MLB Player News

Mendick is considered day-to-day after getting hit by a pitch in his right wrist Thursday against the Angels, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Mendick didn't require X-rays after departing the contest and simply has a bruise, which is positive news for the White Sox. He'll be evaluated on a daily basis moving forward.

Mendick departed Friday's spring game against the Angels after being struck by a pitch in his right hand, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

More details surrounding the injury likely won't surface until the team runs further tests. He was having a strong day at the dish prior to the injury, collecting two hits and an RBI in three at-bats.

Semien went 2-for-4 with a double, a solo home run and a second run scored in a 5-1 Cactus League win over the Giants on Thursday.

The veteran shortstop was just 4-for-18 this spring entering Thursday's contest, but he broke out with an encouraging performance. Semien is playing 2019 on a one-year, $5.9 million deal and will be looking to prove himself worthy of a lucrative multi-year contract. The 28-year-old bounced back from an injury-marred 2017 last season to play in 159 games and log a career-high 703 plate appearances, delivering the second-highest RBI total (70) of his career while setting new high-water marks in doubles (35), runs (89) and steals (14).

Altuve (side) is not in Friday's lineup against the Cardinals.

He was scratched from Thursday's contest with side soreness, which the team says is a minor issue. The Astros acknowledged he might not play Friday but still expect him back sometime this weekend.

Altuve (side soreness) could have played Thursday if it were a regular-season game, according to manager AJ Hinch, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

He was apparently a little sore after batting practice, so the Astros didn't hesitate to scratch him and plug in Tony Kemp. Friday was going to be Altuve's scheduled day off, but he may be able to play in that game. Otherwise the Astros expect him back at some point this weekend.

The Astros scratched Altuve from their lineup for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins due to "general left side soreness," Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

It's only a minor concern for Altuve, who is being viewed as day-to-day. Nick Tanielu was added to Houston's lineup as the second baseman while Tony Kemp moved up to the two hole, the spot in the order Altuve is expected to occupy once the regular season arrives.

Altuve was scratched from the Astros' lineup for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Astros haven't provided an explanation behind Altuve's removal, but an update should come within the next few hours. The second baseman didn't report to spring training with any known health concerns.

Ibanez is expected to miss the rest of spring training with a strained right oblique, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

While he is far from a high-end prospect, Ibanez was roughly a league-average hitter (99 wRC+) over a full season at Triple-A last year, so he could get a few cups of coffee in the majors this season. It is possible he will open the year on the minor-league injured list.

Biggio went 1-for-4 with a walk, a solo home run and a second run scored in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Getting the start at first base before shifting to the keystone, Biggio hit his first homer of the spring off bona fide major leaguer Vince Velasquez. The 23-year-old can get lost in the shuffle among the Jays' other, more highly touted second-generation prospects, but Biggio still posted an .887 OPS with 26 home runs in 132 games for Double-A New Hampshire last season, and his blend of power and patience should get him to the Show within a year or two, even if it's only as a utility player.

The Tigers signed Motter (face) to a minor-league contract Wednesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The 29-year-old recently took part in a tryout camp for the Tigers, who evidently felt he could provide some value to the organization as a utility man. Motter is likely reporting to spring training too late to have a realistic shot at cracking the Opening Day roster, but he could merit a callup at some point in 2019 if he shows well at Triple-A Toledo. He saw action in 17 games in the majors last season between the Twins and Mariners and owns a .191/.263/.312 slash line (58 wRC+) over 411 career plate appearances in the big leagues.