MLB Player News

Peraza appears to have been surpassed by Pablo Reyes on the Yankees' depth chart and is on the outside looking in for an Opening Day roster spot, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Early in spring, Peraza was viewed as a candidate to start at third base due to DJ LeMahieu (calf) being set to miss the beginning of the campaign. However, Oswaldo Cabrera has likely locked up that role with a solid exhibition slate while Peraza has slashed just .167/.273/.188. Even more detrimental for Peraza's outlook is that Reyes has had an outstanding spring with a .326/.434/.488 slash line and is also capable of playing more positions on the field. Peraza is out of minor-league options, so if he doesn't make the Yankees' Opening Day roster, the team would need to designate him for assignment.

Reyes appears to have surpassed Oswald Peraza on the Yankees' depth chart and is a "strong candidate" to make the team's Opening Day roster, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Reyes would fill two needs -- a right-handed bench bat and a player capable of playing both third base and left field -- if he makes the Yankees' roster. The 32-year-old has also had an excellent spring, as a perfect 3-for-3 day at the plate Monday lifted his slash line to .326/.434/.488. Unlike Peraza (who is slashing just .167/.273/.188 this spring), Reyes isn't currently on the 40-man roster, but Kirschner speculates that New York may end of designating Peraza for assignment, as he's out of minor-league options. If Reyes does get a spot on the Opening Day roster, he'd be unlikely to play every day but could get semi-regular opportunities given his ability to play across both the infield and outfield.

Julien has unofficially won a spot on Minnesota's 26-man roster to begin the season with Austin Martin optioned to Triple-A, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Julien was on the roster bubble, but will make the team with both Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee set to begin the season on the injured list. Julien could get playing time at second base and DH early in the season against right-handed pitching.

The Astros announced Monday that Gusto has won a spot in the Opening Day bullpen, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Houston previously optioned Gusto to Triple-A Sugar Land earlier this month, but he'll be recalled prior to Thursday's opener versus the Mets and will be available in relief. He gave up one run on one hit while striking out one over one inning during Monday's exhibition against Sugar Land, and it was enough to lock up his spot on the big-league roster. He'll be in line for his first major-league action, likely slotting in as a long reliever. Gusto primarily operated out of the rotation for Sugar Land last season, starting in 26 of his 29 appearances while logging a 3.70 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 141:53 K:BB across 148.1 innings.

Jung was removed from Monday's game against the Royals after two at-bats due to stiffness in his neck, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Jung went 0-for-1 with a walk before exiting, though the injury doesn't appear to be overly serious. Manager Bruce Bochy stated after the exhibition that Jung wanted to remain in the game despite the discomfort, and that he'll get another opportunity to play Tuesday. Jung's status will be worth monitoring closely with Opening Day only a few days away.

McArthur (elbow) was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday.

McArthur is still on the mend from offseason surgery on his right elbow, so this move isn't an indication of his progress after it was reported a few days earlier that he'd begin the year on the IL. The team has yet to reveal a timetable for the right-hander's return.

Wright (shoulder/hamstring) was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday.

Wright is continuing his rehab from right shoulder surgery and also picked up a hamstring strain in camp, so he's not yet ready for game action. The club should have more news on a timetable for his return shortly considering he tossed a live batting practice session Thursday.

Marsh (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday.

It was reported a few days prior that Marsh would begin the season on the injured list, so this transaction is simply procedural. The Royals have yet to announced a timetable for his return after he picked up a right shoulder injury Wednesday while pitching in a minor-league game.

Alvarez will hit out of the third spot in the batting order to begin the 2025 regular season, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Alvarez is no stranger to batting third in the order, having held down the No. 3 spot a total of 93 times a season ago (70 times against right-hander pitchers). This will allow Houston to slide Isaac Paredes into the second spot with the hope that he can get on base for Alvarez to drive in more runs. The slugger had a slightly down year in 2024 by his standards, finishing with 86 RBI after two straight seasons of driving in 97 runs.

Manager Joe Espada announced Monday that Paredes will hit out of the second spot in the batting order to begin the season, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Paredes has seen opportunities to show what he can do out of the No. 2 spot in camp, and the Astros have evidently liked what they've seen. Despite batting .188 in 32 at-bats, Paredes drew nine walks this spring, ultimately earning himself the opportunity to further establish himself in the second spot in the order if he continues to get on base.