MLB Player News

Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Monday that Peguero hasn't been featured in the Grapefruit League lineup since last Wednesday while he recovers from a virus, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

A bug seems to be making its way around the Pirates' spring facility in Bradenton, Fla., as Shelton also noted that reliever Colin Holderman hasn't been available since last Tuesday due to an illness. Peguero had already compiled 24 at-bats in Grapefruit League action before his recent absence, so assuming he's able to get back in action before the Pirates' spring schedule comes to a close March 25, his availability for Opening Day shouldn't be in question. The 23-year-old is likely to begin the season as the Pirates' everyday second baseman.

Arcia will undergo an MRI this week after X-rays on his left hand came back negative, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Arcia's left hand feels much better Monday, one day after he exited a Grapefruit League game following a hit-by-pitch. He's set for additional imaging just to be safe, but he seems to have avoided any fractures and should be considered day-to-day.

The Nationals reassigned Baker to minor-league camp Sunday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Baker, the son of former player and manager Dusty Baker, was selected in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Last season, the 25-year-old made the jump from High-A Wilmington to Triple-A Rochester. In Triple-A, he slashed .270/.336/.337 with three home runs across 448 plate appearances in 99 games. The second baseman notched four hits in 13 plate appearances during spring training.

Arcia was hit by a pitch on the left hand during Sunday's Grapefruit League game and had X-rays come back negative, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Atlanta will see how Arcia is feeling Monday before determining next steps, but he appears to have avoided a serious injury. The 29-year-old should be considered day-to-day until the team updates his status.

Alexander started at designated hitter and went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Saturday's spring game against Texas.

Alexander is still hanging around major-league camp and can't be ruled out of a spot on the Opening Day roster. There isn't an everyday home for the prospect, but the infielder is batting .400 with five extra-base hits and three stolen bases through 18 Cactus League games. If he can handle multiple positions and the Diamondbacks are fine with him not getting regular at-bats, Alexander could be added to the roster. He's appeared in games at second base (12), third base (three), designated hitter (two) and shortstop (one).

Perdomo took grounders Saturday after imaging on his left knee came back negative, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Perdomo hurt his knee earlier this week on a slide during Cactus League play, but he's managed to avoid a serious injury. It's not clear when he might be cleared to play in a game, but Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said he's not concerned about his shortstop's availability for Opening Day.

Fletcher got the start at shortstop in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays and went 0-for-1 with a walk and a stolen base.

The 29-year-old infielder was picked up from the Angels in December but then got outrighted off the 40-man roster, which meant he came into camp with an extra hurdle to clear to make the final cut for Opening Day. Fletcher's done his best to earn a spot though, batting .310 (9-for-29) through 13 games with a 3:2 BB:K and three steals in three attempts. He could form a flexible, experienced bench duo with Luis Guillorme this season, but Atlanta manager Brian Snitker tends to lean heavily on his starters, which wouldn't leave much work around the infield for either utility player.

Arroyo is not playing for the Reds in Thursday's Spring Breakout game after suffering a left shoulder injury Wednesday in Cactus League action, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Manager David Bell said that Arroyo "felt a little tweak" in his shoulder on a dive back into first base. Bell believes Arroyo will be fine, but the team has ordered an MRI just in case. Once healthy, Arroyo will likely begin the season at Double-A Chattanooga.

Perdomo tweaked his lower half on a slide during Monday's Cactus League game against the Athletics and will be held out until the weekend, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Jace Peterson started at shortstop in the two games since. The Diamondbacks feel Perdomo needs a few days to bounce back, but the injury doesn't appear to be anything serious. Perdomo has gone 4-for-25 over 10 Cactus League games.

Cruz is hitting .292 with four home runs and one stolen base across 25 plate appearances in Grapefruit League games.

Cruz has hit all four of his home runs in his last three contests, and his performance seemingly puts to rest any concerns about his leg injury from last season lingering into the new campaign. He's also shown strong plate discipline, striking out at a 20 percent clip while maintaining a 20 percent walk rate. Cruz should be in line to lead off for Pittsburgh against right-handed pitching and will be a key to the team's offensive success.