MLB Player News

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said that Walcott will be held out of workouts Wednesday and Thursday due to "a little soreness in the arm," Shawn McDonald of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Bochy indicated that the injury isn't serious and the team is just being cautious with its top prospect. Walcott, who doesn't turn 19 in March, is in camp as a non-roster invitee and is projected to begin the 2025 campaign at Double-A Frisco.

Rivas turned his left ankle during infield drills Tuesday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Rivas injured his ankle while stepping on second base and had to limp off the practice field. The Mariners are optimistic that he'll need only a few days of rest before returning to workouts. Rivas is competing this spring for a reserve infielder job.

Jaworsky (undisclosed) is listed as an available bench option Wednesday for the Astros' Grapefruit League game against the Mets, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 20-year-old Jaworsky made his spring debut last Friday against the Mets, recording a sacrifice fly in his lone plate appearance in addition to seeing some time at second base. He isn't a serious threat to make the Astros' Opening Day roster, but his involvement in big-league camp is an indication that he's healthy again after he finished the 2024 season on Single-A Fayetteville's 60-day injured list due to an unspecified issue.

Smith started at first base and went 1-for-2 with a double and a run scored in Tuesday's spring game against Kansas City.

This was Smith's third Cactus League game, and he made starts at third base and center field prior to Tuesday's deployment. For the last two seasons, he's been needed as the primary fill-in for injured starters at shortstop and third base, but the Rangers are preparing him for a more diversified role in 2025. He's always carried multiple gloves with him, so moving around the diamond is nothing new. In more of a utility role, Smith may not receive the nearly 600 plate appearances he had last season.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Tuesday that Barger (hand) is expected to return to Grapefruit League action Wednesday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Barger was hit on the hand by a pitch Sunday, but X-rays came back negative, and Barger went through a normal day of work Tuesday morning. He's avoided a serious injury. Barger should have a chance to carve out a reliable role at third base and in the outfield for Toronto this spring after slashing .197/.250/.351 with seven home runs, 28 RBI and 20 runs across his first 225 big-league plate appearances last season.

Mateo swung a bat Monday for the first time since left elbow surgery, hitting balls off a tee, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Mateo feels good about where he's at in the rehab process and will continue to ramp up his hitting progression. The Orioles have already ruled the utility player out for Opening Day, although it's not yet clear when he might be ready to make his season debut.

Martinez started at second base and went went 0-for-2 with a walk in Monday's spring game against the Diamondbacks.

Martinez was the third different player to start at second base in Cleveland's first three Cactus League contests. More players will cycle through in the coming days and weeks, as manager Stephen Vogt decides which will be the team's primary second baseman. Gabriel Arias, who started the spring opener at second base, served as the third baseman Monday and belted a first-inning home run.

Barger (hand) will try to hit Monday and is considered day-to-day, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Per manager John Schneider, Barger's right hand is swollen and he had a blood blister after getting hit by a Garrett Crochet pitch Sunday. The Jays game was rained out Monday, but Barger wasn't in the lineup, although it sounds like he'll get back in there once the swelling in his hand goes down. Barger showed up to camp in great shape and has intriguing tools (plus bat speed, above-average foot speed) if he can earn a role either in the outfield or at third base.

Brito started at second base and went 0-for-2 in Sunday's spring game against the Angels.

Brito made his Cactus League debut Sunday. The 23-year-old is one of several players that should see time at second base, a position that remains up for grabs. Gabriel Arias started Saturday's spring opener followed by Brito on Sunday. Expect to see a carousel of names in daily box scores, including prospect Travis Bazzana.

Martin will primarily focus on playing the outfield this spring, Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. "I want him to be a defensive star out there. I think he has the ability and the work ethic to do so," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. Martin started in center field Sunday and went 1-for-2 in is spring debut.

Martin is battling for a reserve spot on the roster, and he could be a key reserve since he can play both center field and second base. He was regarded as a top prospect as the fifth overall pick in 2020, but he hasn't lived up to that billing given his lack of power (.099 ISO last year in the majors).