MLB Player News

The Angels reassigned Caceres (lat) to minor-league camp Tuesday.

Caceres was attending big-league camp as a non-roster invitee and has yet to make any appearances in the Cactus League while he continues to work his way back from the lat surgery he underwent last March, so he never seemed to have a legitimate chance to win a spot in the Angels' Opening Day bullpen. If healthy, Caceres will likely begin the season at Triple-A Salt Lake.

Garcia was scratched from the Rangers' Cactus League lineup Tuesday due to a left oblique injury and is set to undergo an MRI, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Garcia informed the Rangers on Tuesday morning that he was sore, and he will now be sent for testing. Any sort of strain, even if it's of the low-grade variety, would likely knock Garcia out for Opening Day. If Garcia does require IL time, it would likely open up more playing time for Leody Taveras.

The Athletics announced Tuesday that Waldichuk (elbow) has been cleared to begin a bullpen progression, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

A little under 10 months removed from the Tommy John surgery and internal brace procedure he underwent May 15, 2024, Waldichuk is now ready to resume mound work. Per Gallegos, the Athletics estimated that Waldichuk would require around 13 months of recovery time from surgery, so he could be ready to contribute for the big club at some point in late June or July. Presumably, the Athletics' initial plan is to have Waldichuk get stretched out as a starter during his rehab program, though he could be deployed as a reliever if the team is satisfied with its rotation options by the time he's ready to return from the injured list.

Basso has been shut down after being diagnosed with a left shoulder strain, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

There's no timetable for when Basso might be ready to return, but it is likely to be a lengthy absence for the left-hander. Basso -- who has thrown 4.1 scoreless and hitless innings this spring -- likely was going to start the season at Triple-A Las Vegas but will now be rehabbing the injury for the foreseeable future.

The Athletics announced Tuesday that Harris is recovering from a left oblique strain, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The injury explains why Harris hasn't appeared in a Cactus League game since Wednesday. While a timeline for Harris' return to game action hasn't been established, the oblique strain could effectively spell an end to the 26-year-old's bid for winning a spot on the Opening Day roster as a reserve infielder. Harris reached the big leagues for the first time in 2024, slashing .146/.276/.262 with a 14.2 percent walk rate and 20.3 percent strikeout rate over 123 plate appearances for the Athletics.

Priester might open the season in Boston's rotation if Brayan Bello (shoulder) needs time on the injured list, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

It would likely be either Priester or Richard Fitts filling in for Bello, who is working his way back from a shoulder issue. Priester will make his third start this spring Tuesday after allowing one run with a 1:3 K:BB over four frames covering his first two outings. The 24-year-old was acquired from the Pirates at last year's trade deadline in the deal that sent Nick Yorke to Pittsburgh.

Mayer won't be available for Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates while he recovers from a stomach illness, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

The stomach bug appears to be making its way around Red Sox camp, as fellow top prospect Roman Anthony fell ill earlier this week and will also remain out of the lineup Tuesday. Mayer should require just a few days to move past the ailment, but his time in big-league camp is likely to come to an end in the near future anyway. The 22-year-old shortstop is expected to open the 2025 season at Triple-A Worcester and could make his big-league debut at some point later on in the campaign.

Fitts could open the season in the Red Sox' rotation if Brayan Bello (shoulder) needs a stint on the injured list, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Bello is not expected to miss much time, if any, but Boston might elect to play things safely as he comes back from a shoulder issue. Fitts posted a 1.74 ERA in four starts with the Red Sox last season, although that came with just a 9:7 K:BB over 20.2 innings. However, the 25-year-old has shown more bat-missing ability in the minors and is also off to a strong start this spring, fanning five over four scoreless frames. Quinn Priester is the other potential option to fill in for Bello.

Devers (shoulders) will not make his Grapefruit League debut Wednesday against the Rays as initially anticipated, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Devers has been slow-played this spring following last season's shoulder issues and doesn't feel up to speed yet while taking live batting practice, so he has asked Red Sox manager Alex Cora to delay his spring debut a bit. This seems to be more about Devers wanting to get his timing down and not any kind of physical setback, but the potential red flags are starting to pile up this spring with the 28-year-old.

Rengifo said Tuesday that the hamstring issue he's dealing with is merely a cramp, and he expects to be back in the Angels lineup soon, Jack Janes of TheSportingTribune.com reports.

Rengifo will miss a second straight game Tuesday against the Guardians, but he could be back in action by the end of the week. The switch-hitting Rengifo is competing for the Angels' second base job this spring, although he might ultimately settle into more of a super-utility role.