MLB Player News

Slater was scratched from the lineup for Monday's Cactus League game against the Athletics due to a left oblique strain.

The White Sox haven't revealed whether Slater suffered the injury while warming up before first pitch, or if his oblique had been bothering him during his prior four Cactus League games. Regardless, Slater is likely to be held out of action for at least a few days, and depending on the severity of the oblique strain, he could even be at risk of beginning the season on the injured list. The right-handed-hitting Slater is expected to fill a short-side platoon role for the White Sox in 2025, and he could have a path to getting some playing time versus righties in the early part of April with Andrew Benintendi (hand) in danger of missing the start of the season.

Bichette went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

The shortstop crushed a Tanner Banks pitch down the left-field line in the third inning for his first long ball of the spring. Bichette appears laser-focused on putting his rough 2024 season behind him, going 5-for-16 (.313) with two doubles, plus Sunday's homer, through his first six Grapefruit League games.

Varsho (shoulder) went 1-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

He lofted a Taijuan Walker offering over the right-field fence in the first inning, giving Varsho his second long ball of the spring. The 28-year-old has been limited to DH duties so far as he completes his recovery from shoulder surgery, but he's homered in each of his first two Grapefruit League appearances and has been optimistic he'll be able to avoid an IL stint to begin the regular season.

Scherzer struck out four without walking a batter over 3.2 innings in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

The right-hander gave up a solo homer to Kody Clemens in the second inning, but it was the only baserunner Scherzer allowed. The 40-year-old has had a dominant start to camp, posting an 8:0 K:BB through 5.2 innings in two starts, and he seems intent on proving he still has something left in the tank after he was able to work only 43.1 innings for the Rangers in 2024 due to multiple injuries.

Clement was removed from Monday's game against the Tigers after being hit in the face by a pitch, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Clement was struck by a 91.3 mph fastball from Ty Madden and walked off the field with a trainer while holding a bloody towel to his face. The Blue Jays are saying for the time being that Clement is dealing with a lip laceration and contusion, although it's not clear whether he still needs to undergo additional testing. Clement is expected to open the season as Toronto's primary third baseman.

The Angels scratched Rengifo from the lineup for Monday's Cactus League game against the Rockies due to a tight hamstring, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Tim Anderson will start at second base and bat leadoff in place of Rengifo, who can be viewed as day-to-day until the Angels provide another update regarding the severity of the hamstring injury. Though a healthy Rengifo may not have a permanent home at one set position in 2025, he's expected to handle a near-everyday role while likely slotting near the top of the lineup against right-handed pitching.

Ward is dealing with some knee soreness and is considered day-to-day, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The injury helps explain why he hasn't played in a Cactus League game since Friday. Given the day-to-day designation, Ward should be fine, barring any setbacks. He's projected as the Angels' everyday left fielder and likely leadoff hitter this season.

Buchanan (ankle) is scheduled to pitch in relief Monday in the Rangers' Cactus League game against the Royals, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Buchanan will be making his Cactus League debut, after he was delayed earlier in camp when he sprained his left ankle during one of the Rangers' first workouts of the spring. The 35-year-old right-hander worked primarily as a starter last season at the Triple-A level between stints in the Phillies and Reds organization, but a relief role likely represents his most realistic path to a spot on Texas' Opening Day roster. Buchanan is still viewed as a longshot to break camp with the big club and will most likely be ticketed for Triple-A Round Rock.

Manager Will Venable said Sunday that Taylor (elbow) is expected to return to Cactus League play before the end of this week, LaMond Pope of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Taylor had to be scratched from Saturday's lineup due to right elbow inflammation and it sounds like he'll need a couple more days of rest before getting back into games. The 33-year-old projects to be a reserve outfielder for the White Sox this season, although Andrew Benintendi's (hand) impending injured list stint could lead to increased reps for Taylor early on.

Montgomery (back) will continue to be held out of action through the White Sox' off day Tuesday before being re-evaluated, LaMond Pope of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Manager Will Venable said Sunday that Montgomery is "progressing well" as he recovers from back spasms, an injury which first popped up last Thursday. Montgomery has not resumed baseball activities, so a return to game action doesn't appear imminent. The 23-year-old is competing to be Chicago's starting shortstop and the longer the injury lingers, the better the chances are that he opens the season back at Triple-A Charlotte.