MLB Player News

Duran started at first base and went 2-for-3 with a run scored in Tuesday's spring game against Oakland.

Duran got the start at first after a report earlier in the day indicated the Rangers' preference is to have Duran and Jared Walsh platoon at first base while Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) is on the injured list to start the season. If the Rangers are floating that, it could mean Duran would not be needed to cover shortstop for Corey Seager (groin), who has started swinging a bat and has not been ruled out for Opening Day.

Smith got hit by a pitch on his hand and left Tuesday's Cactus League game against the A's, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

After getting hit by the pitch, Smith was pulled from the game, with Sebastian Walcott entering to pinch run. The shortstop is competing for a bench role, though he has minor-league options remaining. The 26-year-old now has a .231/.447/.385 slash line in 14 games this spring with four doubles and eight walks against nine strikeouts.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that Kessinger (hamstring) will be held out of activities for a few days, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Kessinger strained his right hamstring during Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins and remained sore Tuesday. While Espada hasn't ruled the 26-year-old out for Opening Day, a stint on the injured list is distinctly possible.

Duran could open the season in the short side of a platoon at first base with Jared Walsh while Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) is out, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Duran might be needed at shortstop instead if Corey Seager (groin) isn't ready, but for now there seems to be optimism Seager can avoid the injured list. The 24-year-old Duran saw action at six different positions for the Rangers in 2023, not including designated hitter, and will fill a utility role again when the rest of the roster is healthy.

Kessinger suffered a right hamstring strain during Monday's exhibition against Miami, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Kessinger suffered the injury while running the bases, and his availability for the start of the regular season is in jeopardy following this diagnosis. The 26-year-old is expected to be re-evaluated within the next few days to determine his next steps and a potential timetable for a return.

The Rays optioned Basabe to Triple-A Durham on Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Basabe was in competition for a reserve infielder role but never got going this spring (5-for-26). He still figures to spend a good amount of time with the big club this season but for now will go to Durham where he will play with regularity.

Kessinger was pulled from Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins due to right hamstring discomfort, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

He tweaked his hamstring while running the bases. It's unclear at this point whether additional testing is planned, but consider him day-to-day for now. Kissinger is competing for a reserve infielder role with Houston.

Kessinger was removed in the second inning of Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins after he appeared to injure his right leg while running the bases, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

After doubling in his lone at-bat of the day, Kessinger pulled up limping when he rounded third base before coming around to score on Yordan Alvarez's base hit. He checked out of the game in the bottom of the second, with Tommy Sacco coming on to replace Kessinger in the middle infield. Consider Kessinger day-to-day until the Astros provide an update on the nature and extent of his injury.

Holliday has gone 12-for-40 (.300) with six extra-base hits and two stolen bases over 13 Grapefruit League games.

An official decision on Holliday making the roster will likely arrive in the next week or so, but he's certainly made a compelling case. If he breaks camp with the Orioles, he'll likely do so with at least a strong-side platoon role at second base. Holliday can also provide cover at shortstop, his natural position, though it's expected Gunnar Henderson and Jorge Mateo will get most of the playing time there. Even if Holliday misses out on Opening Day, it doesn't seem like he'll have to wait long for his major-league debut at this point.

Mateo is likely to provide depth in the infield and outfield in 2024, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

With Gunnar Henderson set to see most of his playing time at shortstop, Mateo is without a full-time spot in the Orioles' lineup. Mateo got some work in at second base over the winter and has previously played center field in his career. In Sunday's game versus Atlanta, Mateo started in right field and shifted to left during the contest. He's gone 9-for-32 (.281) with two home runs and six RBI in spring training, but he has yet to steal a base during Grapefruit League play. Speed and defense are his top skills, but it's looking like a short-side platoon role may be a best-case scenario for Mateo to begin 2024. It's possible he sees most of his time as a late-game replacement.