MLB Player News

The Tigers optioned Hanifee to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Hanifee was an effective member of Detroit's bullpen last year, posting a 3.00 ERA over 60 innings with the big club. He gave up four earned runs in just 5.2 innings in the Grapefruit League, however, so the Tigers will send him down to Triple-A to give him a chance to get back on track.

Kiner-Falefa will be part of a three-man platoon at second base early in the season, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Marcelo Mayer will start against right-handers, with both Kiner-Falefa and Andruw Monasterio getting chances in the lineup against lefties. The manager indicated the player who will start against southpaws will be a "mix-and-match" situation, but Monasterio was more effective against lefties in 2025. The Red Sox are scheduled to face two Cincinnati left-handers out of the gate -- Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo (blister).

Lucchesi signed a contract with the Angels on Tuesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Lucchesi was released by the Giants on Sunday after making three appearances in the Cactus League, during which he allowed one earned run across three innings. He had one of his best seasons last year with San Francisco, finishing with a 3.76 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 38.1 frames, and he's expected to claim a spot in the Angels' bullpen to open the new campaign.

Monasterio will be part of a three-player platoon at second base early in the regular season, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Boston manager Alex Cora discussed his plans for second base, where Marcelo Mayer will start against right-handers. Against lefties, it will be either Monasterio or Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Monasterio was better than Kiner-Falefa against left-handers in 2025, but Cora indicated he would "mix-and-match" between the two. Fantasy managers will get an early look at how Cora handles the situation, as Boston is scheduled to face left-handers in its first two games of the regular season.

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.

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.

Salazar did not make the Astros' Opening Day roster, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

He's out of minor-league options, so Salazar will have to be exposed to waivers first if the Astros intend to send him to Triple-A Sugar Land. The 30-year-old has seen spot duty with Houston the past three years, slashing .232/.318/.268in 67 plate appearances.

Vazquez has made the Astros' Opening Day roster as a backup catcher, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Vazquez inked a minor-league contract earlier this month and has won the No. 2 job behind starter Yainer Diaz. The 35-year-old slashed only .215/.267/.311 the past three seasons with the Twins and is unlikely to play much in Houston.

Jones went 2-for-2 with a pair of home runs and three total RBI in an exhibition loss to the Cubs on Monday.

Jones didn't start, but he still made a big splash after entering as a defensive replacement in the fifth inning. The young slugger belted a solo homer in his first plate appearance and added a two-run shot in his second. Jones leads the Yankees with six long balls and 11 RBI during the exhibition slate, and he's posted a sensational 1.621 OPS over 12 games. He'll begin the campaign at Triple-A, but there's a good chance he'll make his regular-season big-league debut at some point in 2026.

Lagrange tossed 2.2 innings in an exhibition start against the Cubs on Monday, allowing eight runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out four batters.

Lagrange has frequently turned heads this spring, and he won the 2026 James P. Dawson Award given to the most outstanding rookie in Yankees camp, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. However, Monday serves as a reminder that the flamethrowing hurler is still a 22-year-old who has yet to pitch above Double-A. The Cubs smoked four extra-base hits against Lagrange, including two home runs. Even with the ugly line, the right-hander will finish the spring slate with a 4.96 ERA and 1.29 WHIP while posting an impressive 17:6 K:BB over 16.1 innings. He'll open the season in the minors, but Lagrange certainly boosted his prospect status this spring.