MLB Player News

Triolo was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis by the Pirates on Tuesday.

Triolo was 0-for-18 with four walks through 11 games this spring in Grapefruit League play, but he at least proved that the hyperextended left knee which plagued him down the stretch last year is no longer an issue. The 25-year-old might be able to climb to the MLB level at some point in 2023.

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.

Busch was optioned Monday to minor-league camp by the Dodgers.

Busch has struggled in his brief Cactus League sample, with a slash line of .150/.320/.300 with one homer in 25 plate appearances. Those struggles have very little to do with why he's opening the season in the minors, however, and the 25-year-old could be an option for the Dodgers at some point this summer as one of the club's best hitting prospects.

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.

Reds manager David Bell said Monday that Senzel (toe) is no longer in line to play in Cactus League games this week and is unlikely to be cleared for Opening Day, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Though the skipper relayed that Senzel is continuing to make progress in his recovery from November surgery to repair a fractured toe of his left foot and isn't dealing with any sort of setback, the 27-year-old seemingly hasn't made enough advances in his running program and defensive work to gain clearance for games yet. Senzel might have a chance at getting into a game during the final week of the exhibition slate, but it looks as though he'll start the regular season on the injured list. If that's the case, the Reds could take a platoon approach to center field, with Will Benson and/or TJ Friedl serving as options from the left side of the plate and Stuart Fairchild representing a short-side option.

Groshans reported improvement with his ailing left shoulder Sunday, according to MLB.com.

Groshans' shoulder was banged up after he made a pair of diving plays on Friday, but it appears he's not dealing with a significant injury. The infielder should be ready to return to Grapefruit League play later this week.

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.