MLB Player News

Noel was optioned to Triple-A Columbus by the Guardians on Tuesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Noel, 21, has gone 2-for-15 at the dish in nine games this spring. The young slugger is expected to play left and right field in addition to his natural first base at Columbus this season.

Nevin (oblique) has started playing catch and going through defensive drills, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Nevin is also aiming to hit off a tee by the end of the week. Phil's son is working his way back from a mild left oblique strain and it seems like he might have an outside shot to be ready for Opening Day.

Lipcius was optioned to Triple-A Toledo by the Tigers on Tuesday.

Lipcius has had a nice spring with a .909 OPS and three home runs. The 24-year-old is capable of playing all over the infield and could find himself in a utility role in Detroit before long.

Mead was optioned Monday to minor-league camp by the Rays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

There was some thought that Mead could make the Rays' Opening Day roster, but instead the top prospect in the system is poised to begin the season at Triple-A Durham. The 22-year-old Australian posted a .918 OPS in his 22 plate appearances in the Grapefruit League this spring and should be one of the first bats called up by Tampa Bay whenever the club is looking for additional offense.

The Red Sox optioned Rafaela to Triple-A Worcester on Monday.

Rafaela established himself as one of Boston's top outfield prospects last season after slashing .299/.342/.538 with 21 home runs and 28 stolen bases in 518 plate appearances between stops at High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland. The 22-year-old earned himself a spot on the 40-man roster this offseason along with an invitation to big-league spring training. Though he fell short in his longshot bid for a spot on Boston's Opening Day roster, Rafaela could push his way to the big leagues at some point later in 2023 if he continues to mash at the highest level of the minors.

The Athletics optioned Bride to Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday.

While seeing time at three infield spots (third base, second base and first base) as a rookie in 2022, Bride slashed an unremarkable .204/.301/.247 across 187 plate appearances with Oakland. Though high walk rates and low strikeout rates have been standard for Bride throughout his career, he may need to tap into more power or quality contact if he's to emerge as anything more than a depth or short-side platoon player at the big-league level. The 27-year-old will continue to hone his craft in Las Vegas but should be on the short list for a call-up whenever the Athletics might need a right-handed-hitting infield bat.

Kreidler went 2-for-3 with a double, two runs scored and two RBI in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

Batting second, Kreidler made his presence felt. The infielder is battling for a reserve role this spring, though he'd likely make the team based on his defensive versatility, as he batted just .178 in 26 games for the Tigers in 2022. However, Kreidler looked better in the box at the Triple-A level the last two seasons, so perhaps he can improve his offensive production in the majors. Even if that happens, Kreidler will remain off the fantasy radar unless he's able to secure regular playing time.

The Rays are targeting a return for Walls (oblique) on Thursday, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

Walls has been out of action since the beginning of spring training with an oblique strain. The Rays and manager Kevin Cash have insisted that the infielder would be ready for the start of the regular season, and a return to the Grapefruit League lineup two weeks before the start of the campaign seems to make that likely. Walls will likely serve as a utility infielder in 2023, and his role won't have much fantasy relevance unless he earns a bigger opportunity.

Miranda (shoulder) began a throwing progression Friday without issues, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Shoulder soreness popped up for Miranda early in camp and forced him to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic. Whether or not he'll be able to handle the hot corner by Opening Day is unclear, but he'll at least be able to serve as the designated hitter, the position he's been playing so far this spring.

Ramos went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run Friday against the Cubs in Cactus League action.

Ramos has racked up 17 at-bats in the Cactus League this spring and has collected seven hits in that span while striking out just twice. Friday's homer came off Ryan Borucki and marked Ramos' first extra-base hit of the exhibition season. He won't challenge for a spot on the Opening Day roster, but he should start the season with Double-A Birmingham and could earn an audition in the majors by the close of the campaign.