MLB Player News

The Brewers designated Jones for assignment Wednesday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Milwaukee needed to clear a spot on its 40-man roster after announcing the re-signing of Brandon Woodruff, and Jones ended up being the casualty. Jones, 26, has a career .460 OPS in 90 plate appearances across parts of three major-league seasons. His versatility could make him appealing to some clubs once he hits waivers.

Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said Tuesday that Caballero is still expected to be the Opening Day shortstop even after the addition of Amed Rosario, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays are viewing Rosario as more of a utility player than a regular at any one position. Acquired via trade from the Mariners in January, Caballero slashed .221/.343/.320 with four homers and 26 stolen bases over 104 games with Seattle in 2023. Taylor Walls (hip) will also eventually be in the mix for starts at shortstop, but he'll miss at least the first month of the season.

Torres said Wednesday that he's interested in signing a long-term contract extension with the Yankees, David Lennon of Newsday reports.

However, Torres added that he and his representation have yet to engage in negotiations with the club regarding a long-term deal, confirming what general manager Brian Cashman said last week. Torres is set to earn $14.2 million in 2024 in his final year under contract before reaching free agency next offseason. While it does not appear the Yankees are eager to lock him up to an extension, Torres' market figures to be fairly robust. He's posted a 120 wRC+ over the last two seasons and will be only 28 heading into free agency.

Edman (wrist) could be several weeks away from being cleared for full baseball activities, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Edman missed one workout with a stomach bug, but it's his surgically repaired right wrist that has the Cardinals slow-playing him thus far during the spring. While Edman is able to go through normal fielding drills, he's currently limited to one-handed swings designed to build strength and range of motion in his wrist. He will eventually progress to soft toss and then batting practice before being cleared for game action. The Cardinals still believe Edman has enough time to be ready for Opening Day, but he seems to be working with a tight window.

Lowe was held out of workouts again Tuesday due to illness, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's not clear exactly what Lowe is dealing with, but he should be fine to return to action later this week. The 29-year-old is slated to handle second base again for the Rays in 2024.

Urias has resumed workouts following a shutdown period due to right shoulder inflammation, Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports 710 AM reports.

Urias was diagnosed with inflammation after reporting to camp early a couple weeks ago. The good news is that testing came back negative and he has since been cleared for workouts. It's possible the Mariners will ease Urias into Cactus League play, but it does not appear this will interrupt his availability for the start of the season.

Westburg will primarily play at second base and third base with a little bit of shortstop mixed in this spring, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Westburg got six games of experience in the corner outfield last season with Triple-A Norfolk, but he's played 50 of his 80 major-league games at second base. There's a good chance Westburg can claim a starting role at the keystone this spring, though the Orioles are also trying top prospect Jackson Holliday there. That said, Westburg's versatility will be beneficial to him beginning the season in the majors.

Donovan (elbow) will have his throwing monitored and is likely to play only second base for the time being, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Donovan had surgery last August to repair his right flexor tendon. The utility player had expressed hope last month that he wouldn't be limited at all as camp opened, but evidently the Cardinals have a more cautious plan. Donovan is likely to see most of his action at second base this season but, assuming his elbow cooperates, should play some all over the field.

Edman (wrist) will miss the first team workout in Cardinals camp because of a stomach bug, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Edman is also being eased into spring training following offseason wrist surgery, which is the more important thing to keep tabs on with regard to his status. The 28-year-old will be behind schedule from a hitting perspective, and it's not clear when he might be ready for his first Grapefruit League game, but Edman anticipates being ready to go come Opening Day.

Acuna will split his time in big-league camp this spring between shortstop and second base, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Two of the Mets' top prospects, Acuna and Jett Williams, are shortstops, but with Francisco Lindor under contract through 2031, both younger players will likely have to shift elsewhere on the diamond when they get to the majors. Williams will get reps in center field this spring while Acuna appears ticketed for the keystone, a path which could get him to Queens a little quicker as Jeff McNeil deals with a partial UCL tear in his left (non-throwing) elbow. The elbow issue doesn't seem to be currently hampering the veteran, but McNeil also regressed at the plate in 2023 even before getting hurt. Acuna, acquired from the Rangers last July in the Max Scherzer deal, slashed .300/.364/.424 in 121 Double-A games last season between Frisco and Binghamton with 10 homers and 57 steals.