MLB Player News

Mathias (head) appears to be just fine after getting hit in the helmet with a pitch Friday against San Francisco, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

It's always alarming when a player gets plunked on or around their head, although Mathias managed to walk away unscathed. He's expected to be fine moving forward, although the Indians may monitor him closely as a precaution.

Mathias exited Friday's game against the Giants after being hit by a pitch in the helmet, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

The details surrounding Mathias' status are unclear at this point, so he'll be considered day-to-day until further evaluation takes place.

Andrus went 2-for-3 with a grand slam Friday against the Rockies.

Andrus belted his first home run of camp in the third inning, giving Texas an early lead. He's off to a strong start at the dish this spring, as he's now 7-for-14 with a home run, five RBI and two runs scored. Andrus will open up the 2019 campaign as the everyday starter at shortstop and will aim to stay healthy after playing a career-low 97 games in 2018.

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.

McNeil will play third base in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against St. Louis, David Lennon of Newsday reports.

McNeil's main focus this spring has been on learning left field, where the Mets hope he'll spend the majority of this season. However, with Jed Lowrie (knee) and Todd Frazier (oblique) currently banged up, McNeil could be needed at third base instead to begin the year. McNeil appeared four times there in the majors last season and started occasionally at the position in the minors, so the transition should be an easier one.

Albies (foot) is starting at second base and batting sixth in Friday's spring game against the Phillies.

Albies exited Wednesday's game after being hit by a pitch on the left foot, but his quick return confirms his removal was precautionary. The 22-year-old is 4-for-16 with two walks and two strikeouts thus far in spring training.

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.

Urias (hamstrings) is not in the lineup for Friday's spring game against the Athletics, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Urias has yet to return to game action since being scratched from Tuesday's contest due to general fatigue in both hamstrings. The 21-year-old is apparently close to returning to the lineup, but it's unsurprising the Padres have remained cautious with Urias, as he's battled hamstring issues over the last six months.