MLB Player News

McNeil has gone just 1-for-8 in three games for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

McNeil has struggled so far in the WBC, and he also was off to a slow start in the Grapefruit League with a .235/.278/.235 slash with zero extra-base hits in Florida. The hits aren't falling yet for the 30-year-old infielder, but after leading all of baseball with a .326 average last year and a career mark of .307, it's hard to believe McNeil won't be a contributor in that category again in 2023.

Polanco (knee) could begin the season on the injured list after feeling "normal soreness" a couple of times after taking batting practice this spring, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "Jorge has looked good in live BP, swinging the bat," Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said. "There has been no setback. We're just running out of days."

Twins management had been saying Polanco was on track for Opening Day even a week ago, but it sounds like his progress has stalled and its worrisome that it could be a setback. Polanco missed the final month of last season with a knee injury. He's been doing back-field work, but has not played in a game. He may need several weeks of extended spring training before he's ready to play in the Twins lineup.

Arraez homered twice for Team Venezuela and drove in four runs Saturday in a 9-7 loss to Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Arraez isn't known for his power, but he clobbered a two-run blast off Lance Lynn in the first inning, and swatted a solo shot off David Bednar in the seventh. Arraez also picked up an RBI on a fielder's choice. He sees his tournament come to a close with the loss, but it's nice to see Miami's big offseason acquisition driving the baseball, even in the exhibition season.

The Astros fear that Altuve might have broken his right thumb Saturday during the quarterfinal of the World Baseball Classic, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Altuve was hit in the hand area by a Daniel Bard pitch, and the former MVP immediately excited the game. The initial diagnosis was a possible hand injury, but Rosenthal provides specifics that it's likely located to the thumb area. Houston will provide further updates for Altuve on Sunday, but obviously this is a significant development that managers have to keep a close eye on.

Altuve left Saturday's quarterfinal game for Team Venezuela against Team USA in the World Baseball Classic with a right hand injury, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Altuve was hit in the hand by Daniel Bard, and the infielder immediately exited and looked to be in significant pain in the dugout. The former MVP is still being evaluated, and Rosenthal reports that the Astros will provide an update on his status shortly. This would obviously be a major loss for both Houston and fantasy players if Altuve were to miss significant time.

Altuve left Saturday's quarterfinal for Team Venezuela against Team USA in the World Baseball Classic after being hit in the hand by a pitch, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Altuve was plunked by Daniel Bard, and immediately left the game. The Houston star has been replaced by Luis Rengifo. There should be an update on Altuve's status shortly.

Kempt went 1-for-3 in Saturday's Cactus League contest against the Reds.

Kemp has really struggled thus far this spring, so it's nice to see the 31-year-old have some success. Even with the knock, the left-handed hitter is slashing just .154/.361/.192 in his time in Arizona. Kemp is likely to hit at or near the top of the order against right-handers for the A's while likely moving to the bottom or out of the lineup altogether against southpaws.

Gorman went 2-for-3 with an RBI, a walk and a run scored in Friday's Grapefruit League win over the Marlins.

Gorman has benefited from the Cardinals having a number of players away at the World Baseball Classic. He's hit .324 (11-for-34) with nine RBI, six runs scored and a 6:12 BB:K through 13 Grapefruit League games. Gorman may not have a consistent everyday position, but Derrick Goold of The St. Louis Post-Disptatch reports Gorman will back up Nolan Arenado at third base in addition to being an option at second base and designated hitter this season. Gorman came up through the minors as a third baseman before switching to the keystone, but with utility man Brendan Donovan around, Gorman likely won't need to move around as much.

Drury, who fouled a ball off his calf Friday, is not in Saturday's lineup against the Rangers, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

He was expected to be in Saturday's lineup, so his absence suggests the team is either being extra careful and/or Drury's calf was hurting more than anticipated. It seems like a day-to-day situation until further notice.

Garcia went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

Getting the start at second base and hitting second, Garcia launched a wind-aided shot to the opposite field in the third inning off Hunter Brown. The 22-year-old infielder remains a big part of the Nationals' rebuild despite his initial struggles in the majors, and he's looked good at the plate this spring, going 11-for-37 (.297) with two doubles, two homers and a 3:5 BB:K.