MLB Player News

Wagaman could be in store for steady playing time at third base or designated hitter to begin the season after manager Clayton McCullough announced Tuesday that Connor Norby (oblique) will be out for about four weeks, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Norby's injury will likely pave the way for Graham Pauley to make the Opening Day roster as an extra infielder, but De Nicola relays that the Marlins are likely to lean primarily on Wagaman and Jonah Bride at the third base and DH spots early on. After making his MLB debut with the Angels late last season, the 27-year-old Wagaman was non-tendered in November before signing a one-year deal with Miami. He earned his spot on the Marlins' 26-man active roster after producing a .738 OPS over 53 plate appearances in Grapefruit League play.

Pauley is expected to land the final position player roster spot for the Marlins due to the fact Connor Norby (oblique) is slated for a stint on the 10-day injured list, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Pauley was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville earlier this month, but he has already rejoined the Marlins in Miami for their exhibition game versus the Yankees on Tuesday and is getting the start at third base. He could see some action at the hot corner while Norby misses the next four weeks. Eric Wagaman and Jonah Bride are also candidates to fill in at third base.

Peraza appears to have been surpassed by Pablo Reyes on the Yankees' depth chart and is on the outside looking in for an Opening Day roster spot, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Early in spring, Peraza was viewed as a candidate to start at third base due to DJ LeMahieu (calf) being set to miss the beginning of the campaign. However, Oswaldo Cabrera has likely locked up that role with a solid exhibition slate while Peraza has slashed just .167/.273/.188. Even more detrimental for Peraza's outlook is that Reyes has had an outstanding spring with a .326/.434/.488 slash line and is also capable of playing more positions on the field. Peraza is out of minor-league options, so if he doesn't make the Yankees' Opening Day roster, the team would need to designate him for assignment.

Jung was removed from Monday's game against the Royals after two at-bats due to stiffness in his neck, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Jung went 0-for-1 with a walk before exiting, though the injury doesn't appear to be overly serious. Manager Bruce Bochy stated after the exhibition that Jung wanted to remain in the game despite the discomfort, and that he'll get another opportunity to play Tuesday. Jung's status will be worth monitoring closely with Opening Day only a few days away.

Manager Joe Espada announced Monday that Paredes will hit out of the second spot in the batting order to begin the season, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Paredes has seen opportunities to show what he can do out of the No. 2 spot in camp, and the Astros have evidently liked what they've seen. Despite batting .188 in 32 at-bats, Paredes drew nine walks this spring, ultimately earning himself the opportunity to further establish himself in the second spot in the order if he continues to get on base.

Moncada (thumb) fielded grounders and did some light throwing Monday, Michael Huntley of The Sporting Tribune reports.

Moncada was still wearing a wrap on his injured right thumb during the workout. While he remains hopeful of being ready in time for Opening Day, the fact that Moncada hasn't played in nearly two weeks and still isn't throwing at full strength suggests it would be a push for him to play Thursday. If Moncada is not ready, Luis Rengifo will play third base for the Angels.

Kreidler has rejoined the Tigers and is a candidate to see starts in center field while Parker Meadows (arm) and Wenceel Perez (back) are out, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The Tigers are also down Matt Vierling (shoulder) in addition to Meadows and Perez, leaving them with very few options to play center field. President of baseball operations Scott Harris noted Monday that Kreidler is an "elite defender" and that "pitching and defense is going to be really important for us moving forward," indicating that Kreidler could see ample playing time in center field. The club also signed Manuel Margot to enhance its outfield depth.

The Orioles reassigned Machin to minor-league camp Monday, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The Orioles signed Machin to a minor-league contract Nov. 11 after playing in the Mexican League in 2024. He posted an impressive .400/.438/.578 with one home run and 10 RBI across 48 plate appearances in spring training, but he'll likely begin the 2025 campaign in Double-A or Triple-A. Machin last saw major-league action in 2022 with the Athletics, finishing the regular season with a .587 OPS across 73 games.

Rosario is not expected to be included on the Padres' Opening Day roster, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

The utility player had been in the running for a reserve role but didn't wind up making the cut. Rosario is out of minor-league options, so he will either have to be traded or placed on waivers.

With the Tigers signing outfielder Manuel Margot on Sunday, Malloy has added competition in his bid for an Opening Day bench spot, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Margot signed with Detroit on a major-league deal, so he will give the team veteran depth in the outfield. Malloy, Spencer Torkelson and Jahmai Jones were previously thought to be battling for two open spots, but the addition of Margot likely means only one bench opening is left. Torkelson, the 2020 No. 1 overall pick, has had an impressive spring and recently started seeing some time in the outfield to add versatility, so he might have the inside track at this point given his power potential at the plate. If Malloy starts the season with Triple-A Toledo, he could still be an MLB option later in the year if a need arises.