MLB Player News

The Rockies optioned Ritter to Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday.

Ritter claimed a spot at the end of Colorado's bench to begin the regular season, but he'll now head back to Triple-A after beginning the season 1-for-7 with a run scored and three strikeouts. His demotion frees up a spot on the Rockies' active roster a day before Mickey Moniak (finger) is eligible to return from the injured list.

The Pirates and Griffin are working to finalize a nine-year, $140 million contract extension, Buster Olney of ESPN reports.

The Pirates already announced that Griffin would be called up to make his major-league debut in Friday's home opener against the Orioles, and it appears the debut will be accompanied by a lucrative, long-term deal. He won't turn 20 until later this month, so Griffin will still be in his 20s when he gets his first crack at free agency. Griffin is set to take over as the Pirates' everyday shortstop after slashing .336/.420/.530 with 21 home runs and 68 stolen bases in his first 127 minor-league games.

The Mariners reinstated Crawford (shoulder) from the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Crawford dealt with shoulder problems throughout spring training, and he landed on the injured list at the start of the regular season after receiving a cortisone shot to treat the injury. After playing a full rehab game at Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday without any issues, he'll now rejoin the active roster and slot in as Seattle's primary shortstop -- at least until the club is ready to promote top prospect Colt Emerson. Ryan Bliss was optioned to Tacoma in a corresponding move.

The Mariners optioned Bliss to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday.

His removal from the active roster clears the way for the return of J.P. Crawford (shoulder) from the injured list. Bliss' playing time early on in the season has been sparse, and he has struck out in both of his plate appearances. The 26-year-old missed nearly all of the 2025 season due to injury, so he's probably best served at this juncture getting regular playing time at Tacoma.

Lee (oblique) is set to begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Lakeland, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Lee has been slowed by an early-March left oblique strain but is ready to test things out in a game setting. Once he completes his rehab assignment, the infielder will report to Triple-A Toledo. Lee was added to the Tigers' 40-man roster over the offseason and could debut at some point in 2026.

Lee is not in the lineup for Thursday's game in Kansas City.

Lee will receive a day off after getting off to a 2-for-13 start with five strikeouts at the plate. Tristan Gray will fill in at shortstop as the Twins try to avoid the sweep.

The Pirates will call up Griffin from Triple-A Indianapolis prior to their home opener Friday versus the Orioles, Jason Mackey of MLB.com reports.

Griffin came up just short for an Opening Day roster spot, but he will make his major-league debut as the Pirates kick off their first homestand of the season. The Pirates and Griffin have had discussions about a long-term contract extension for the 19-year-old, but while those talks will continue, Mackey says there is not currently a deal in place. Arguably the top prospect in baseball, Griffin has hit .438 with a 1.196 OPS and a 5:4 BB:K in the early going at Indianapolis. He slashed .333/.415/.527 with 21 home runs and 65 stolen bases across three levels in his first professional season in 2025. Griffin will take over at shortstop in Pittsburgh, shifting Jared Triolo either to third base or into more of a utility role.

Sanoja went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Wednesday's rout of the White Sox.

Miami's offense didn't need to do much with Sandy Alcantara twirling a shutout, but it broke out for 10 runs anyway, with Sanoja being one of four Marlins with multiple hits. The 23-year-old utility player has seen most of his action at third base in the early going as Connor Norby has been needed elsewhere, and Sanoja's taken advantage of his opportunities by going 7-for-12 (.583) with two doubles, three RBI and a run scored.

Clement went 2-for-4 in Wednesday's loss to the Rockies.

The 30-year-old has had a quick start to the year, going 8-for-25 (.320) through six games with three doubles, two RBI and one run. Clement is shifting from a super-utility role to being the Blue Jays' everyday starter at second base this season, but so far that adjustment hasn't impacted him at the plate.

Fernandez started at first base and went 0-for-3 in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Tigers.

Fresh off a boffo MLB debut Tuesday, when Fernandez homered twice, the infielder was in the lineup at first base Wednesday. Fernandez played a handful of games at first base over the last two seasons in the minors but primarily lined up at shortstop and third base. With Pavin Smith (elbow) on the 10-day injured list, there are at-bats available for Fernandez.