MLB Player News

Rendon (groin) will go through a normal workout Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Rendon took it easy for a couple days after feeling some discomfort in his groin Sunday. He's ready to ramp back up again, however, and should return to Cactus League games before long if all goes well. The veteran third baseman is slated to bat cleanup for the Angels this season.

Paredes focused on hitting breaking balls this winter in anticipation that pitchers will attack him differently in 2024, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Paredes broke out with 31 home runs in 2023, 20 of which came off fastballs. Heading into 2024, he expects to see pitchers mix in more breaking and offspeed pitches to mitigate his ability to pull the ball for power, and he took batting practice from a hitting machine throwing breaking pitches this offseason to prepare. Paredes also noted he may have to be willing to settle for putting the ball in play regularly as opposed to consistently hunting for the long ball.

Rendon reported discomfort in his groin Sunday and will be out through at least Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Manager Ron Washington said he's not too concerned about Rendon's injury but noted the veteran's absence may extend beyond Wednesday if he's not at 100 percent. Rendon is currently 2-for-10 with four walks and two runs scored through six Cactus League games and is in line to serve as the Angels' cleanup hitter once the regular season begins.

Jung (calf) took live batting practice Monday and is scheduled to hit in a minor-league spring game Tuesday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The 26-year-old was cleared to resume baseball work over the weekend and has wasted little time ramping up his activities. Jung isn't yet running 100 percent but could soon serve as the designated hitter in Cactus League games.

Peraza (shoulder) is starting at second base and batting fifth for the Yankees in Tuesday's game versus the Mets in his return to Grapefruit League play.

Peraza missed a week of action with tightness in his right shoulder but is feeling well enough to give it a go in this one. The young infielder is competing for a spot on the Yankees' bench but could wind up back at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre so he can play every day.

Miranda (shoulder) will focus on playing first base when he returns to the field this week, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Miranda has been limited to DH so far this spring. "We think he can really fit [there, but] it's a position he hasn't played a ton," said manager Rocco Baldelli.

Miranda underwent offseason surgery to remove scar tissue from his right labrum and rotator cuff. He's 3-for-8 with a double in three games this spring. Miranda appears set to begin the season at Triple-A barring an injury elsewhere on the roster, so it will be interesting to see if he's limited to first base in the minors as well.

McKinstry will likely serve in a utility role for the Tigers this season with Colt Keith the presumptive starter at second base, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The Tigers have cycled through a handful of options at the keystone the past few seasons, but the 22-year-old Keith is seen as a potential long-term solution, and it appears that the team is ready to give him a shot. McKinstry appeared in 148 games and recorded 464 at-bats for Detroit last season, though he's likely better suited for a more limited role. Expect him to provide versatility but little offense as a utility player in 2024, which limits his fantasy upside.

Freeman has gone 4-for-14 over six Cactus League games.

Freeman has a home run, three RBI and two stolen bases so far this spring. A natural infielder, Freeman is blocked by Jose Ramirez at third base (his natural position) and Andres Gimenez at second base. Shortstop remains wide open, and Freeman is also getting looks in center field this spring, where he's competing with Myles Straw and Estevan Florial. Versatility should be a boon for Freeman's quest to begin 2024 in the majors even if he has to settle for a short-side platoon role.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Monday that Henderson will receive the bulk of his playing time this season at shortstop, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.

Henderson played a bit more third base than shortstop last season and the hot corner is "still an option," per Hyde. However, it sounds like the O's intend on Henderson settling in as their primary shortstop. The domino effect means Jorge Mateo likely being used in something of a super utility role, bouncing around the middle infield and outfield. It could also create a clearer path at second base for Jackson Holliday if Baltimore elects to use Jordan Westburg more at third base. Henderson is making his Grapefruit League debut Monday after overcoming an oblique issue, starting at shortstop and batting third against the Twins.

Henderson (oblique) will be in the Orioles' Grapefruit League lineup against the Twins on Monday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

An aggravation of his left oblique set Henderson back to begin camp, but he is now ready for his first live action of the spring. Last season's American League Rookie of the Year, Henderson took over the top spot in the batting order down the stretch and is a candidate to lead off against right-handed pitching in 2024.