MLB Player News

Manager Carlos Mendoza said that Acuna is fine after getting hit in the arm by a pitch in the second inning of Saturday's game, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The Mets will take another look at him Sunday, but it seems Acuna escaped the incident with nothing more than a bruise. In five games this spring, the 22-year-old infielder has gone 2-for-10 with an RBI, two runs scored and two stolen bases -- one of which came after he was plunked Saturday.

With Matt Vierling (shoulder) set to begin the regular season on the injured list, Jung could have a clearer path to regular playing time at third base, per Joey Johnston of MLB.com.

Jung was already seemingly on top of the depth chart at the hot corner, though he was likely to work in a platoon with Vierling. However, Vierling is dealing with a strained right rotator cuff muscle and will not be ready for Opening Day, so Jung may see a larger share of the playing time in the early going. If the 24-year-old gets off to a hot start, he could lock up the role more firmly for the rest of the year.

Acuna was removed from Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays after getting hit in the left arm by a pitch, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Acuna was able to run for himself after getting plunked in the top of the second frame and even stole second base before being replaced in the field prior to the next half-inning. His removal may have been precautionary based on his ability to stay in the game immediately after the incident, but the Mets will likely provide more details after the game.

Caballero (foot) is in the lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

After fouling a pitch off his foot Thursday, Caballero was sent for X-rays, which were negative. He is now ready to return to action, so it does not seem as though his preparations for the start of the season will be affected. Caballero led the American League in steals last season with 44, but he was also caught 16 times, and he may have a tough time repeating last season's playing time given his career .305 OBP.

The Red Sox will give Campbell every opportunity to win the starting second base job, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

In putting together his Opening Day roster projection, Cotillo has Campbell as Boston's starting second baseman, with Alex Bregman at third base and Rafael Devers at designated hitter. The top prospect slashed .329/.437/.551 with 19 home runs and 24 steals over 115 games across three minor-league levels in 2024 and has a chance to be a major fantasy contributor right away, if he does indeed head north with the big club.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Friday that Westburg (back) had been able to do some light throwing earlier in the day, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Westburg has been held out of Grapefruit League action since the team's first game of the spring nearly a week ago due to lower-back soreness. He's feeling better though, and the Orioles expect him to be ready to return to game action soon. Westburg is in line to serve as the club's everyday third baseman this season.

Turang went 1-for-3 with a stolen base in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Royals.

Turang has just one base knock through four exhibition appearances, but more importantly, he has hit leadoff or second in all four. When the regular season gets underway, chances are that Turang -- who stole 50 bases and won his first Gold Glove last season -- will regularly occupy one of those spots against right-handed pitching while hitting lower in the order against southpaws.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Friday that Caballero (foot) is "moving around much better" and could return to Grapefruit League play Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Caballero had to depart Thursday's contest against the Tigers after fouling a ball off his left foot, but X-rays came back clean and his absence will be brief. The 28-year-old is pegged for a utility role with Tampa Bay this season.

The Dodgers have "completely revamped" Kim's swing this spring, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports, with Kim saying the swing is "20, 30 percent to where I want it to be."

The Dodgers want to emphasize Kim's superb contact ability but also believe he has more power to tap into than he showed during his time in the Korea Baseball Organization. While a new swing could potentially unlock more upside in his bat, it is a work in progress and seemingly increases the chances he could begin the season in the minors, something manager Dave Roberts conceded earlier this week is a possibility. Kim is 1-for-12 with a 5:2 K:BB in his first five Cactus League games. If he does begin the year in the minors, it could lead to the Dodgers deploying Tommy Edman at second base and Andy Pages in center field.

Rengifo (wrist) will start at third base and bat leadoff Friday versus the White Sox in his Cactus League debut, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Rengifo came into camp without restrictions following last August's right wrist surgery, but the Angels elected to hold him out of game action until now. The switch hitter is playing third base in his spring debut and is likely to bounce around in a super utility role in 2025.