MLB Player News

Correa is set to make his Grapefruit League debut Wednesday versus the Phillies, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

The condition of Correa's ankle was a major topic of conversation this offseason, but he reported to camp healthy and with no limitations. Him not playing in the Twins' first five games seems to be more about getting the veteran treatment and easing into things. Correa is expected to leave camp for a bit at some point in March with his wife due to give birth to the couple's second child soon.

Manager Dave Roberts said that Rojas (foot), who will start at shortstop and bat eighth in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Reds, will get the bulk of the playing time at the position in 2023 after Gavin Lux (knee) was diagnosed with a season-ending torn ACL, ESPN.com reports.

Rojas missed a day of workouts after experiencing cramping in his right foot during Sunday's exhibition against the Cubs, but he's back in action Tuesday and suddenly finds himself in position to fill a larger role than anticipated when the Dodgers acquired him this offseason and then signed him to a two-year extension. While serving as an everyday player for the Marlins in each of the past five seasons, Rojas topped out at 11 home runs and 13 stolen bases during a single year and maintained a .262 batting average during that stretch. While Rojas' fantasy profile isn't one teeming with upside, he could prove to be a sneaky compiler if he ends up sticking as a regular in what shapes up as the best lineup he's ever been a part of during his career. Even with Lux out of the picture, Rojas could still face competition for reps from utility man Chris Taylor, who has prior experience at shortstop but played just one inning at the position during the 2022 season.

Perez (back) will begin light baseball activities this week, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Perez continues to receive treatment and is going through a core stabilization program as he works his way back from lower-back inflammation. The infield prospect was added to the Tigers' 40-man roster over the offseason but is slated to begin the year in the minors.

Mondesi (knee) took regular batting practice Monday for the first time since last May's ACL surgery, Chad Jennings of The Athletic reports.

Mondesi has been going through some baseball activities for a little while now but this is the first time he took some rounds of BP on the field in 10 months. He has yet to participate in team defensive drills or run at max effort. Opening Day is considered a long shot, but Mondesi should be able to get into some Grapefruit League games in March.

Volpe is hitting fifth and playing second base in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

Volpe has played shortstop for the overwhelming majority of his professional career, but the Yankees want to see their top prospect at multiple positions this spring, and he'll get the start at second base Monday. The 21-year-old is very likely ticketed for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to begin the 2023 season, but if Volpe is able to show the versatility to contribute at multiple positions, it could be a major boon to his chances of making an early contribution to the Yankees this spring.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Monday that DeJong (arm) will take part in light throwing across the diamond for the next couple of days before slowly ramping back up to full throwing, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

DeJong may be a week or more away from being ready to play shortstop in spring games, but his bout with what the team is describing as a case of "dead arm" won't prevent him from getting in at-bats during Grapefruit League play. He's slated to serve as the Cardinals' designated hitter and No. 5 batter in Monday's game against the Mets in what will mark his second appearance of the exhibition slate.

Rojas was removed from Sunday's spring game against the Cubs due to right foot cramps, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The 34-year-old limped to first base after his single during the third inning and was replaced by a pinch runner, though the foot issue doesn't appear to be a serious concern. Rojas -- who is set to fill a utility role this season -- should be considered day-to-day and expects to be ready to play Monday, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com.

Swanson went 0-for-2 in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Giants.

Swanson was playing in his first spring training game with the Cubs after agreeing to a seven-year, $177 million deal in the offseason. His exhibition stats won't matter much, as the team simply wants to get him to the regular season healthy and comfortable with his new teammates. Swanson should be Chicago's everyday shortstop, with Nico Hoerner shifting over to second base.

Barger went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates.

Getting the start at third base and hitting sixth behind Blue Jays regulars like Vladimir Guerrero, Daulton Varsho and Danny Jansen, Barger turned on a fastball from Pittsburgh closer David Bednar and crushed it deep to right field in the fourth inning. Barger had a breakout year in the minors in 2022, ascending from High-A to Triple-A and posting a combined .306/.375/.544 slash line with 25 homers in 126 games, and the 23-year-old appears poised to make his big-league debut sometime this season, potentially in the same kind of utility role currently filled by Cavan Biggio.

Velazquez (knee) is starting at shortstop and batting ninth in Sunday's spring game against the White Sox, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Velazquez underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee in September but is ready for Cactus League action. The 28-year-old had a .540 OPS in 125 games last season and should serve as a reserve shortstop for the Angels in 2023.