MLB Player News

The Astros have informed Singleton that he isn't going to be on the major-league roster to begin the season, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Singleton struggled at the plate this spring, slashing .171/.239/.195 with no homers and 10 strikeouts over 46 at-bats. He had been in the running to back up Christian Walker at first base. With Singleton not slated to make the club, the door could be open for Zach Dezenzo to land an Opening Day roster spot.

GM Mike Elias announced Sunday that Henderson (side) will start the regular season on the injured list but hopes the absence will be measured in "days, not weeks," Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The news isn't exactly a surprise since Henderson hasn't seen game action since suffering the intercostal strain in late February, but his recent rehab progression gave him an outside chance of being ready for Opening Day. The 24-year-old took live batting practice Saturday and could be cleared to play in exhibition games in the near future, so there's optimism his absence to begin the season will be brief.

Moore has decided not to opt out of his contract and will begin the campaign at Triple-A Worcester, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

As a veteran on a minor-league contract with over six years of service time, Moore had the option to opt out of his deal and look for an opportunity elsewhere. However, the lefty reliever appears set to accept a spot on Boston's Triple-A roster to begin the 2025 campaign. Moore suffered a forearm injury last August that ended a rough campaign with the Angels during which he posted a 5.03 ERA and 1.34 WHIP over 48.1 innings. Moore didn't allow an earned run and posted a 2:2 K:BB over three innings this spring, and he'll be an option for a call-up when the Red Sox need reinforcements in their bullpen.

Lee said Sunday that he will start the regular season on the 10-day injured list due to lower-back tightness, Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

The 24-year-old has been sidelined by the injury the past few days and won't be recovered in time for Thursday's season opener. Lee was expected to have a regular role at third base with Royce Lewis managing a hamstring strain, but now both players will begin the season on the shelf. Willi Castro and Jose Miranda are the likeliest candidates to see action at the hot corner.

The Orioles optioned Carlson to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old inked a one-year, $975,000 deal with Baltimore in January and had a 1.071 OPS in 18 games during spring training, but he'll be the odd man out of the outfield to begin the season. Carlson will begin the season at Norfolk while Ramon Laureano opens as the Orioles' No. 5 outfielder.

The Rangers placed Dunning on outright waivers Sunday, allowing him to be claimed by other teams, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

The right-hander remains on the 40-man roster for now, but he could be outrighted to the minors if he goes unclaimed on waivers. Dunning posted a 5.31 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 91:40 K:BB across 95 innings last season, and he struggled during spring training with 10 runs allow over 11 frames.

Judge went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and a sacrifice fly Saturday in a Grapefruit League loss to Philadelphia.

It's been a rough spring for Judge, who is slashing just .138/.278/.276 over 36 plate appearances. However, the slugger was at least able to avoid going through the exhibition slate without a long ball when he belted a 381-foot, two-run blast to left field in the third inning Saturday. Fantasy managers may remember that Judge had an awful first month last season, batting just .180 with three long balls, but he still finished the campaign with a career-best 1.159 OPS, along with 58 homers and a career-high 144 RBI, so there's no reason to fret about his tepid Grapefruit League stats.

Rasmussen threw 4.2 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out three in Friday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta.

Rasmussen continues to ramp up, with Friday's outing marking his longest of the spring. He's been in a battle for the rotation spot for the last month, though Joe Boyle was demoted to Triple-A Durham on Saturday while Shane McClanahan (triceps) won't be ready to begin the season. That seemingly sets up Rasmussen to occupy a rotation spot.

McCormick could be optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land to begin the season, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

McCormick has slashed .161/.409/.290 across 31 Grapefruit League at-bats, leading Rome to describe McCormick's role as the team's starter in right field as "tenuous at best." Several alternatives also appear to be on the table, including a demotion to Triple-A Sugar Land or being pushed to a reserve role. If McCormick loses playing time, Zach Dezenzo or Cam Smith would benefit.

Muncy could begin the season in the majors if Zack Gelof begins the season on the injured list due to a hand injury, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. "Muncy has done a great job," said manager Mark Kotsay. "He's leaving a great impression and building confidence that he's knocking on the door to be here with this group."

Muncy is hitting .314 (11-for-35) this spring. It's still likely a longshot that he makes the roster since Gelof may only be out a short time, but the comments from the manager are notable. The A's more likely will want one of their top prospects playing every day at Triple-A.