MLB Player News

Ibanez has been diagnosed with a small tear in his left hand and is hopeful to return to the lineup for Team Cuba in the World Baseball Classic in the coming days, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

In an interview with JIT Deporte Cubano, Ibanez says that he has not suffered a fracture, and that he's doing cold/water/hot water treatment in hopes of getting back in the lineup for Cuba in the WBC. The 29-year-old is in the mix for a backup role with the Tigers, and he should be able to return to Grapefruit League action after the tournament concludes.

Haggerty (lower body soreness) started at third base and went 0-for-2 in Monday's Cactus League loss to the Cubs.

The valued utility asset was making his first Cactus League appearance since Wednesday as a result of lower-body soreness. Haggerty's ability to play the field Monday seems to corroborate a return to normal for the 28-year-old, who also had offseason surgery to repair a Grade 2 adductor strain.

Wisely is gaining attention for his work in Giants camp, Maria Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Wisely was already set to get a look as a left-handed utility bat, and it appears he's been even better than initially expected. He's gone 3-for-10 with two home runs across four Cactus League games so far. He'll need to keep it up during spring games, but Wisely appears to have an edge over Isan Diaz for a bench role.

Ibanez will not play Tuesday in the World Baseball Classic for Cuba due to a left hand injury, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Ibanez suffered the injury in an exhibition game for Cuba. The infielder was unable to practice Tuesday and he'll be held out of the lineup against the Netherlands for the WBC opener. Ibanez is competing for a bench spot with Detroit this spring and it remains to be seen if this will carry into the regular season.

Massey has gone 5-for-18 with two home runs, four RBI and four runs scored through six Cactus League games.

Massey hit just .243 with a .683 OPS, four home runs, 17 RBI and three stolen bases in 52 contests as a rookie last season. His solid spring, in terms of both making contact and showing some power, gives him an edge to start at second base over Nicky Lopez, who is hitless through six at-bats in the spring. Massey totaled 20 homers and 16 steals over three levels of baseball last year, so he could have some all-around appeal in fantasy if he can hit well.

Peguero was reassigned Tuesday to the minor-league side of Pirates camp.

Peguero was called up for his MLB debut last June but appeared in only one game with Pittsburgh. The 22-year-old infielder slashed .259/.305/.387 with 10 home runs and 28 stolen bases in 121 games last summer at Double-A.

Merrifield (quadriceps) will start at second base and bat leadoff in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.

Merrifield will rejoin the spring lineup for the first time since last Thursday after a minor right quad injury prompted the Blue Jays to hold him out for a few days. Though he'll be leading off Tuesday, Merrifield will most likely find himself in the bottom half of the batting order during the regular season, at which time George Springer is expected to serve as Toronto's primary table setter.

Espinal went 2-for-3 with a run scored, an RBI and two stolen bases in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Getting the start at second base and batting sixth, Espinal continued a strong start to his spring that's seen him go 7-for-14 at the plate with a homer and three steals. The 28-year-old is expected to begin the season in a bench role with Whit Merrifield shifting to second base, but if Merrifield's quad injury lingers over the next few weeks, Espinal could find himself in the Opening Day lineup.

Haggerty (groin) is back in the Mariners' lineup Monday for their Cactus League game against the Cubs, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Haggerty had been held out of action for a few days because of a groin injury, but he's feeling well enough to give it a go Monday. The utility player will be at third base and bat sixth versus Hayden Wesneski and the Cubs.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Vargas (finger) is expected to resume swinging the bat in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Mariners, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Though Vargas hasn't been cleared to hit in games since Feb. 20 due to a right pinkie finger fracture, the injury hasn't hindered him in the field. He's still been making regular starts at second base during the Cactus League slate, and despite doing little more than standing in at the dish during his plate appearances, Vargas has managed to draw four walks. He'll start at the keystone again Monday against the Padres and won't take swings, but look for Vargas to become more aggressive at the plate beginning with Wednesday's contest.