MLB Player News

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Friday that he's more optimistic Seager (groin) will be ready for Opening Day, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

It's not a exactly a specific update, but more optimism from the skipper is certainly an encouraging development. Seager resumed taking swings this week and has also been fielding groundballs and playing catch, and he should continue ramping up his baseball work during the closing stretch of camp. The 29-year-old appears to have a decent chance of being ready by Opening Day.

Neto (illness) is starting at shortstop and batting leadoff in Friday's Cactus League game against the Mariners, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The 23-year-old is expected to bat ninth for the Angels this season, but he'll hit atop the lineup Friday after sitting out the past two days with an illness. Neto struggled offensively as a rookie last season with a .225/.308/.377 slash line in 84 contests.

Arias (illness) is starting at shortstop and batting fifth in Friday's Cactus League game against the Royals.

Arias hasn't seen the field since last weekend due to an illness, but he's back in action for Friday's spring contest. The 24-year-old appears poised to begin the season as Cleveland's primary shortstop, though his .210/.275/.352 slash line and 32.8 percent strikeout rate likely won't bring much job security.

Neto is out of the lineup for Thursday's spring game against the White Sox and has been unavailable recently due to the flu, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Registerreports.

Neto will miss a second straight Cactus League start Thursday, but he's feeling better and was able to go through a pregame workout. It sounds like he should be ready to return to action in a day or two. Luis Rengifo will handle shortstop again while Neto rests.

Tena has gone 4-for-18 with two RBI, one run scored, four walks and two strikeouts over 12 Cactus League games.

Tena is at least getting a long look as a reserve infielder, but he hasn't posted the results to justify winning a roster spot. He's also showing a solid eye at the plate, which is encouraging after he struck out 13 times in 34 plate appearances following his call-up last season. Tena's easiest path to the major-league roster would be at shortstop, but Gabriel Arias (illness), Brayan Rocchio and Tyler Freeman are also contenders to see at-bats there. It may be better for Tena's development for him to start the year at Triple-A Columbus.

Story went 3-for-3 with a double, a home run and three RBI in Tuesday's spring game against the Cardinals.

Story's having a fine spring, posting a .360 average and 1.048 OPS through 28 Grapefruit League plate appearances. He slotted in third in the batting order Tuesday, a comfortable spot behind Rafael Devers and ahead of Triston Casas. The shortstop is finally healthy after two injury-marred seasons for Boston.

Baez, who went 0-for-2 with an RBI in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, is now batting just .050 this spring.

Baez has gone just 1-for-20 with 10 strikeouts across nine spring games. Veteran players can often be given a free pass for slow starts, but with Baez struggling mightily in his first two seasons with the Tigers, the recent performance is worrisome. The 31-year-old should still have a fairly firm hold on the starting shortstop role, though fantasy managers may want to look elsewhere, at least until Baez shows any signs of getting going at the plate.

The Twins optioned Martin to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday.

Martin might have had a shot at a reserve role prior to the Manuel Margot trade, but not so much after it. He should still have a chance to debut in 2024 but will report to St. Paul for now.

The Blue Jays optioned Barger to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday.

Barger didn't have a realistic chance of making Toronto's Opening Day roster, but he still put on a show while in big-league camp with a .929 OPS in 19 plate appearances. The 24-year-old saw a lot of action in right field this spring, potentially setting him up for a promotion if George Springer goes down with an injury at some point this season.

The Blue Jays optioned Martinez to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday.

Martinez was never a likely bet to crack Toronto's Opening Day roster given the club's infield depth, but he certainly didn't help himself during spring training with a .566 OPS in 20 plate appearances. Barring any major changes late in camp, the 22-year-old is set to return to Buffalo to begin 2024, where he posted a .263/.340/.507 slash line in 55 games after being promoted from Double-A last July.