MLB Player News

Candelario was spotted taking grounders at second base Monday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

It remains to be seen whether the Angels will give Candelario a chance at second base during an exhibition, but Bollinger notes that his work at the keystone is an effort to improve his versatility. The Angels are presumably enjoying what they've seen so far this spring out of the 32-year-old, who is 8-for-24 with one home run, four RBI and five runs scored.

The Athletics optioned Harris to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.

Harris spent part of the offseason recovering from thumb surgery, but he returned to full health for the start of spring training. The 27-year-old probably needed a big showing in Cactus League play to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster, and his .584 OPS over 26 plate appearances ultimately didn't cut it. Harris is likely to handle an everyday role in the corner infield at Las Vegas.

The White Sox optioned Murray (finger) to Triple-A Charlotte on Monday.

Murray exited his most recent Cactus League game Saturday after being hit by a pitch on his right pinky finger, but that injury likely wasn't a major factor in him failing to win a spot on the White Sox's Opening Day roster. The 26-year-old infielder has yet to make his MLB debut and will need to show improved production at the Triple-A level before garnering serious consideration for a promotion to the majors with Chicago. As a member of the Rays organization last season, Murray slashed .241/.299/.400 with 18 home runs and five stolen bases over 572 plate appearances at Triple-A Durham.

Smith went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's Grapefruit League matchup against the Nationals.

Smith opened the scoring Sunday with a 440-foot blast off Orlando Ribalta, his first long ball this spring. After going 2-for-13 in his first six Grapefruit League contests, Smith has gone 3-for-6 with a pair of extra-base hits in his last two games. It's certainly a positive sign for the 23-year-old, as he looks to claim a spot on Houston's Opening Day roster.

Peraza went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and two stolen bases Sunday in a Cactus League loss to the Athletics.

Peraza's big game boosted his spring slash line to .320/.370/.720. He ranks second on the Angels in both homers (two) and RBI (seven) while tying for second in steals (four). Peraza is out of minor-league options and is expected to break camp with the Angels as a utility infielder, but he could feasibly move into a larger role if Christian Moore struggles to begin the campaign.

Burger 1-for-2 with a walk, a home run and two RBI in Saturday's spring game against San Francisco.

Burger homered for the third consecutive game, including an exhibition contest against Team Brazil. He's officially 7-for-20 with three home runs and seven RBI through nine Cactus League contests. Burger's looking for a bounce-back season after falling to 16 home runs in 2025, a huge dropoff after he launched 63 over the prior two years combined.

Murray was removed from Saturday's Cactus League game against the Mariners after being struck by a pitch on his right pinky finger, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Murray was hit by a pitch in the second inning and proceeded to take his base and steal second base before being removed from the contest. The good news for Murray is that X-rays came back negative, though the injury could limit his playing time over the next couple of days. Murray was acquired by the White Sox from the Rays in November after spending the entire 2025 season with Triple-A Durham, where he slashed .241/.299/.400 with five steals (in nine attempts), 18 home runs and 58 RBI in 572 plate appearances.

Caminero went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run for the Dominican Republic in Friday's 12-3 win over Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic.

Caminero looks to have taken his hot bat from spring training into the WBC, considering he's gone 5-for-12 (.417) with five RBI and one walk covering his first five Grapefruit League contests. The 22-year-old slugger was a first-time All-Star in 2025, though it's worth noting that the Rays are returning to pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field in 2026. During last year's regular season, Caminero posted a .953 OPS across 294 at-bats at hitter-friendly Steinbrenner Field as opposed to a .743 OPS over 308 at-bats on the road.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Friday on Foul Territory that, if Jeremy Pena (finger) isn't ready for Opening Day, Carlos Correa (neck) would shift to shortstop and Paredes would start at third base.

Pena has been diagnosed with a fracture in the tip of his right ring finger and will be reevaluated in two weeks before it's known whether he has a chance to be ready for the opener. Paredes doesn't have a clear path to a starting job when the Astros' crowded infield is healthy, but Pena's injury could open the door to everyday playing time for Paredes, at least on a temporary basis.

Wisdom went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and a second run scored in Thursday's Cactus League matchup against the Padres.

After starting the spring 1-for-10 in four games, Wisdom's gone 4-for-6 with a pair of homers in his last two contests. The 34-year-old signed with the Mariners as a non-roster invitee after spending the 2025 season in the KBO, where he posted an .856 OPS with 35 home runs in 119 games. Wisdom was never going to earn a starting job with Seattle, but the veteran is still looking to make the Opening Day roster as a bench piece.