MLB Player News

Ahmed (forearm) will most likely start at shortstop Monday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Monday would be Ahmed's debut after he missed the first week-and-a-half of Cactus League action with a forearm/wrist injury. He entered camp coming off shoulder surgery, but that was not considered a major issue prior to the latest injury.

Pena is likely to drop down in the Astros' everyday lineup, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Pena hit second for most of the 2022 season for the Astros, but Houston manager Dusty Baker has stated that a healthy Michael Brantley will hit second when in the lineup in 2023. While the Astros have strong depth, a drop in the lineup could result in fewer run-scoring opportunities for the second-year player, though it also could lead to more chances to drive in runs for the defending World Series champions. In his first year of MLB action, Pena slashed .253/.289/.426 with 22 homers, 11 steals and 63 RBI in 136 games.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated Saturday that Volpe has a chance to break camp with the Yankees, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Coming into the spring, it was generally presumed that Volpe would open the 2023 campaign at the Triple-A level, but the 21-year-old may be changing that narrative with his strong play thus far. Through five Grapefruit League contests, he has gone 5-for-15 with two doubles, a home run and two stolen bases, prompting Boone to say that the club is "paying attention" in regard to Volpe's chances of making the Opening Day roster. Volpe has logged some time at second base this spring, but he's played mostly shortstop throughout his time in the minors, and both Oswald Peraza and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are also vying to start at that position for the Yankees this season. Boone acknowledged that Volpe's lack of professional experience could come into play when final roster decisions are made, saying, "That's part of his case and case against and story. Yeah, it's all part of the equation that you gotta make a decision on at some point."

Smith should benefit from the Rangers' decision to designate Mark Mathias for assignment Saturday, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Mathias was bumped from the 40-man roster to create space for reliever Will Smith, who was signed by the Rangers on Saturday. Weaver goes into great detail as to what the transaction means for several players on the roster, including Smith, who was in a battle to make the team in a utility role. While he can't provide the right-handed bench bat that Mathias did, Smith's ability to play shortstop gives the Rangers insurance that Mathias could not supply. Smith, who came to Texas in the Joey Gallo trade, posted a .197/.307/.249 line over 253 plate appearances in 2022.

De La Cruz tripled against the Royals' Aroldis Chapman on Saturday, and later homered in the Reds' spring training loss, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

De La Cruz hit the triple from the right-hand side and then later hit the homer left-handed. He's not going to make the Reds out of spring training most likely, given his age and lack of experience, but if he comes out firing right out of the chute, he could push for a midseason promotion.

Bichette drew walks in his only two plate appearances during Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays, scoring two runs and stealing a base.

It was the 24-year-old shortstop's first stolen base of the spring. Bichette has swiped 38 bags on 47 attempts over the last two years for the Blue Jays and has emerged as a true five-category fantasy asset. With MLB limiting pickoff attempts from the pitcher and introducing larger bases this season, it's not outrageous to think Bichette could set a new career high in steals in 2023.

Luciano (back) fielded grounders and took on-field batting practice without issue Thursday, Danny Emerman of KNBR reports.

Luciano suffered a stress fracture in his lower back while playing in the Dominican Winter League, but he is on track now to be a regular for Double-A Richmond at the start of their 2023 campaign. The 21-year-old shortstop ranks as a top-50 overall prospect and is a big part of the long-term blueprint in San Francisco.

Rojas has withdrawn from the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Rojas was planning to suit up for Team Venezuela, but he became a far more important presence in Dodgers camp this week after Gavin Lux went down with a torn ACL. Rojas is expected to serve as the primary shortstop in Los Angeles to begin the 2023 season, with Chris Taylor also getting looks at the position.

DeJong (arm) was cleared to resume full throwing Thursday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

DeJong has been limited to designated hitter so far in Grapefruit League games because of some right arm fatigue, but it appears he's now received full clearance. With Tommy Edman slated to serve as the Cardinals' everyday shortstop in 2023, DeJong is looking at a utility infielder role.

Mauricio launched a two-run home run in his only plate appearance during Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

Entering the game in the ninth inning at second base, the Mets prospect took minor-league pitcher Sean Reynolds deep to right field. Mauricio has slugged three homers in seven at-bats to begin his spring, but he remains a long shot to break camp on the big-league roster. After hitting 26 home runs in 123 Double-A games in 2022, however, the 21-year-old's power is legit, and he could make his big-league debut sometime this summer if injuries open up a spot in the New York infield.