MLB Player News

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.

Gonzalez could lose out on a roster spot to begin the season in favor of Leury Garcia, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Gonzalez has had an inconsistent spring, leaving his status for Opening Day in flux. On one hand, he's slugged four home runs and added a double across 40 Cactus League at-bats. However, Gonzalez has also struck out 15 times in 43 total plate appearances. While Gonzalez's defensive versatility has been praised by the club, Garcia is also capable of playing many positions, either in the infield or outfield.

Rodgers (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day injured list by the Rockies on Sunday.

Rodgers was one of three players for Colorado to hit the 60-day injured list, with Sean Bouchard (biceps) and Ryan Rolison (shoulder) joining him on the IL. Rodgers picked up a significant left shoulder injury early in spring that was determined to have damaged to his capsule, and there's a very good chance he won't be able to play in 2023.

Castro had his contract selected from Triple-A Albuquerque by the Rockies on Saturday.

Castro will be a part of the Opening Day roster after signing a minor-league contract in January with an invite to MLB spring training. The infielder will likely spell starters all around the infield, and he could see some playing time in the outfield as well. Castro will help the Rockies in 2023, but he is unlikely to help much in fantasy formats even if he gets regular playing time.