MLB Player News
-
Maximo Acosta SS | MIA
Marlins' Maximo Acosta: Sidelined with oblique strain
The Marlins placed Acosta (oblique) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.
Acosta will be shelved for at least the first couple weeks of the season with a left oblique strain. He could be assigned to Triple-A Jacksonville rather than the major-league club once he's healthy and completes a rehab assignment.
-
Kevin McGonigle SS | DET
Tigers' Kevin McGonigle: Officially added to roster
The Tigers selected McGonigle's contract from Double-A Erie on Wednesday.
The transaction was merely a formality after the Tigers confirmed Tuesday that the 21-year-old star prospect would be included on the Opening Day roster. McGonigle earned the right to bypass the Triple-A level and make his MLB debut Thursday in San Diego after slashing .250/.411/.477 with two home runs and two stolen bases over 56 plate appearances in spring training. He's expected to handle an everyday role while splitting time between third base and shortstop, and he could occupy a prominent spot in the batting order right away.
-
Anthony Volpe SS | NYY
Yankees' Anthony Volpe: Officially lands on injured list
The Yankees placed Volpe (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.
Volpe is still working his way back from surgery last October to repair the labrum in his left shoulder. He's expected to be ready for a rehab assignment around the second week of April and could make his season debut around May 1. Jose Caballero will cover shortstop for the Yankees while Volpe is on the mend.
-
Angel Martinez SS | CLE
Guardians' Angel Martinez: Earns praise from decision-maker
Cleveland president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti on Tuesday lauded the work Martinez put in during the offseason to become a better hitter, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports. "He worked really hard on his left-handed swing over the course of the winter, and we saw that play dividends in spring training," Antonetti said.
Pending any additional moves the team may make to finalize its Opening Day roster, Martinez appears to have beaten out Stuart Fairchild for the final outfield spot. The switch-hitting Martinez closed the spring slashing .356/.396/.800 with six doubles, one triple, four home runs, six RBI, three steals and 10 runs scored over 18 contests. Along with his ability to hit from both sides of the plate, Martinez brings defensive versatility and could play second base if needed. "He could be a really valuable member of our team and help us find ways to win games," Antonetti added.
-
Gavin Lux SS | TB
Rays' Gavin Lux: Placed on 10-day injured list
The Rays placed Lux on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a right shoulder impingement.
Lux had been slated to open the season as the Rays' primary second baseman, but he'll get a late start after coming down with a shoulder issue. Ben Williamson and/or Richie Palacios could get reps at the keystone while Lux is shelved.
-
Tristan Gray SS | MIN
Twins' Tristan Gray: Set to win utility role
Gray will make the Twins' Opening Day roster barring any last-minute trades, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
Gray will be a utility infielder and primary backup at shortstop to Brooks Lee. He's hit just .207/.264/.369 over parts of three big-league seasons, so he's on the roster for his glove and not his bat. It's also possible the Twins may shuffle their bench early in the season or make a last-second waiver claim since they lack a true backup shortstop.
-
Javier Baez SS | DET
Tigers' Javier Baez: Set for utility role?
With Kevin McGonigle set to make the Opening Day roster, per Robert Murray of FanSided.com, Baez may ultimately slide into a utility role with the Tigers.
The Tigers wouldn't have top prospect McGonigle on the roster just to sit on the bench, so the 21-year-old should see plenty of time at shortstop. That could push Baez into more of a utility role where he plays both in the infield and outfield. The veteran saw his first action in center field at the MLB level last season, and he could ultimately overtake Parker Meadows there in 2026, particularly if the former performs better at the plate. Baez should also see time at short when McGonigle needs a breather.
-
Vaughn Grissom SS | LAA
Angels' Vaughn Grissom: Placed on IL
The Angels placed Grissom on the 10-day injured list Monday due to a left wrist sprain.
Grissom received a cortisone shot last week to help treat his injured hand. Angels skipper Kurt Suzuki noted that the 25-year-old has progressed well since then and has begun hitting off a tee and fielding grounders, but Grissom won't be ready to go for the start of the season. Once healthy, Grissom is expected to fill a utility infield role for the Angels.
-
Marcelo Mayer SS | BOS
Red Sox's Marcelo Mayer: Will platoon early in season
Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Mayer will be part of a platoon at second base early in the regular season, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.
Cora indicated that Mayer will sit against left-handers with either Isiah Kiner-Falefa or Andruw Monasterio sliding in at second base against righties. Back in February, before spring training started, Cora envisioned Mayer playing against all starters, but it appears that won't be the case to start the season. Mayer was just 4-for-26 (.154) in the majors and had a .630 OPS in the minors against southpaws last year.