MLB Player News

Smith went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Wednesday's Grapefruit League win over St. Louis.

Smith homered for a second consecutive contest, though those are his only two hits through eight exhibition at-bats. The veteran first baseman doesn't have a history of hitting for power -- his career high is 12 long balls in 586 plate appearances with Washington in 2023 -- so his spring power stroke shouldn't be read into too much. Smith signed with the Yankees on a minor-league deal in mid-January and isn't expected to break camp with the big club.

Henderson was removed from Thursday's Grapefruit League game versus the Blue Jays after one inning with a possible injury, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

It's not clear what happened, but he was seen exiting the field with an athletic trainer. Henderson attempted to beat out a bobbled grounder during his one plate appearance and also made a leaping catch in the field, so it's possible he tweaked something during one of those plays. The Orioles should offer an update on his status soon.

Webb (Achilles) is listed as one of the Orioles' available pitchers for Thursday's Grapefruit League game versus the Blue Jays, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Webb has had tough luck on the injury front during his career, as he missed the entire 2023 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery and the entire 2024 season after undergoing surgery last May to repair a torn left Achilles tendon. After a long rehab from the latter injury, Webb is back to full health and is slated to make his first appearance in a game setting since March 9, 2023. The 27-year-old righty is likely to open the upcoming season in the bullpen at Triple-A Norfolk.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that he's not sure when Stanton (elbows) will return to camp, but the skipper is hopeful it will happen "soon," Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Stanton is dealing with tennis elbow in both arms and returned to New York earlier this week, although that trip was "personal in nature," per Boone. The manager indicated Monday that he hopes Stanton can return healthy "in the middle of the season," so it doesn't appear the Yankees expect to have their designated hitter playing in games anytime soon.

Cross (back) will start center field and bat eighth Thursday in a "B" game against the Rangers, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Cross finished the 2024 season on Double-A Northwest Arkansas' injured list on account of back discomfort, but he doesn't seem to be operating with any restrictions in the spring. He's already appeared in three Cactus League games and will get some more at-bats Thursday. The Royals are likely to reassign Cross to Triple-A Omaha or Northwest Arkansas before the end of spring training.

Varsho (shoulder) will make his Grapefruit League debut at designated hitter Friday versus the Yankees, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Recovering from last September's right rotator cuff surgery, Varsho has extended his throwing distance to 120 feet and continues to shag flyballs and hit as he normally would. It's not clear when he might be cleared to play defense in a spring game. Varsho has been ruled out for Opening Day but could be looking at a relatively brief absence to begin the season.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that Vivas hasn't participated in any Grapefruit League games due to shoulder soreness, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Vivas is close to being ready for game action, per Boone. The 23-year-old hit .225/.347/.366 with nine home runs and 20 steals over 93 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2024 and is likely to head back to the minors to begin the 2025 campaign.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Thursday that Estevez has not appeared in a Cactus League game yet due to mild lower-back tightness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Estevez was able to throw off a mound Wednesday and felt good. Quatraro believes there's still plenty of time for Estevez to appear in "6-to-7 outings later in camp." Signed to a two-year, $20.2 million contract in January, Estevez is the perceived favorite to serve as the Royals' closer. If Estevez is not physically ready or the Royals want to go in another direction at closer, Lucas Erceg would be the next man up.

McCullers (forearm) will throw live a live batting practice session Saturday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McCullers will face hitters for the first time since he underwent surgery in June 2023 to repair his right flexor tendon and remove a bone spur. McCullers has already been ruled out for Opening Day but hopes to make some Grapefruit League appearances this spring. He hasn't appeared in a major-league game since the 2022 World Series due to multiple arm injuries.

Angels manager Ron Washington said Thursday that Neto (shoulder) will not be ready for Opening Day but should make his season debut "soon after" in April, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The expectation has been that Neto would need a stint on the injured list to start the season, so Washington relaying that the shortstop is tracking toward a return in April is relatively good news. Neto underwent right shoulder surgery in November and began a throwing progression early last week. It's not clear when Neto might be cleared to play in games, but Washington's timeline suggests the 24-year-old could see some Cactus League action before the schedule runs out. Luis Rengifo, Tim Anderson, Kevin Newman and Scott Kingery are among those competing to fill in at shortstop for the Angels until Neto is ready to go.