MLB Player News

Blanco has won a spot on the 26-man roster as a reserve outfielder, MLB.com reports.

Blanco missed time early in spring training due to right Achilles tightness, but was healthy the past two weeks. He hit .333 (7-for-21) with three stolen bases this spring. He'll work as a reserve for all three out outfield positions and be used as a pinch runner. He could be a good source of stolen bases if he can get enough playing time.

Garcia met with doctors Tuesday regarding his right elbow and will seek a second opinion, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Garcia was pulled off his throwing program Thursday after reporting soreness in his surgically repaired right elbow. There's no telling how long it will be before he's ready to start up his rehab again, but it's usually not a great sign when a player seeks a second opinion. More details should be available once another doctor takes a look at Garcia.

Rodgers will be on the Astros' Opening Day roster, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Rodgers didn't exactly have a great spring training, finishing camp with a .233/.250/.349 batting line alongside eight RBI and four runs scored across 44 plate appearances. Despite his lackluster performance, he'll land a spot on the Astros' bench to begin the 2025 campaign. The 28-year-old hasn't played anywhere other than second base since 2021, so he'll likely only get to see playing time whenever Mauricio Dubon receives a day off or starts in the outfield.

Keaschall played second base for half of a Triple-A spring training game Tuesday, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

It was his first game in the field after undergoing Tommy John surgery last August. He made a strong impression against major-league spring competition by hitting a home run with an .813 OPS while playing DH and pinch hitting. He'll likely begin the season at Double-A but could be in the majors this summer.

Lewis (hamstring) has yet to begin baseball activities, besides throwing, and the swelling in his injured hamstring could last two weeks, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Lewis is set to begin the season on the injured list after suffering a moderate left hamstring strain March 16. While there's no timetable for his return, it sounds like he could be out until late April if it's going to be a few weeks before he's able to ramp up his activity.

Paris will be on the Angels' Opening Day roster, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

Paris is a career .110 hitter through 91 MLB at-bats, but he looked like a completely different player in the Cactus League, finishing spring training with a .400/.449/.667 slash line with 13 RBI, 14 runs scored and four stolen bases in 23 games. His phenomenal spring may have bought him another shot with the big-league club, but he doesn't project to start the season as anything more than bench depth.

The Angels designated Quijada for assignment Tuesday.

Quijada will fall short in his bid for a spot in the Angels' Opening Day bullpen after giving up 11 earned runs on 13 hits and five walks in just 7.1 innings during Cactus League play. He'll be joined on waivers by Angel Perdomo, freeing up two roster spots for Tim Anderson and Ryan Johnson.

The Angels designated Perdomo for assignment Tuesday.

Perdomo split his spring between the Atlanta and Los Angeles organizations, giving up six runs (two earned) while striking out eight batters across 10 total innings. The left-hander doesn't have any options remaining, so he'll be stripped of his 40-man spot as the Halos attempt to send him to Triple-A Salt Lake. Jose Quijada was also DFA'd, creating room for Tim Anderson and Ryan Johnson to join the active roster.

The Angels selected Johnson's contract Tuesday.

Now that Johnson has officially been added to the Angels' 40-man roster and 26-man active roster, he'll become the first player since Garrett Crochet in 2020 to reach the majors without appearing in a minor-league game. Johnson, 22, is likely to work in middle relief while he familiarizes himself with MLB hitters, but his 10:1 K:BB in 11.1 Cactus League innings is evidence that he has the tools to appear in high-leverage situations down the line. Jose Quijada was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Angels selected Anderson's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday.

Though he only slashed .263/.311/.333 with three RBI and four runs scored across 61 Cactus League plate appearances, Anderson will end up with a spot on the Angels' Opening Day roster. He narrowly outperformed Kevin Newman (.216/.326/.243) this spring, though it's still unclear which player will get the starting nod at shortstop while Zach Neto recovers from a shoulder injury. The signing of Nicky Lopez on Tuesday further complicates the situation. Anderson also saw exposure to second base and the outfield in spring training, so he could be a candidate to fill a utility role.