MLB Player News

Kittredge (knee) said Wednesday that his timetable for a return is between June and the All-Star break, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The veteran right-hander added that he is optimistic he can make it back on the earlier side of that timetable. Kittredge's knee had begun nagging him during live bullpens this spring, which ultimately led to left knee debridement surgery last Friday. Baltimore signed Kittredge to a one-year, $10 million contract in January, and he will likely pitch important innings for the team down the stretch, if healthy.

Perez (back) remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The expectation was that Perez would return to the lineup Wednesday after sitting out for over a week due to lower-back tightness. However, the 25-year-old remains out, and it's fair to question at this point whether Perez will have enough time to get ready for the start of the season. Opening Day is just over two weeks away and Perez has logged only 14 at-bats this spring.

Chapman's spring struggles along with those of Liam Hendriks leave Boston's closer role unsettled, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports.

Chapman has a 4.91 ERA with six walks through 3.2 spring innings, which is better than Hendriks, who has a 13.50 ERA and 11 hits allowed over four innings. Manager Alex Cora acknowledged both pitchers have been knocked around but is taking an optimistic view that both are "going to be OK." If neither Chapman nor Hendriks improve over the last two weeks of the Grapefruit League, then Justin Slaten, unaccustomed to the mental aspects of closing, might sneak in to take on the ninth-inning role.

Boston manager Alex Cora is not panicked by Hendriks' spring results thus far, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports. "The velo's good, he's just got to execute," Cora said Monday. "I think it's too early to be worried about that. As long as he's healthy, we're going to keep running him out there."

Hendriks was most recently tagged for two runs on three hits over one inning Sunday, the third consecutive outing in which the Red Sox's potential closer has given up runs. The manager pointed to Hendrik's velocity, which was at 91 mph early in camp before increasing to 96 mph in Grapefruit League games. Cora takes an optimistic tack, while others, like one rival scout told McAdam, see Hendriks has been missing location over the middle of the plate. There's still time for Hendriks (13.50 ERA, 11 hits, four spring innings) to stabilize, but at this point in the Grapefruit League, Boston's closer situation remains unsettled. Aroldis Chapman (4.91 ERA, 1.91 WHIP, 3.2 spring innings) and Justin Slaten (no earned runs, three innings) are also in the mix.

Schmidt tossed 1.2 innings in a Grapefruit League start against Baltimore on Tuesday, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out four batters.

Schmidt got a late start in camp due to a back injury, and Tuesday marked his first time appearing in a game this spring. He struggled from the get-go, giving up four hits -- including a Ryan Mountcastle three-run homer -- in the first inning. Schmidt was at least able to end his outing on a high note, striking out two of the three batters he faced in the second frame before being pulled. The right-hander threw 38 pitches (23 strikes) Tuesday, and he'll likely get into two more Grapefruit League games before the beginning of the regular season.

Lowe has gone 6-for-23 with six strikeouts in Grapefruit League action.

Lowe hasn't performed well this spring, as he has only one extra-base hit. More important than the results is the fact Lowe is healthy after a delayed start to his 2024 season, and he should be locked into a key role for the Rays come the regular season.

Sosa has gone 8-for-22 with four walks and six strikeouts in Cactus League action.

Sosa entered spring training with a strong chance to make the Opening Day roster because he was out of minor-league options. His performance on the field has further helped his case, though it is worth noting that he has only two extra-base hits with no home runs. Sosa doesn't have a clear role in the lineup, but he closed the 2024 campaign with a 1.018 OPS across his final 21 games, giving him more potential than many of the White Sox's projected regulars.

Rojas is expected to begin the regular season as the White Sox's second baseman, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Rojas joined the White Sox this winter and is one of the few established veterans who is projected to be on the Opening Day roster. While he's played the majority of his career at third base, he's also been roughly an average defensive second baseman. Rojas has also had a decent spring at the plate, maintaining a .304 batting average with two extra-base hits and two stolen bases across 23 at-bats.

Ynoa retired both batters he faced Monday and has thrown 2.2 scoreless innings with two strikeouts and a walk this spring.

Ynoa missed the 2023 season after Tommy John surgery and then missed considerable time in 2024 while tending to elbow inflammation and a shoulder injury. He did finish last year healthy, however, as he was able to make six rehab appearances at Triple-A in September. He'll likely be moved to a relief role at Triple-A St. Paul to begin the season.

Massey has been playing left field this spring in addition to second base, but he is likely to split time at second base with Jonathan India, MLB.com reports. Massey is hitting .385 (10-for-26) this spring.

India should be Kansas City's everyday leadoff hitter but could play several different positions. Massey should sit against most left-handed pitchers, and it's unclear if or when he'll play the outfield. That said, the added versatility can only help him stay in the lineup.