MLB Player News

Jung (calf) took live batting practice Monday and is scheduled to hit in a minor-league spring game Tuesday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The 26-year-old was cleared to resume baseball work over the weekend and has wasted little time ramping up his activities. Jung isn't yet running 100 percent but could soon serve as the designated hitter in Cactus League games.

Suarez (side) is starting at third base and batting fifth for the Diamondbacks on Tuesday versus the Padres in his return to the lineup, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Suarez hasn't played in nearly a week after developing some side tightness, but he's now feeling well enough to give it a go. The veteran third baseman was acquired via trade from the Mariners earlier this offseason after slashing .232/.323/.391 with 22 home runs and 96 RBI in 2023.

Peraza (shoulder) is starting at second base and batting fifth for the Yankees in Tuesday's game versus the Mets in his return to Grapefruit League play.

Peraza missed a week of action with tightness in his right shoulder but is feeling well enough to give it a go in this one. The young infielder is competing for a spot on the Yankees' bench but could wind up back at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre so he can play every day.

Hayes has hit two home runs and a double across his first 14 Grapefruit League at-bats.

Hayes is locked into every day playing at third base thanks to his tremendous defense, but his fantasy value will turn on his ability to hit for power and swipe bases. He took a step forward in the former category in 2023, improving his average launch angle to 13.2 degrees, which resulted in a career-best .182 ISO. He's seemingly carried that approach over into his early at-bats this spring and could be in for a solid regular season while occupying a key position in the Pittsburgh lineup.

Miranda (shoulder) will focus on playing first base when he returns to the field this week, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Miranda has been limited to DH so far this spring. "We think he can really fit [there, but] it's a position he hasn't played a ton," said manager Rocco Baldelli.

Miranda underwent offseason surgery to remove scar tissue from his right labrum and rotator cuff. He's 3-for-8 with a double in three games this spring. Miranda appears set to begin the season at Triple-A barring an injury elsewhere on the roster, so it will be interesting to see if he's limited to first base in the minors as well.

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.