MLB Player News

Bichette went 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

The blasts didn't come against the stiffest competition, as Bichette took minor-leaguer Chris Murphy deep in the first inning before tagging Boston prospect Brandon Walter in the fourth, but it was still a strong performance from the shortstop. The homers were the first two of the spring for Bichette, but he's gone 11-for-28 (.393) overall with a 3:5 BB:K and appears more than ready for the games to begin to count.

DeJong is being evaluated for lower-back tightness, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

That's the reason for his late removal from the Cardinals' Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday. DeJong is considered day-to-day for now. Masyn Winn will start at shortstop and bat eighth against the Astros.

Brito was optioned to Triple-A Columbus by the Guardians on Tuesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Although he went just 2-for-13 this spring, Brito showed off his excellent eye at the plate with 10 walks to just one strikeout. The 21-year-old was acquired from the Rockies for Nolan Jones in November.

Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Columbus by the Guardians on Tuesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Martinez just turned 21 in January, so he wasn't going to make the Opening Day roster. He's shown well in spring training, though, collecting an .825 OPS with one homer and one steal.

Tena was optioned to Triple-A Columbus by the Guardians on Tuesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Tena managed to reach Columbus last season, but he doesn't turn 22 until next week and could stand to work on his plate discipline. The infielder has fanned 11 times in 21 Grapefruit League appearances.

DeJong was scratched from the Cardinals' Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday against the Astros.

No reason has been given yet, though it's notable that DeJong had some trouble with arm fatigue at the start of Grapefruit League play. Top prospect Masyn Winn is in at shortstop and batting eighth Tuesday.

Rocchio was optioned to Triple-A Columbus by the Guardians on Tuesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

The top prospect hasn't hit much this spring, but that doesn't dampen a rosy outlook for the 22-year-old. While Rocchio has primarily played shortstop, he is capable at second and third base as well. The Guardians are set at those positions, but he could be a capable fill-in if injuries strike.

Crawford received a cortisone injection Sunday for his sore left knee, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The hope is that the cortisone shot will help Crawford get over the hump and return to Cactus League action within a week or so. If it doesn't, the veteran shortstop will be at risk of missing the beginning of the 2023 regular season. He hasn't appeared in an exhibition game since last Friday.

Correa (personal) returned to Twins camp Tuesday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Correa was away for a few days to be with his newborn son. He expects to return to Grapefruit League action Friday. Correa is 3-for-9 with one walk in four games so far this spring.

Leonard was optioned Monday to minor-league camp by the Dodgers.

Leonard has performed well in 21 plate appearances in the Cactus League with a .400/.429/.450 slash line and three RBI. The infielder will likely start the 2023 campaign in Double-A after hitting .264 with a .784 OPS and 15 homers for High-A Great Lakes in 2022.