MLB Player News

Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Dezenzo won't do any throwing over the next few days after his right elbow flared up while playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Espada noted that the injury isn't affecting Dezenzo at the plate, so the 25-year-old should still be available as a designated hitter over the Astros' final handful of Grapefruit League games. That said, Yordan Alvarez will be in line to serve as the Astros' primary designated hitter once the regular season gets underway, so Dezenzo will likely need to prove that he's able to throw at full distance and velocity before the end of camp to have a realistic shot at making the Opening Day roster as a backup corner infielder and corner outfielder.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Pena (finger) has resumed throwing and will start swinging a bat with both hands this weekend, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Pena has been out of action since fracturing the tip of his right ring finger while corralling a groundball for Team Dominican Republic in an exhibition game two weeks ago. The injury kept Pena from playing in the World Baseball Classic, but he was able to resume taking part in limited baseball activities last week and will take another step forward by throwing and swinging the bat. Espada said Wednesday that Pena "has not been ruled out" for Opening Day, but the shortstop's availability for the start of the season will depend on how his injured digit responds to the increased activity over the next few days. Carlos Correa would likely slide over from third base to cover shortstop if Pena needs to miss time to begin the season.

The Rays optioned Williams to Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

Williams was competing with Taylor Walls at shortstop with the Rays, but instead Williams will begin the season at Triple-A. The 22-year-old got his first taste of the big leagues last season and posted a .573 OPS with five home runs, 12 RBI, 11 runs scored, two stolen bases and an ugly 6:44 BB:K across 106 plate appearances. Williams should be back in the majors at some point in 2026.

Neto (wrist) will play in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Cubs, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The 25-year-old sustained a left wrist sprain on a slide into home plate Saturday and was initially expected to play in a minor-league game Tuesday, but the Angels instead decided to push his return to Wednesday. Neto has been feeling good in his workouts, however, and was able to convince the club to let him play in Tuesday's Cactus League contest. He totaled 26 home runs and 26 steals with a career-best .793 OPS in 128 games last season.

Crawford (shoulder) is not included in the lineup for either of the Mariners' split-squad Cactus League games Tuesday.

Crawford was initially expected to return Tuesday, but a nagging shoulder issue is keeping him out of action. According to general manager Justin Hollander, the concern level regarding Crawford is "not high," per Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. Crawford has been dealing with the shoulder issue all spring. If he's unable to play Opening Day next week, Leo Rivas and Colt Emerson are options to man shortstop for the Mariners.

Wilson went 1-for-3 with an RBI in Monday's Cactus League win over the Angels.

Wilson produced early in Monday's contest, driving an opposite-field single to score Brent Rooker and extend the Athletics' lead in the first inning. It's been a forgettable spring for the young shortstop, as he's slashing .229/.282/.343 in 14 appearances, though the sample size is too small to raise significant concern. Coming off a stellar rookie campaign in which he slashed .311/.355/.444 with 26 doubles, 13 home runs, 63 RBI and 62 runs scored across 125 games, Wilson may see some natural regression in 2026 but should still be considered one of the best contact hitters in the game.

Neto (wrist) is now expected to return to game action with the Angels on Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Neto seems to be doing fine after spraining his left wrist while sliding into home plate Saturday against Seattle. The star shortstop took batting practice on the field Monday, and manager Kurt Suzuki said he was impressed with Neto's session. The team initially considered having Neto play in a minor-league game Tuesday but changed course because that contest is an A-ball matchup, which could increase the risk of Neto getting hit by a pitcher with poor command. Instead, Neto is slated to take part in a Cactus League game Wednesday. At this point, it looks like he'll be fine for Opening Day.

McGonigle went 1-for-3 with two walks, a home run and four RBI in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

McGonigle has yet to look overmatched against big leaguers this spring, and he's now sporting a robust 1.063 OPS across 16 Grapefruit League contests. He's gone deep twice, though perhaps most impressively, he's already walked 10 times against only six strikeouts. McGonigle is only 21 and isn't on Detroit's 40-man roster, but he's still making a strong push for an Opening Day roster spot. Even if he does begin the year in the minors, the talented young infielder looks ready for the majors, and he could be a fantasy force as soon as he makes his debut.

Martin was removed after three innings of Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates after sustaining a concussion, Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Per Matthew Leach of MLB.com, Martin appeared to suffer the head injury when he landed awkwardly while trying to make a play on ball hit to right field. Though the Twins' season opener isn't until March 26 in Baltimore, the volatile recovery timeline for concussions could put Martin at risk of being shelved to begin the campaign. Before suffering the concussion, Martin had appeared on solid ground to make the Opening Day roster as a platoon option in the outfield.

Mayer (knee) is scheduled to play in a Triple-A game on the back fields of Red Sox camp Monday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Mayer was scratched from the lineup ahead of Sunday's 7-2 win over the Twins due to a sore left knee, but manager Alex Cora downplayed the injury afterward, noting that the 23-year-old was scheduled to return to action Tuesday versus Atlanta. While that still could come to pass, Mayer is evidently feeling even better than the Red Sox anticipated a day later, resulting in him being cleared to play in the minor-league contest. Mayer has enjoyed a solid spring thus far with an .816 OPS in 27 plate appearances, so assuming he can avoid any further health-related setbacks this week, he should be in good position to open the season as the Red Sox's primary second baseman.