MLB Player News

Jung went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's spring game against the Cubs.

Jung is 5-for-20 in nine Cactus League games, but the main thing is that he's healthy and playing spring ball. He didn't play in 2020 due to the pandemic, then had a foot injury in 2021 and shoulder surgery in 2022. Jung is taking on the challenge of being the Rangers' starting third baseman, an unsettled position for much of 2022 until he was added to the roster in September.

Mead and the Rays have explored a long-term contract extension this spring, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Mead, a 22-year-old native of Australia, has delivered a sparkling .306/.376/.517 career batting line through 970 minor-league plate appearances. He posted a .922 OPS with 13 home runs and 27 doubles in 76 games last summer between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham. Even if the extension talks ultimately fail, the young infielder should rise to the major-league level with Tampa Bay in 2023. Most of his defensive experience has come at third base, though he's also played some shortstop, second base and first base.

Miranda (shoulder) has a "very realistic chance" of being ready to play third base on Opening Day, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli told Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com on Tuesday.

Miranda tested out his right shoulder with a plyo ball Tuesday and expects to be ready to throw a regular baseball in 2-3 days. If he can avoid setbacks, it sounds like he should be ready to handle the hot corner come March 30. Even if he's not quite ready to play the field, Miranda could serve as the first baseman or designated hitter for a bit. He's already homered three times out of the DH spot this spring.

Miranda tested out his right shoulder by throwing a plyo ball Tuesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

It went well, and the next step will be for Miranda to throw with a regular ball in a few days. His shoulder does not bother him at the plate, which he showed Tuesday with a home run -- his third already this spring -- out of the designated hitter spot.

Peraza is currently out of the lineup with a minor foot injury, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Peraza is currently battling for the starting shortstop gig with the Yankees, and fortunately for him the injury is not considered significant. In fact, Kirschner reports that Peraza is expected back in the lineup Thursday for Grapefruit League action against the Red Sox. With the ability to steal bases and sneaky power, Peraza has a real chance for fantasy success if he can secure enough playing time.

Maton went 0-for-3 with a strikeout in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays and is now batting just .182 this spring.

It's a small sample size of just 11 at-bats, so Maton has time to get going before the regular season begins. The 26-year-old came to the Tigers as part of the Gregory Soto trade in the offseason and is competing for regular playing time, possibly at third base. Tyler Nevin is also in the mix at the hot corner, and the two could alternate starts, at least until one of them emerges as a preferred option. Maton also has the versatility to play at shortstop and second base as well as in the outfield, so he could be a utility player for the Tigers as well.

Miranda (shoulder) is in the lineup as the designated hitter and hitting second in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers.

Miranda has been dealing with a sore shoulder that has kept him out of the lineup for the past few days. The infielder is expected to be ready for Opening Day, but he may be limited to first base and designated hitter in the early part of the campaign.

Mead went 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBI in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees.

The two homers accounted for Mead's first hits of spring training through 10 at-bats. He's also struck out four times in that span, as he looks to impress the Rays enough to earn a chance to make his big-league debut at some point in 2023. Despite the slow start to the exhibition season, Mead had an impressive 2022 campaign by posting a 146 wRC+ across 246 plate appearances with Double-A Montgomery before being promoted to Triple-A Durham to close the campaign.

Walls (oblique) resumed light baseball activities Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Walls has been dealing with a strained oblique since the start of camp but is "progressing well," Rays manager Kevin Cash said Thursday. It sounds like he probably has a ways to go before being cleared for game action, though.

Miranda could be limited to first base and designated hitter at the start of the season if his right shoulder soreness hasn't totally subsided by then, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Miranda is slated to handle the hot corner in 2023 after spending most of 2022 at first base, but it's possible those plans could be put on hold for a bit. It would make sense for the Twins to exercise caution here, especially if Alex Kirilloff (wrist) isn't quite ready to play first base. Miranda has played three games this spring, all out of the DH spot. If he's not able to play third base initially, it could open up starts at the hot corner for Donovan Solano, Kyle Farmer, Nick Gordon (ankle) and Willi Castro. If Miranda's shoulder is still an issue later in the summer, Royce Lewis (knee) could factor into the third base mix as well.