MLB Player News

Melton (back) is listed on Houston's roster for its March 14 Spring Breakout game versus Washington prospects, Manny Randhawa of MLB.com reports.

The Astros sent Melton out to minor-league camp earlier this week after he missed time to begin spring training due to a back injury, but manager Joe Espada said that the outfielder was close to being ready for game action. Melton's inclusion on the Spring Breakout roster is an indication that he'll be cleared to play by the end of the next week, putting the 24-year-old on track to open the season in a full-time role at Triple-A Sugar Land.

The White Sox reassigned Smith to minor-league camp Thursday.

The fifth overall pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, Smith spun three scoreless frames and struck out four across two Cactus League outings. Smith has the potential to be a quick mover through the system, although the White Sox have little reason to rush him since they're unlikely to be competitive for a while.

The White Sox reassigned Schultz to minor-league camp Thursday.

Schultz never had a chance to make the Opening Day roster but made a nice impression during his two Cactus League appearances, tossing three scoreless frames. The top prospect is likely to begin the season back in the Double-A Binghamton rotation and could push for a major-league debut before the end of the year.

The Mariners list Celesten (wrist) on the roster for their March 14 Spring Breakout game against Guardians prospects.

Celesten appears to be in good health entering the 2025 campaign after not playing for the Mariners' rookie-level Arizona Complex League from July 24 onward last season while recovering from a lingering hamate injury that he addressed with surgery. The 19-year-old infield prospect should be ready to debut with a full-season affiliate in 2025.

The White Sox optioned Gonzalez to Double-A Birmingham on Thursday.

Gonzalez served up a couple solo home runs in his lone inning during Cactus League play. Acquired from the Red Sox this offseason, the 22-year-old Gonzalez will be deployed in Birmingham's rotation in 2025 and will be looking to bounce back from a 2024 campaign which saw him post a 4.73 ERA and 92:46 K:BB over 83.2 innings at the Double-A level.

The Athletics list Zhuang (undisclosed) on the roster for their March 14 Spring Breakout game against Padres prospects, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Zhuang looks to be healthy heading into the 2025 season after he didn't pitch for Double-A Midland after Aug. 29 last season due to an unspecified injury. The 24-year-old righty submitted a 2.05 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 18:5 K:BB in 22 innings for Midland following a promotion from High-A Lansing in late July.

The White Sox optioned Iriarte to Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday.

Iriarte's control problems persisted his spring, as he walked five and hit a batter while yielding three runs over his 4.1 innings of work. The White Sox plan to continue developing the 23-year-old as a starting pitcher for now, but a shift to the bullpen might eventually come.

The White Sox optioned Eder to Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday.

Eder was touched up for four runs (three earned) on two hits and three walks over 2.1 innings this spring. The left-hander will likely be used in the rotation at Charlotte and could eventually be an option to help the White Sox as a starter or reliever.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Mayer has recovered from a stomach illness and plans to play in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

One of multiple players in Red Sox camp who has succumbed to a stomach bug in recent days, Mayer is the first of the ailing players to regain health and resume working out. The illness thus doesn't look like it'll be anything that sets Mayer back heading into the season, but the 22-year-old shortstop remains likely to open at Triple-A Worcester rather than with the big club.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Rafaela (hamstring) will do some running Thursday and could return to Grapefruit League play this weekend, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Rafaela hasn't played since Sunday because of hamstring tightness, but he is making progress and it doesn't sound like his absence will extend much longer. The 24-year-old is expected to be Boston's primary center fielder this season.