MLB Player News

Luciano has slipped behind Nick Ahmed for the Giants' starting shortstop job, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Luciano has had a terrible spring, going 1-for-14 (.071) with nine strikeouts over six games. Ahmed, meanwhile, has gone 5-for-9 with two home runs across four spring contests. Luciano was viewed as the frontrunner for the shortstop job heading into spring training, but he's struggled in all aspects after battling a hamstring injury early in camp, and that has eroded his advantage. With both Luciano and Ahmed being right-handed hitters, there's little chance a platoon develops here.

Ahmed is now ahead of Marco Luciano for the starting job at shortstop, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Ahmed has enjoyed a torrid start to the spring since signing a minor-league deal with the Giants on Feb. 26. He's gone 5-for-9 with two home runs, five RBI, five runs and two walks over four Cactus League games. That's far better than Luciano's 1-for-14 (.071) mark with nine strikeouts over six contests. Ahmed also provides veteran experience and solid defense, while Luciano has struggled in the field in spring games. Ahmed's chances of keeping up this pace are low -- he slashed .212/.257/.303 with just two home runs over 72 contests last season with the Diamondbacks before he was released in September.

Lawlar was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Sunday.

The Diamondbacks already confirmed Geraldo Perdomo as their starting shortstop to begin the season, so it's not a surprise Lawlar will open in the minors since the organization wants him to see consistent at-bats. The 21-year-old struggled in his first taste of the majors last season with a .129 average in 34 plate appearances and has just 16 games under his belt at Triple-A, though he posted a 1.050 OPS while with Reno late last year. Lawlar could be up with the Diamondbacks before long to receive a starting chance if Perdomo falters.

The Rangers optioned Ornelas to Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Ornelas, 23, appeared in eight games for Texas during the 2023 season, but he wasn't a serious candidate to make the Opening Day roster. The infielder should get the chance to play on a near-everyday basis at Round Rock to begin the campaign.

Arias was scratched from Sunday's Cactus League lineup versus the Reds due to an illness, Mandy Bell of MLB.comreports.

Arias is feeling under the weather and won't play as scheduled Sunday, but he should be back in action soon. The 24-year-old had a .627 OPS in 122 games last season and could being 2024 as Cleveland's primary shortstop, though he's not likely to have much security in that role.

McClain (oblique) is starting at second base and batting third in Sunday's Cactus League game against the Guardians.

McClain suffered an oblique strain early in camp but is now ready to make his spring debut. The 24-year-old has plenty of time to ramp up his workload ahead of Opening Day, as he's poised to serve as Cincinnati's primary second baseman after he posted an .864 OPS in 89 games as a rookie in 2023.

Alexander started at designated hitter and went 2-for-3 with a double and a stolen base in Saturday's spring game against Cincinnati.

Alexander has responded to a spring training challenge from Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, who gave the shortstop areas on which to focus in camp, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. "Show us that you're versatile and can play more than one position. Control the at-bats, control the zone, don't worry about hitting home runs, [focus on] gap-to-gap," the manager said at the start of camp. Alexander has played shortstop, second base and third base in Cactus League action, hit to all fields, and compiled a 1.035 OPS over 29 plate appearances. Arizona general manager Mike Hazen, who was effusive about the prospect's spring performance, prefers that Alexander get regular at-bats in the minors, but the 24-year-old infielder could force decision-makers to rethink their plans.

Lindor went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

The 30-year-old shortstop drove a 2-2 pitch from Steven Matz deep to left-center field in the first inning, giving Lindor his first long ball of the spring. He had a bone spur removed from his elbow in October but came into camp healthy, and he's gone 5-for-22 so far in Grapefruit League action with two doubles in addition to Saturday's homer. Lindor put together his first career 30-30 campaign in 2023 despite the bone spur, and expectations are high for the four-time All-Star this season.

Story (neck) will start at shortstop and bat third in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

He'll be manning shortstop for the second time in as many days after playing four innings while going 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored in his return to the lineup for Saturday's 4-0 win over the Rays. Story had missed the previous two days of action with neck tightness, but his ability to get back in the lineup quickly on consecutive days suggests his health is no longer a concern.

Allen (back) saw a specialist in Arizona on Friday and remains without a firm timetable for a return to game action, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The young shortstop last saw Cactus League action March 1 due to what has been described as a mild back strain. However, the issue has lingered enough for Allen to have to seek out a medical consultation. Allen received some treatment Friday, and the Athletics remain hopeful he'll be able to resume baseball activities Monday with a return to game action shortly thereafter.