MLB Player News

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt indicated Friday that he's leaning toward batting Ramirez second this season, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Ramirez has spent the overwhelming majority of his career batting third, including in 2024 when 152 of his 158 starts were from the three hole. However, Vogt likes the idea of Ramirez hitting second, as it offers his best hitter more plate appearances and more RBI opportunities. It's not yet clear who would bat third for the Guardians in that scenario, but Kyle Manzardo, Carlos Santana and Lane Thomas have all been used in that spot of late during spring training.

Angels manager Ron Washington said Friday that Rengifo (hamstring) should have enough time to get ready for Opening Day, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Rengifo is back in the Cactus League lineup Friday after dealing with a recent hamstring issue. He was brought along slowly at the start of camp following last August's wrist surgery, and Friday's game will be just his second this spring. However, Rengifo still has just enough time to get ready before the Angels open their campaign March 27 versus the White Sox.

Amaya (hip) is starting at shortstop and batting ninth in Friday's spring game against the Reds.

Amaya suffered a hip injury early this week but is ready to retake the field Friday after getting a few days to rest up. The 26-year-old has gone 2-for-16 with eight strikeouts through nine games in spring training, as it appears he's fallen behind Chase Meidroth in the battle for the White Sox's starting shortstop job.

Rengifo (hamstring) will start at third base and bat fifth in Friday's Cactus League game versus the Royals, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

A hamstring problem has kept Rengifo out of Cactus League games so far in March, but he played in a minor-league contest Wednesday and will join the Halos' lineup Friday. It will be just his second game this spring, as Rengifo was initially eased into action following wrist surgery last August. He still has enough time to get ready for Opening Day.

Varsho (shoulder) went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles.

While the Blue Jays still aren't sure if Varsho will be ready to handle defensive duties by Opening Day, the 28-year-old is doing everything he can to convince the team his bat needs to be in the lineup, even if it's at DH. He's gone yard in back-to-back games after taking Cade Povich deep for a two-run shot in the fifth inning Thursday, and through seven appearances this spring Varsho is batting .350 (7-for-20) with a double, a triple and four home runs. He's on schedule with his throwing progression with two weeks to go ahead of Toronto's season opener, so there's still a good chance the Gold Glove center fielder will be in his usual spot March 27 against Baltimore.

Swanson has been diagnosed with a median nerve entrapment in his right forearm, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Swanson has had recurring issues with his forearm/elbow and now there's an explanation as to what's going on. All things considered, the diagnosis could be worse, although it's not clear when he might be ready to pitch in games again. For now, Swanson will be shut down from throwing for at least a couple days. He is expected to begin the season on the 15-day injured list.

Velazquez (calf) is starting in right field and batting cleanup in Friday's spring game against the Angels.

Velazquez departed Wednesday's contest due to calf cramps but is ready to rejoin the lineup after a day off. The 26-year-old hasn't put himself in a strong position to earn a place on the Opening Day roster, as he's gone 2-for-16 through eight spring games.

Larson had Tommy John surgery in January, MLB Pipeline reports.

Larson, the No. 68 overall pick in last year's draft, added 17 pounds of muscle by the end of fall instructs and was set to make his official pro debut this year before injuring his elbow during a January minicamp. His fastball and slider each have plus potential and Larson could continue to throw harder as he fills out his 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame, assuming he makes a full recovery. Given the timing of the surgery, Larson could be ready to pitch early in the 2026 season.

Anthony batted leadoff and went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Thursday's Spring Breakout game against Rays prospects.

Anthony had been on the shelf for a week-and-a-half due to an illness but returned to Grapefruit League action on Wednesday. The 20-year-old announced his presence Thursday as one of three top Boston prospects to go deep -- Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell also homered. With Wilyer Abreu (illness) looking like he won't be ready for Opening Day, Anthony has a real chance to start the regular season on the major-league roster.

Langford went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Thursday's spring game against San Francisco.

Langford, who missed two weeks of camp due to an oblique strain, has at least one hit in all four games since returning. The outfielder is 7-for-12 with a home run and four RBI during that stretch.