MLB Player News

Witt (forearm) will start at shortstop and bat second in Saturday's Cactus League game versus the Guardians.

Witt suffered a bruised left forearm after getting hit by a pitch Wednesday, but the soreness has now subsided, and he's been given the green light to resume playing in exhibition games. With a .276/.364/.586 slash line alongside two home runs, four RBI and five runs scored over 11 contests this spring, the 24-year-old looks poised to have another great season in 2025.

Story (back) is starting at shortstop and batting cleanup in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

The veteran shortstop was scratched early in the week due to back tightness but is ready to return to game action this weekend. Injuries remain a concern for Story given that he's played in just 69 games across the past two seasons, but he's currently healthy and on track to serve as Boston's shortstop for Opening Day.

Perez (back) is starting in center field and batting leadoff in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

The 25-year-old has been dealing with lower-back tightness over the past week but will rejoin the starting nine Saturday after recently receiving a cortisone injection. Perez is expected to start in center or right field Opening Day for the Tigers since Parker Meadows (arm) and Matt Vierling (shoulder) will be unavailable to begin the season.

Perez received a cortisone injection in his back Friday but is expected to be ready for Opening Day, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The 25-year-old has been sidelined for the past week due to lower-back tightness, and he received the cortisone injection after a couple failed attempts to return to game action this week. Parker Meadows (arm) and Matt Vierling (shoulder) are poised to miss the start of the season, so Perez should play a significant role for the Tigers to begin the campaign, assuming he can avoid further complications.

Witt (forearm) increased his baseball activities, including hitting, Friday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Witt was hit by a pitch in the left forearm during Wednesday's game against the Mariners, but he managed to escape with just a bruise and is easing back into workouts. It's not clear when Witt might be ready to play in Cactus League games again, but it shouldn't be long.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Friday that Mateo (elbow) could make his Grapefruit League debut soon but remains doubtful for Opening Day, Danielle Allentuck of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Mateo had already essentially been ruled out for the opener, so an injured list stint wouldn't be a surprise. He's making nice progress from UCL reconstruction surgery on his left (non-throwing) elbow, though, and will continue his ramp up in games soon.

Amaya (hip) is starting at shortstop and batting ninth in Friday's spring game against the Reds.

Amaya suffered a hip injury early this week but is ready to retake the field Friday after getting a few days to rest up. The 26-year-old has gone 2-for-16 with eight strikeouts through nine games in spring training, as it appears he's fallen behind Chase Meidroth in the battle for the White Sox's starting shortstop job.

Witt, who was hit by a pitch in Wednesday's game, has a left forearm contusion and will continue to be evaluated in the coming days, MLB.com reports. "It was scary in the moment," he said. "But any time that happens, it's always scary. You never know what the results are going to be. But if it was October or April or March 27, I'd be good."

X-rays on Witt's forearm did not show any broken bones, but the report adds if it doesn't improve he'll have more imaging. He'll have limited activity the next few days as a result. Still, given his comments there's currently no reason to think he'll miss Opening Day. Witt has had a great spring by hitting .276/.364/.586 with two homers, four RBI and five runs scored over 11 games.

The Rangers optioned Ornelas to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

Ornelas' defensive versatility and .881 OPS in spring training gave him a good chance to win a spot on the Rangers' bench out of spring training. However, the team would evidently like to see if his hot bat can hold up in the Triple-A regular season, which is not surprising given his career .505 OPS in the big leagues.

Story (back) is hitting in a simulated game against Walker Buehler on Thursday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Story last played in a Grapefruit League game March 9, as he's been dealing with back tightness. However, the fact that he's able to play in a simulated game suggests he's on track to return to the Red Sox' lineup Saturday versus Atlanta as hoped.