MLB Player News

Lux suffered an apparent right knee or lower leg injury in the sixth inning of Monday's Cactus League game against the Padres and was carted off the field, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Lux wasn't able to put any weight on his foot and required assistance just to get on the cart after he sustained the injury while trying to avoid a throw across the diamond as he slid into third base. The Dodgers will likely provide an update on Lux's condition later Monday, and a clearer diagnosis of the injury should be available in the next day or two once he receives X-rays and/or an MRI. Given how the injury looked, Lux could be in danger of missing time to begin the season.

Lowe (back) will serve as Tampa Bay's designated hitter and No. 5 batter in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Lowe looks to be at full strength for spring training after back issues as well as a triceps contusion limited him to just 65 games in 2022. The back concerns may have well played a part in Lowe's downturn in production when he was healthy enough to take the field, as he saw his OPS drop to .691 last season after he posted marks of .850 or better in each of the previous three campaigns. Lowe thus looks like an interesting bounce-back candidate for 2023, and though he'll be making his spring debut at DH, he's eventually expected to settle back into a near-everyday role at second base.

Vargas (finger) will start at second base in Monday's Cactus League game against the Padres and is listed as the Dodgers' No. 9 hitter, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports. Juan Toribio of MLB.com relays that Vargas will check out of the game before his first plate appearance comes up.

Vargas has been dealing with a hairline fracture on his right pinkie finger, but he was able to swing without pain on Sunday. However, the Dodgers aren't yet comfortable having him face high-velocity pitching in a game setting, so Vargas' first at-bats of the Cactus League slate look as though they'll have to wait for a few more days. The 23-year-old is in contention for an everyday role at second base for the Dodgers while Gavin Lux transitions over to shortstop following the departure of Trea Turner in free agency. Vargas struggled to a .170/.200/.255 slash line with Los Angeles last season over 50 plate appearances, but he's considered the Dodgers' top prospect and produced a .304 average with 17 homers, 82 RBI, 100 runs and 16 stolen bases with Triple-A Oklahoma in 2022.

Vargas (finger) took some two-handed swings during a workout Sunday and indicated that his right hand felt fine, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Vargas suffered a hairline fracture in his right pinky finger while fielding a grounder Feb. 20 and had been held back from swinging until Sunday. He did, however, start the Dodgers' Cactus League opener against Milwaukee on Saturday, playing defense and tracking pitches during his two plate appearances. Given Vargas' ability to progress to swinging Sunday, he should have plenty of time to prepare for Opening Day, when he's expected to be in the lineup as Los Angeles' starting second baseman.

Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Vargas (finger) has regained his grip strength and is working in the batting cage, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

The 23-year-old has been limited since he suffered a hairline fracture to his right pinky finger last week, but he appears to be progressing toward full clearance. Vargas was in the lineup for Saturday's Cactus League opener in order to see some defensive reps, though he wasn't cleared to swing the bat. He'll likely need to face some live pitching before receiving full clearance for games.

Castro went 2-for-3 with a double, a triple and two RBI in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks.

Castro started the Rockies' first spring training game at second base and led off. He doubled to begin the contest and added a two-run triple one frame later. Castro is with Colorado on a minor-league deal, though his defensive versatility could help him win a roster spot to begin the campaign.

Vargas (finger) will be in the lineup for the Dodgers' Cactus League opener Saturday but will not be allowed to swing the bat, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

The team wants Vargas to get the defensive reps, but he'll only be tracking pitches at the plate as he comes back from a hairline fracture in his right pinky. It's not clear when exactly he might be cleared to hit, but it's not expected to be long. Barring setbacks, the Dodgers are anticipating that Vargas will be ready for Opening Day.

Albies (shoulder) will be limited to the designated hitter spot for the first week or so of Atlanta's Grapefruit League schedule, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

It was revealed earlier Friday that Albies underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder last October, so he's being eased into things during camp. The plan is for him to be cleared to play second base sometime in early March. Barring any setbacks, Albies is expected to be fine for the start of the regular season.

Albies revealed Friday that he underwent right shoulder surgery last October, Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The 26-year-old said it was "just a regular clean-up" to address some pain he's dealt with in the shoulder for a couple years. The surgery has meant he's being built up a little more slowly in camp, but Albies said he's able to do all baseball activities and he "100 percent" expects to be ready to roll for Opening Day. He's also coming back from a fractured pinky which ended his 2022 season prematurely, but the finger is a non-issue at this point. While it seems the shoulder surgery was relatively minor, it would not be a surprise to see Albies fall a bit in drafts after this revelation.

Valdez will get reps all over the infield this spring, Red Sox manager Alex Cora told Christopher Smith of MassLive.com on Thursday.

Acquired from the Astros at last year's trade deadline as part of the Christian Vazquez deal, Valdez has some experience in the minors in the corner outfield spots, but it sounds like the Red Sox plan to keep him on the dirt. Cora repeatedly extolled Valdez's virtues as a hitter Thursday while also adding that "we'll try to help him defensively," which gives you an idea how the club views him. His defensive shortcomings aside, Valdez had a .918 OPS with 28 homers and 107 RBI between Double- and Triple-A last season. He's most comfortable at second base and Boston has a clear opening there, so while Valdez might not make the Opening Day roster, he's someone to keep an eye on.