day in flux. On one hand, he's slugged four home runs and added a double across 40 Cactus League at-bats. However, Gonzalez has also struck out 15 times in 43 total plate appearances. While Gonzalez's defensive versatility has been praised by the club, Garcia is also capable of playing many positions, either in the infield or outfield.

Polanco (knee) is scheduled to play in a minor league spring training game Tuesday, LaVelle E. Neal of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. He will first hit in the batting cage and take grounders Saturday.

Polanco missed the final month of 2022 with a knee injury, and his progress stalled in the Grapefruit League. He's set to begin the regular season on the injured list. This looks like a significant step in his return as he has not played in any games this spring. He still likely has several major hurdles to clear, but this gives hope he could return earlier rather than later in the regular season.

Hernandez and Christian Arroyo will be used in the leadoff spot against left-handed pitching this season, Red Sox manager Alex Cora told Ian Browne of MLB.com on Friday.

Alex Verdugo and Triston Casas are Cora's top two picks for the leadoff spot against righties. Hernandez batted leadoff for Cora for most of the first two months of last season before being used mostly toward the bottom of the order down the stretch after returning from a hip injury.

Arroyo and Enrique Hernandez will be utilized in the leadoff spot against left-handed pitching this season, Red Sox manager Alex Cora told Ian Browne of MLB.com on Friday.

Cora mentioned Triston Casas and Alex Verdugo as potential leadoff hitters against righties as he uses a revolving door at the top of the batting order. Arroyo, who is set to start at second base, figures to be in the lower third of the order versus righties.