MLB Player News

Manager Aaron Boone said Sunday in an interview with Jomboy Media's "Talkin' Yanks" podcast that LeMahieu will be the Yankees' Opening Day leadoff hitter.

Though LeMahieu isn't expected to be the primary starter at any one position, his ability to play either corner-infield spot as well as second base essentially guarantees him a near-everyday role while the Yankees rotate off days between him, Josh Donaldson, Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo. LeMahieu's production at the plate has taken a step back the past two seasons, but he reported to spring training 100 percent healthy and has looked the part during Grapefruit League play. In 12 games this spring, LeMahieu has slashed .371/.421/.486 while striking out in only seven of his 38 plate appearances (18.4 percent). LeMahieu doesn't project to run much or hit for much power at this stage of his career, but he should be a strong source of runs and batting average if health prevails and he can stick as the Yankees' leadoff man for the bulk of the season.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch confirmed Sunday that Nevin (oblique) will begin the season on the injured list, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports. "He will open up on a rehab assignment if all goes well this week," Hinch said.

Nevin has been dealing with an oblique injury through much of camp. The 26-year-old shouldn't need a long stay on the injured list before returning to the Detroit lineup, and he is expected to serve as a bench option who can fill in at the corner infield positions.

Burger is in the running to earn a roster spot to begin the season, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Burger has made a strong case for a roster spot with both his bat and glove this spring. He's slugged four home runs and a double across 59 plate appearances during Cactus League action, though that's been offset by 18 strikeouts. Adding to Burger's appeal is that he added first base to his defensive repertoire, giving him some additional versatility as compared to the 2022 campaign.

Moncada went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and two runs scored in Friday's Cactus League game against the Athletics.

Moncada was dealing with a bruised rib that he suffered during the World Baseball Classic while playing for Cuba. He showed no ill effects in his return from the issue, as he belted a two-run homer in his first plate appearance. Moncada will be looking to rebound from a poor 2022 campaign, during which he recorded a .212/.273/.353 line across 433 plate appearances.

Urias (thumb) will bat second and play second base in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Urias was scratched both Thursday and Friday due to a bruised right thumb, but the issue doesn't appear to be a significant one. After hitting a respectable .248/.305/.414 with 16 home runs in 118 games last season, he appears to be set for a utility infield role this year.

Urias (thumb) was scratched from the Orioles' Grapefruit League lineup again Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Urias remains sidelined because of a bruised right thumb, though O's manager Brandon Hyde downplayed the issue Thursday. Terrin Vavra will start at second base Friday night against the Yankees.

Nevin (oblique) is expected to return to game action this weekend, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

It's not clear whether that will be a minor-league game or Grapefruit League contest, but either way Nevin has pretty much put his oblique injury behind him. He would seem to have a shot to be ready for Opening Day, but it will be close.

Miranda (shoulder) will start at third base for the Twins during Saturday's Grapefruit League game versus Atlanta, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Miranda has been limited to designated hitter and, more recently, first base duties while coming back from a sore right shoulder, but he's finally ready to test things out from the hot corner. He's slated to see most of his playing time at third base during the regular season, although Miranda could be eased into the position in the early going.

Urias (thumb) is back in the Orioles' lineup for Friday's Grapefruit League matchup versus the Yankees, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Urias was scratched from Thursday's lineup with a bruised right thumb, but he's back out there a day later, batting seventh and playing second base. The 28-year-old is sporting just a .619 OPS with no home runs this spring.

Urias was scratched from Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers due to a bruised right thumb, Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Urias suffered the injury while fielding batting practice. Manager Brandon Hyde downplayed the significance of the issue, and it doesn't appear likely to hinder Urias' availability for Opening Day. He's projected to fill a utility role along Baltimore's infield to start the campaign.