MLB Player News

Red Sox manager Alex Cora indicated Tuesday that Durbin will be the team's primary third baseman this season, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports.

Durbin has played some second base this spring, as well, but signs had been pointing to him sticking at the hot corner where he played last season with the Brewers. He could wind up accruing enough time at second base to gain eligibility there in-season, but Durbin will enter the year eligible only at third base on most fantasy platforms. The Red Sox will likely go with either Marcelo Mayer or Isiah Kiner-Falefa at second base to open the season.

The Astros optioned Murray to minor-league camp Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Murray has made five appearances this spring, yielding five runs with a 7:5 K:BB across six innings. The 28-year-old will provide relief depth at Triple-A Sugar Land.

Gelof (shoulder) started at designated hitter and went 2-for-4 with an RBI double in Monday's Cactus League win over the Reds.

Gelof was slow-played to open the spring after undergoing surgery last September to repair a dislocated left shoulder, but he made his Cactus League debut Monday and started hot with an RBI double in his first at-bat that left the bat at 107.9 mph. After showing flashes of greatness during his rookie 2023 campaign, the 26-year-old has struggled to recapture that form and is coming off an injury-riddled 2025 in which he slashed .174/.230/.272 across 30 MLB games. A strong finish to spring training could improve his chances of making the big-league roster, though it's still quite possible that Gelof opens the 2026 season with Triple-A Las Vegas.

Kwan started in center field and went 2-for-3 with two home runs and four RBI in Monday's spring game against Kansas City.

Kwan belted a pair of two-out, two-run home runs for his first two Cactus League homers. A Gold Glove winner in left field, the Guardians are testing Kwan in center field, where he's played seven consecutive games. The experiment hasn't affected his bat. Kwan's batting .286 (6-for-21) over nine spring games. Moving Kwan to center field would grant up-and-coming outfielders like Chase DeLauter, CJ Kayfus and George Valera, all of whom profile better as corner outfielders, opportunities for regular at-bats.

Messick allowed two hits and one walk while striking out four over 4.2 scoreless innings in Monday's spring start against the Royals.

Messick was dominant in his third Cactus League outing (two starts), upping his pitch count to 66 (41 strikes) in a bid to earn a spot in the Guardians' rotation. The left-hander lowered his spring ERA to 1.93 over 9.1 innings. Cleveland's received good work from all its starters over the last week, and the decision will be tough one for manager Stephen Vogt. Messick has three minor-league options, which could work against him in the competition with Joey Cantillo (no options) and Logan Allen (one) for the final two spots in the rotation.

Crochet allowed three runs on five hits while striking out two over 4.2 innings in Monday's spring start against the Phillies. He also hit a batter.

Crochet's third Grapefruit League start didn't yield pretty results, but the left-hander was pleased overall with his execution, per Sean McAdam of MassLive.com. His velocity was down, but Crochet explained that was more a function of building arm strength and tinkering with mechanics. Philadelphia touched him for two runs in the second inning, which were aided by a couple of softly hit, well-placed singles. A third run was charged to him when a runner stole home after Crochet departed the game. Pitching into the fifth inning and hitting 59 pitches (42 strikes) leaves Crochet on schedule for Opening Day against the Reds on March 26.

Canha started in left field and went 1-for-3 with a run scored in Monday's spring game against the Padres.

Canha, who hit safely for a fourth straight Cactus League game, seemingly has responded to the Rangers' recent signing of Andrew McCutchen. The two veterans are competing for a spot as a right-handed hitting complement to Joc Pederson at designated hitter and as a depth outfielder. Canha has more recent experience in the outfield, having started 133 games there over the past three seasons compared to McCutchen's 20.

McCutchen started at designated hitter and went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI in Monday's spring game against San Diego.

McCutchen stepped on the field for the first time since signing a minor-league deal with the Rangers last week. The 39-year-old has a little more than two weeks to show decision-makers that he can still make an impact. The early results were hopeful, as McCutchen's two batted-ball events clocked in at more than 100 mph. Designated hitter would appear to be his best shot at hooking on with the club, as the right-handed complement to Joc Pederson.

Williams went 2-for-3 in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers and is now 7-for-19 with an RBI this spring.

Williams, one of Tampa Bay's top prospects, closed out last season in the major leagues and is now trying to break Rays camp with an Opening Day roster spot. The 22-year-old infielder has hit safely in six of his eight Grapefruit League appearances so far, picking up a pair of doubles as well. He's competing primarily with the switch-hitting Taylor Walls, who has gone 5-for-12 with a home run and three RBI in four spring outings, for regular reps at shortstop, and Williams could still open the new year with Triple-A Durham if Gavin Lux (upper body) and Richie Palacios (back) are healthy.

Mayo went 1-for-3 with a single in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals and is now 9-for-22 with five RBI this spring.

Mayo is raking during spring training, hitting safely in six of his nine Grapefruit League outings to go with a trio of doubles and multi-hit games overall. Jordan Westburg (elbow) isn't expected to make his season debut until May at the earliest, leaving the door open for Mayo to begin the year as Baltimore's top third baseman. Mayo, a former top prospect, is looking to find some footing in the major leagues in 2026 after slashing .201/.285/.349 with 11 homers, 12 doubles and 28 RBI over his first 340 career plate appearances.