MLB Player News

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.

Madrigal was pulled from Monday's game against the Padres with a right leg cramp, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Madrigal grounded out in his lone plate appearance before exiting. Leg problems have plagued the 26-year-old throughout his career, so hopefully this is indeed just a cramp and it's a day-to-day situation. Madrigal is competing for playing time at third base for the Cubs.

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.

Donaldson announced his retirement from professional baseball Monday on The Mayor's Office podcast.

Donaldson had said earlier this offseason that he would like to play one more season if the right opportunity presented itself, but evidently that offer never came. Injuries limited the 38-year-old to only 50 games in 2023, and he managed just a .678 OPS since the start of the 2022 season. However, Donaldson was one of the better players in baseball for several years, making three All-Star teams and winning one American League MVP. He'll finish with a career .261/.358/.489 batting line with 279 home runs over parts of 13 big-league seasons.

The Dodgers acquired Lipcius from the Tigers on Monday in exchange for cash considerations, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Lipcius had been designated for assignment and now finds himself in a new organization. The 25-year-old has little shot to crack the Dodgers' Opening Day roster but will give them some infield depth at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Wisdom (quad) isn't feeling well enough to return to Cactus League action as hoped Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Wisdom had a flare-up with his right quad last week and hasn't progressed as quickly as hoped. He remains day-to-day, but it's unclear when he might be ready for games. Wisdom figures to see most of his starts for the Cubs this season against left-handed pitching.

Peterson (wrist) is starting at third base and batting second for the Diamondbacks on Monday in his return to Cactus League play.

Peterson was held out of games for nearly a week because of inflammation in his right wrist, but he's feeling better now and has returned to action. The 33-year-old is set up for a utility role in Arizona this season.

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.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Sunday that Suarez (side) should return to action Tuesday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Suarez was scratched from the lineup last Thursday then sat out the weekend. The Diamondbacks are getting by at third base with a mix of players, including Blaze Alexander, Kevin Newman and Emmanuel Rivera.