MLB Player News

With Kevin McGonigle set to make the Opening Day roster, per Robert Murray of FanSided.com, Baez may ultimately slide into a utility role with the Tigers.

The Tigers wouldn't have top prospect McGonigle on the roster just to sit on the bench, so the 21-year-old should see plenty of time at shortstop. That could push Baez into more of a utility role where he plays both in the infield and outfield. The veteran saw his first action in center field at the MLB level last season, and he could ultimately overtake Parker Meadows there in 2026, particularly if the former performs better at the plate. Baez should also see time at short when McGonigle needs a breather.

Meadows was informed Tuesday that he will make Detroit's Opening Day roster, with Wenceel Perez optioned to Triple-A Toledo, Jack Vita of MLB.com reports.

Top prospect Kevin McGonigle had an impressive spring performance, and the Tigers rewarded him with an Opening Day roster spot. That squeezed Perez out of a spot, with Meadows hanging around for now. Meadows looks like the top option in center field, but with McGonigle now in the fold and expected to play shortstop, Javier Baez will likely see more time in the outfield. That development could ultimately push Meadows to more of a bench role, particularly if he can't get his bat going.

De Jesus will be included on the Tigers' Opening Day roster, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The Tigers made their final cut of the spring Tuesday by sending Brenan Hanifee down to Triple-A, ensuring that De Jesus will be in the team's bullpen to begin the season. The 29-year-old was a non-roster invitee to spring training and turned heads while pitching nine innings without allowing an earned run in the Grapefruit League. He also gave up just one earned run and struck out 11 batters across 7.1 innings while representing Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. He'll likely begin the year in a middle-relief role, but he could quickly ascend the leverage ladder if his dominance continues.

The Tigers optioned Hanifee to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Hanifee was an effective member of Detroit's bullpen last year, posting a 3.00 ERA over 60 innings with the big club. He gave up four earned runs in just 5.2 innings in the Grapefruit League, however, so the Tigers will send him down to Triple-A to give him a chance to get back on track.

Kiner-Falefa will be part of a three-man platoon at second base early in the season, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Marcelo Mayer will start against right-handers, with both Kiner-Falefa and Andruw Monasterio getting chances in the lineup against lefties. The manager indicated the player who will start against southpaws will be a "mix-and-match" situation, but Monasterio was more effective against lefties in 2025. The Red Sox are scheduled to face two Cincinnati left-handers out of the gate -- Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo (blister).

Lucchesi signed a contract with the Angels on Tuesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Lucchesi was released by the Giants on Sunday after making three appearances in the Cactus League, during which he allowed one earned run across three innings. He had one of his best seasons last year with San Francisco, finishing with a 3.76 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 38.1 frames, and he's expected to claim a spot in the Angels' bullpen to open the new campaign.

Monasterio will be part of a three-player platoon at second base early in the regular season, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Boston manager Alex Cora discussed his plans for second base, where Marcelo Mayer will start against right-handers. Against lefties, it will be either Monasterio or Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Monasterio was better than Kiner-Falefa against left-handers in 2025, but Cora indicated he would "mix-and-match" between the two. Fantasy managers will get an early look at how Cora handles the situation, as Boston is scheduled to face left-handers in its first two games of the regular season.

The Angels placed Grissom on the 10-day injured list Monday due to a left wrist sprain.

Grissom received a cortisone shot last week to help treat his injured hand. Angels skipper Kurt Suzuki noted that the 25-year-old has progressed well since then and has begun hitting off a tee and fielding grounders, but Grissom won't be ready to go for the start of the season. Once healthy, Grissom is expected to fill a utility infield role for the Angels.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Mayer will be part of a platoon at second base early in the regular season, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Cora indicated that Mayer will sit against left-handers with either Isiah Kiner-Falefa or Andruw Monasterio sliding in at second base against righties. Back in February, before spring training started, Cora envisioned Mayer playing against all starters, but it appears that won't be the case to start the season. Mayer was just 4-for-26 (.154) in the majors and had a .630 OPS in the minors against southpaws last year.

Salazar did not make the Astros' Opening Day roster, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

He's out of minor-league options, so Salazar will have to be exposed to waivers first if the Astros intend to send him to Triple-A Sugar Land. The 30-year-old has seen spot duty with Houston the past three years, slashing .232/.318/.268in 67 plate appearances.