MLB Player News

Mathias was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday.

As the Pirates thin their major-league roster out ahead of Opening Day, Mathias will make his way to Indianapolis. The 28-year-old produced a .222 average with a double, two RBI, a run scored and two stolen bases over 18 at-bats in eight games this spring. After signing a contract with the Pirates this offseason, Mathias will have to prove himself at the Triple-A level before he'll get a shot at the big leagues.

The Brewers informed Turang on Monday that he'll be included on the Opening Day roster.

Turang has had a solid showing this spring, sporting a .282/.349/.385 batting line with one home run and three stolen bases. The plan is for him to be the regular second baseman at least against right-handed pitching, with Luis Urias likely handling third base. Meanwhile, Brian Anderson could see more time in the corner outfield with Turang making the team, at least until Tyrone Taylor (elbow) is ready. While he could be stuck toward the bottom of the batting order, Turang could be a fantasy asset right away due to his wheels.

The Rays optioned Brujan to Triple-A Durham on Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Brujan appeared in 17 games this spring, producing a disappointing .118 average with a double, an RBI, four runs scored and four stolen bases over 34 at-bats. Considering how much he struggled at the plate, it's not overly surprising that the 25-year-old will start the season with Durham. The switch-hitter played in 52 games with the Rays in 2022, batting .163 with three homers, 16 RBI, 13 runs and five stolen bases over 162 at-bats. He'll look to get his bat right in Triple-A before making the leap back to the major-league level at some point in 2023.

Hernandez (wrist) will start at shortstop and bat eighth in Monday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Hernandez was removed from Sunday's loss to the Twins after suffering a right wrist contusion when he was hit by a pitch, but his re-entry into the lineup a day later confirms that his early exit was precautionary. With Trevor Story (elbow) likely to miss the first half of the season, Hernandez is expected to serve as Boston's everyday shortstop to begin the campaign, so he should quickly gain eligibility at the position in all fantasy leagues after making only four starts at shortstop in 2022.

Bae started in center field in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bae began spring training competing for the starting second base job and has been fairly unimpressive by posting a .244/.295/.268 line across 43 plate appearances in Grapefruit League action. However, both Mark Mathias and Rodolfo Castro have also struggled, leaving the division of playing time at the position ambiguous as we close in on Opening Day. Bae has played in center field and shortstop throughout his minor-league career, and that versatility could lead to him earning a roster spot out of camp.

Hernandez (wrist) is expected to play in Monday's exhibition versus Atlanta after exiting Sunday's Grapefruit League loss to the Twins, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Hernandez was diagnosed with a right wrist contusion after being pulled from Sunday's contest shortly after being hit by a pitch. He was initially able to stay in the game to run the bases and play defense, but the Red Sox removed him from the contest once his next turn in the batting order came up. Hernandez's early exit looks to have been mostly precautionary, and so long as he doesn't experiencing any major swelling on his wrist overnight, it looks like he won't be in danger of being sidelined for Opening Day.

Mendick was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday.

Mendick had a .619 slash line in 10 games during spring training and was unable to earn a spot on New York's Opening Day roster. The 29-year-old will serve as organizational depth at Triple-A Syracuse while Tim Locastro and Darin Ruf continue to battle for the final roster spot.

Hernandez was removed from Sunday's spring game with a right wrist contusion after being hit by a pitch, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 31-year-old initially remained in the contest following the hit-by-pitch, but he was pulled before making his next plate appearance. Hernandez could be headed for X-rays, and his status for Opening Day is now in question.

Hoerner (biceps) will start at second base and bat leadoff in Sunday's Cactus League game against the Royals, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

He'll re-enter the Cubs' spring lineup for the first time since Tuesday after left biceps tightness resulted in him being scratched on a couple occasions over the past few days. So long as Hoerner escapes Sunday's contest no worse for the wear, he should head into Opening Day with a full-time role in the middle infield in hand.

Urias (head) will start at third base and bat fifth in Sunday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks.

Urias had been out of action the past two days after he experienced a bout of dizziness, but he was never diagnosed with a concussion and looks like he'll be good to go after a brief respite. Though he'll be making his first start of the spring at third base, Urias is projected to see most of his action at the keystone in 2023 after seeing five of his six Cactus League starts to date at that position.