MLB Player News

Shewmake was removed from Saturday's Cactus League game versus the Mariners with an apparent leg injury, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

It's not clear what happened with Shewmake, but he was seen hobbling back to the dugout after flying out in the top of the fifth inning and was lifted before the bottom of the frame. The White Sox are expected to provide an update on his condition Sunday. If healthy, Shewmake has a good shot to make the Opening Day roster as a reserve infielder.

McGonigle has a strained left hamstring, Sam Dykstra of MiLB.com reports.

McGonigle began progressing toward a return Saturday, but his injury will prevent him from participating in the Tigers' Spring Breakout game against Philadelphia. The 19-year-old infielder worked his way up to Single-A in his first season as a pro, slashing .350/.438/.475 across 48 plate appearances.

Cauley started at second base and went 2-for-2 with a double, triple and an RBI in Thursday's Spring Breakout game against Cincinnati.

Cauley smoked a double the opposite way off the base of the right-field wall, then benefited from a routine flyball that was misplayed into a triple. The 2021 third-round draft pick, who entered professional baseball as a shortstop, has appeared in 50 games at second base since joining the Rangers' organization. Sebastian Walcott, ranked third among Texas' prospects, got the start at shortstop, which suggests Cauley may need to get comfortable at another position or two.

Hernaiz, who has been making a push for an Opening Day roster spot at third base, could now begin the season in the minors due to the signing of J.D. Davis on Friday, Martin Gallegos and Manny Randhawa of MLB.com report.

Hernaiz has stood out for his improved defense at the hot corner this spring, but his .281 batting average (10-for-35) comes with zero extra-base hits and a 1:6 BB:K. The addition of a proven commodity in Davis potentially changes the infield equation in the short term, but Hernaiz is still an excellent candidate to see a solid amount of big-league at-bats during the coming season.

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.