MLB Player News

DeJong is ahead of Edmundo Sosa for the starting shortstop job, John Denton of MLB.com

Manager Oli Marmol entered spring with the mindset that the starting gig at shortstop was Dejong's to lose. So far, DeJong is 1-for-5 with a run scored in three games in spring training, though Marmol has been satisfied with his hitting process if not the results. Both DeJong and Sosa are right-handed hitters, so it's unlikely this develops into a platoon, though the latter could also challenge Tommy Edman for playing time at second base.

Despite his hot start this spring, Cruz may still open the year at Triple-A, according to the Associated Press. "There's still development to be had there," manager Derek Shelton said. "Oneil is going to have an impact on our club this year at some point. When that is, I don't think any of us know."

Cruz has already hit two impressive home runs in spring training and he has zero strikeouts or walks through two games. According to the report, both Shelton and general manager Ben Cherington have said they want Cruz to get experience playing the outfield, and it would make more sense for him to get those reps at Triple-A. For his part, Cruz is adamant that he's a shortstop. "I feel like I've demonstrated a lot," Cruz said, "but I guess I've just got to continue demonstrating." Kevin Newman and Cole Tucker are the other competitors for the starting spot at shortstop. While the team is pumping the brakes on the idea of Cruz breaking camp in the majors, he could probably force its hand if he continues to dominate at the plate.

Barrero underwent surgery Tuesday to repair the hook of his hamate bone in his left hand, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Barrero could have had the chance to push for a starting role to open the season, but he'll now be on the injured list until at least early May. Kyle Farmer looks to be safe at shortstop in Barrero's absence.

Mondesi agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with Kansas City on Monday, avoiding arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Mondesi struggled to stay healthy a season ago, and with his contract now in order, he can focus on his play. It's already been reported early in camp that he's in line for the starting job at shortstop, though the Royals may also elect to give him looks around the infield given his versatility. It'll also be worth keeping an eye on whether Kansas City plans to grant Mondesi regular rest, given his past injuries.

Smith (ankle) will start at shortstop and bat eighth Monday in the Rangers' Cactus League game against the Guardians.

Texas scratched Smith from its lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers while he contended with a sore ankle, but the extra day off was apparently all the infield prospect needed to move past the issue. Smith, who was one of several farmhands the Rangers acquired last summer in the deal that sent Joey Gallo to the Yankees, slashed .294/.425/.431 with three home runs and seven stolen bases across 127 plate appearances at Double-A Frisco following his arrival from New York.

Rojas (finger) is included in Miami's lineup for Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets, batting ninth and starting at shortstop.

Early in the offseason, Rojas was sent in for an MRI after sustaining an apparent injury to a finger on his left hand, but he seemingly avoided surgery and reported to spring training at full health. He'll be making his second appearance of the spring, after previously playing Saturday and going 1-for-2 with a double and a walk in a 10-2 win over the Astros. Rojas served as the leadoff man for that contest, but he'll check in at the bottom of the order Monday while the Marlins give Jazz Chisholm a spin in the table-setting role.

Abrams hit a solo home run as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning in San Diego's Cactus League loss to Milwaukee on Sunday.

Abrams connected on a shot to left field off Brewers reliever Dylan File in his only at-bat of the game. The Padres' top prospect also homered Saturday and has gone 4-for-6 with the pair of long balls and three RBI across three games this spring. Abrams hasn't yet shown much power in the minors -- he hit just two homers in 183 plate appearances last season -- but has the potential to grow that tool given his ability to make hard contact and his developing strength. He hasn't yet played above the Double-A level and is expected to open the 2022 campaign in the minors, but a strong showing could lead to a call-up sometime in 2022.

Allen went 1-for-2 with a triple and a run in a Cactus League loss to the Reds on Saturday.

It was encouraging for fantasy managers to see Allen, who's already considered an elite defender at shortstop, flash with the bat against big-league pitching with his leadoff triple in the fifth inning. The 23-year-old was impressive last spring with the bat as well with a .300/.344/.400 slash line in 31 plate appearances. After following it up with an even more impressive .319/.374/.471 tally at Double-A Midland, Allen struggled some against Triple-A arms at Las Vegas (.243/.302/.301 in 151 PAs), but a strong enough spring at the plate could conceivably see him latch on to a roster spot.

Barrero has a hamate injury in his left hand and is expected to miss approximately six weeks, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Barrero didn't appear in the first few Cactus League games due to left wrist soreness, and the issue will force him to miss time to begin the regular season. The 23-year-old will receive a second opinion from a hand specialist Monday, but it appears as though he'll be unavailable for the first few weeks of the regular season. Barrero should have a chance to carve out at-bats once he returns to full health, but Donovan Solano should see a slight uptick in playing time to begin the year.

Baez went 0-for-2 and played four innings at shortstop in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.

Baez batted third, behind Robbie Grossman and Riley Greene, with Jonathan Schoop following that trio. Baez will be a focal point of Detroit's offensive attack this year, and while he's a bit of a free swinger (33.6 percent strikeout rate in 2021), he should still post good counting stats. The 29-year-old should also be back at shortstop on a regular basis after playing at second base next to Francisco Lindor when he joined the Mets at the trade deadline last season.