MLB Player News

Merrifield started Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins at third base, something he hasn't done in a regular-season game since 2016.

Merrifield may have had another year or two left as an everyday second baseman had he chosen to sign with a non-contender this winter, but his decision to sign with the Phillies means he'll have to prepare for a utility role. Just how often Merrifield finds himself in the lineup may depend primarily on the health and effectiveness of the Phillies' other options. Merrifield should start against most southpaws, in place of either Bryson Stott at second or Brandon Marsh in left field, but if he winds up featuring frequently against righties, it's probably because Johan Rojas played himself out of a starting role in center field. If that were to happen, the likely outcome would be Marsh in center with Merrifield in left in most games. As for the hot corner, that's Alec Bohm's spot, but Merrifield may now be the top backup.

Gimenez has gone 1-for-11 over his first four Cactus League games.

Gimenez also has two strikeouts and no walks. The second baseman is not in danger of losing his starting role -- Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio are competing for the shortstop job, and most of the other major-league ready infielders in camp are likely to be utility options. Gimenez hit an okay .251 with 15 home runs, 62 RBI, 76 runs scored and 30 stolen bases over 153 contests last year. His OPS dropped from .837 in 2022 to .713 last year, but at 25 years old, a rebound campaign is plausible.

Andrus agreed to a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Sunday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Andrus spent last season with the White Sox, and he was unable to secure a major-league contract for 2024 after he posted a .251/.304/.358 slash line with six homers and 12 steals in 112 contests. The 34-year-old should compete for a roster spot as a backup middle infielder.

Kingery was scratched from the lineup for Sunday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta due to an illness, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Kingery had been slated to start at shortstop and bat eighth, but he became the latest victim of the bug that has been making its way around the Phillies clubhouse. Though Kingery is attending big-league camp as a non-roster invitee, he's considered a longshot to make the Phillies' Opening Day roster and is likely to begin the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Norby (side) will make his spring debut as a reserve in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Norby has been slowed in camp due to slight left side soreness, but the injury shouldn't be anything that prevents him from being ready to go for the start of Triple-A Norfolk's season in April. Hyde didn't say whether Norby would be deployed in the field or eased back in as a designated hitter Sunday, but the 23-year-old is likely to check into the contest in the later innings.

Ibanez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.

Ibanez now has two home runs and an even 1.000 OPS across six games this spring. The 30-year-old is competing for a bench spot in camp, and his strong performance so far should help his cause. Ibanez posted a .264/.312/.433 line in 114 games for the Tigers last year and gave the team plenty of defensive versatility as well. A similar role could be in store for him this season.

Acuna was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

The 21-year-old was with the Mets for the first couple weeks of big-league camp but will now move over to the minor-league side of spring training. Acuna immediately became one of the Mets' top prospects after being acquired from the Rangers in the Max Scherzer trade in July, and a strong showing at Syracuse this season could set up the young infielder's MLB debut later in the year.

Marte went 2-for-3 with two doubles in Saturday's spring game against the Angels.

Marte has hit safely in all five Cactus League games, going 8-for-13 with three extra-base hits. He will be Arizona's primary second baseman for a third consecutive season in 2024. Since moving to the keystone in 2022, Marte has played 137 and 150 games in successive seasons. Prior to moving full-time to second base, he was bedeviled by hamstring issues when the Diamondbacks made him a full-time center fielder from 2019 to 2021.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Valdez is next in line at second base due to Vaughn Grissom (groin) being sidelined, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

The team is not yet ruling Grissom out for Opening Day, but it looks like a longshot that he'll be ready. A replacement from outside the organization doesn't appear to be in the cards, which leaves Valdez at the top of the pecking order and Pablo Reyes also in the mix. Valdez, 25, struggles with the glove but has some offensive promise, having slashed .266/.311/.453 with six homers and five steals over 149 plate appearances with Boston in 2023.

Massey has gone 3-for-10 over four Cactus League games.

After hitting .229 with a middling .655 OPS across 129 contests in 2023, this is a good start to the spring for Massey. The Royals had an active offseason, and the signing of Adam Frazier -- who is 0-for-6 over three spring games -- could have a negative impact on Massey's playing time, though Frazier can also be an option in the corner outfield. Utility man Nick Loftin could also poach some at-bats at the keystone, especially against left-handed pitchers, so Massey will need to continue his solid spring to avoid losing his spot.